Cisco's Linksys launches iPhone

Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, has unveiled a mobile voice over internet (VoIP) mobile handset that can make calls using internet connections rather than the radio frequency spectrum used by mobiles.

This makes the calls cheaper, though connections can be more erratic and the quality of the line can sometimes be less than optimal.

The Linksys range features seven phones that use communication clients, like Skype and Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Some will allow the user to switch between VoIP, fixed line and mobile calls. They range in price from $80 to $370. The top-of-the-range model is the WIP330 wireless IP phone.

Cisco has owned the iPhone trademark since 2000 when it took over Infogear, which had registered the name in 1996.

Apple was expected to launch its hybrid phone at the Macworld trade show which begins on January 9.