D-Link showcased the industry's first flip-style mobile Wi-Fi phone that includes a complete softphone from TelTel for SIP-based Internet telephony, enabling users to make free calls whenever they enter a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The phone, dubbed DPH-540, looks like any cell phone but is not compatible with GSM/CDMA networks. For a Wi-Fi phone, it's pretty lightweight and compact, at just 3.74 ounces. Adorning the internals is a backlit color LCD, as well as a backlit keypad for easy readability.

One of the biggest advantages of using such a phone is that you don't have to be in front of a PC to make/receive calls. Moreover, the phone interface is easier to operate than a PC. Other featuers of the phone include standard speed dial, multiple ringtones, e-mail access and volume control.

What's more, calls to TelTel users across the world are free. You won't need a bigger incentive than this to opt for a Wi-Fi phone. Of course, the problem is, it may turn out to be expensive for local calls to fixed-line phones - which means you will end up carrying another phone with you.

On display at the Sprint Voice Over Network (VON) Conference and Exhibition at the San Jose Convention Center till March 17, the D-Link DPH-540 carries a price tag of US $300 and will be available this summer. Details: D-Link's website.