The unit incorporates the functions of an analogue telephone adaptor used to interface a standard phone into an ADSL modem or other broadband service and users are able to choose whether they want to make calls via the PSTN or their Engin service. The unit sells for $199 which seems like good value when the standard Engin ATA cost $139.

The product, the Engin Internet Phone 221, is manufactured by D-Link and is available direct from Engin at www.engin.com.au and will shortly be available through the retail stores of Harvey Norman and Powerhouse.

Earlier this year Philips launched, in Australia, two dual purpose PSTN/DECT phones: one for use with Microsoft Live Messenger and one for use with Skype.   However both must be plugged into a PC running the appropriate softphone. Other models that work on Skype without a PC have been launched overseas by both Philips and Netgear.