Skype says that tens of millions of people around the world now use its software to make and take no-cost or low-cost phone calls over the internet - and most do so with no additional PC hardware other than a microphone headset.
Yet there are alternatives that let you use a conventional phone or, better still, a DECT walkabout phone.
Bob Crabtree goes cable-free investigating D-Link's highly-affordable Skype USB Phone Adapter, the DPH-50U, but is none too impressed.
Check out what we reckon is the world's first in-depth review of the DPH-50U.
And, of course, share your thoughts with us here.
NOTE - the Final-thoughts page of this review was heavily revised on August 3 to take account of some further tests. Do re-read that page if you've already seen the review