IPdrum Plugs Mobile Phones Into Skype

This is kind of weird…IPDrum has created a system to connect mobile phones to Skype. The system connects one mobile phone to a computer which the user calls from another mobile when they want to connect through Skype. It seems like one of those solutions which are technically ingenious but functionally not very useful — like the Dittybot system for streaming iTunes audio files from a computer to a mobile phone.
The cons: These Skype calls are not really free. Apart from all the normal paraphenalia required for using Skype (such as a computer and broadband internet connection) the system requires two handsets and two phone numbers. Plus, calling via Skype will be charged at the price of calling between the two mobiles.
The pros: International calls will often still be cheaper than calling on a landline, depending on the two countries involved. Perhaps more importantly it means that someone doesn’t have to be at their computer to make or receive the calls, which gives them a lot more freedom. It should also be pointed out (in regards to the two handset issue) that with the rapid upgrade cycle people often find themselves with spare handsets which they give away or sell cheap, and the handset connected to the computer doesn’t have to be that good. Also, many carriers provide special deals between mobile phones on the same network, so the mobile phone calls may not amount to all that much.
This solution will only apply to a very limited number of people, but those who do need it will probably love it.
UPDATE: Mobile Monday reports the product has a retail price of 70 euros, which seems a bit steep…
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