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D-Link has begun shipping its DPH-540 and DPH-541 Wi-Fi flip phones, enabling VoIP calling without a computer anywhere a user can get Wi-Fi connectivity.

Network and communications company D-Linkannounced today that its DPH-540 (black) and DPH-541 (silver) flip phones have begun shipping. Introduced back in March, the phhones are designed to provider VoIP calling anywhere a user can get a Wi-Fi Internet connection—with no need at all for a computer.

"We are pleased to announce immediate availability of the D-Link Wi-Fi Phone to the thousands of consumers and business customers that have been anxiously awaiting the product since we demonstrated a prototype at the VON show this past spring," said Steven Joe, D-LInk's President and CEO. "Our phone is truly a first of its kind in both design and functionality, and the potential cost savings to be realized from this type of device are astounding. This product will act as a flagship for D-Link in this key emerging market, complimenting our popular wireless networking and VoIP telephony solutions."

The Wi-Fi Phone enables users to place VoIP calls via 802.11b/g wireless networks—the Wi-Fi phone supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption for connecting to secured wireless networks. The phones weigh just under three and three-quarters ounces and feature bright color displays, an address book which can store up to 100 entries, and supports test messaging, caller ID, and polyphonic ringtones. D-Link says users can get about three hours of talk time and 70 hours standby time on one battery charge.

To use the phone to place and receive calls from regular landlines and cell phones, customers must subscribe to a VoIP plan: via a firmware upgrade, D-Link's phones will be compatible with the Public SIP Telephone Network (PsipTN) technology standards, which is expected to be available in August; a one-year free subscription is included with the phone. D-Link is not a VoIP operator and does not offer VoIP service, so calling features, service pricing, and availability will vary by provider.

The D-Link Wi-Fi phones carry a suggested price of $249.99 (before service fees), which is high enough to make us wonder if anyone is seriously considering Wi-Fi handsets as a supplement or replacement for mobile or landline phones. But if you live and die by VoIP connectivity—and have been itching to use that free Wi-Fi you keep hearing so much about, maybe they're the thing for you.