Motorola's IP video phone debuts
Motorola Ojo
The product: Motorola has recast the video phone as a broadband VoIP device called the Ojo Personal Video Phone. The unit connects to a home-network router to deliver full duplex video phone calls. You don't need to sign up with a VoIP service provider such as Vonage to use Ojo; rather, the phone enables you to make free IP calls and is also capable of acting as a standard 2.4GHz cordless phone. To participate in video calls, however, callers on both ends will need to purchase the pricey Ojo. Motorola claims the Ojo is capable of video at 30 frames per second, but the frame rate appears to be slower, and video can be choppy.

Other features:

• Maps to your existing home phone number and operates separately from your PC
• Roomy 3.4-by-6-inch LCD is bright, and the phone's duplex capabilities deliver good sound quality that's properly synced with the video
• Simple and intuitive to use

Thre price: The video phone costs $799, but all calls are free.

The prospects: The Ojo is an intriguing and well-designed device that is likely to capture the attention of well-heeled singles in long-distance relationships or far-flung families who like to keep in touch. Its biggest drawbacks are its steep price and the fact that all participating callers must use the Ojo.

By Rik Fairlie, editor, Computer Shopper