Here's a decently original concept: take a Skype phone, and add portable media player functionality to it! The Skype Flash phones rely on the implied Flash memory as a form of storage. There will be two different versions, the first of which has 128MB, the other having 256MB. While there’s hardly a price difference ($10), the two phones look quite different from each other. Both however, feature a 65k color screen that will be useful when utilizing the Flash phone as a VoiP device, or when running videos/photos on it. The devices also rely on the screen for the built in e-book reader feature.

One of the most prominent aspects of any PMP is the formats that it supports. This one can play WMV, MPEG 1 / 2, Quicktime, and AVI on the video side of things, while the MP3, WMA and WAV formats are supported when it comes to music. There’s an FM tuner, and even a voice recorder. Sounds like a set of features that come standard in any Flash PMP right? Well, the Skype functionality truly sets this one apart. The great thing is that you can use the service on any computer with an internet connection, even if it doesn’t have Skype! Once you connect the Skype Flash phone to a PC, the Skype program, personal configurations, and everything else is automatically run for you! It’s like you’re at home on your own personal computer.

The Flash Skype Phone will cost $75 with 128MB of memory, while the 256MB version will be $85. Now, this isn’t a product for everyone, but Skype fans should really dig it. While you’re on your way, watch some videos or listen to some songs. When you get to a friend’s house, give your parents a call through his PC! Very simple and easy concept. The small amount of storage space makes the PMP features sort of secondary, but for the price asked, you should be happy to get even a decent Skype phone. An excellent value for anyone who frequently uses Skype.