Skype has broken free from the PC in recent years with dual supporting landline handsets from the likes of Philips and Netgear but never beyond a Wi-Fi connection - until now. The 3 Skype phone from 3 is a mobile phone that has a dedicated Skype button so you can phone your Skype contacts when you are out and about.

Skype is an enhanced messaging service that comes complete with video calling chat the ability to phone mobile or landline phones with SkypeOut and installed on 246 million computers around the world.

Manufactured by the Chinese firm Amoi the black handset has a Sony Ericsson "feel" to it: a large screen large simple keypad and light on the applications. It offers a 2 megapixel camera a dedicated camera button an application switcher button and the usual volume controls; there is also a 256 MB card in the box for additional storage.

There is an MP3 player games Web browser and 3's Launcher application that gives you shortcuts to sites such as YouTube and Facebook.

Directly under the screen is the dedicated Skype button. The idea is that it is always on so once you have created an account or simply logged in you are always online whenever the phone is switched on. You log in get your list of Skype contacts and you can then start making calls. If you are already logged in on your PC or Mac this acts as a second connection and you can choose which one you answer when they both ring.

If you are a regular user of Skype you will not notice any difference from making a call from your PC or Skype-enabled landline. The quality is good but not crystal clear.

Calls are not completely unlimited as they are on the PC application and 3's Skype package is tariff-based. Also there is no video calling even though it is a 3G handset nor is there the ability to SkypeOut to other mobiles or landlines or use the Skype function when roaming aboard if you are not in a 3 territory.

Nevertheless the phone is well-built and simple but effective in its performance.

- Dedicated "Skype" button for "always on" Skype service

- 2 megapixel camera

- MP3 player