PDAs are still holding out on their own despite smartphones' recent market onslaught. As proof, Hampton Software Limited releases today Articulation for PalmOS.

The UK-based software company noted that, "PDAs still are very capable devices and can easily be used as telephones using VoIP as an alternative to the cell phone network." The company further added that recent WiFi coverage increase had brought about the development.

Hampton has been pioneering applications for VoIP and other portable communication devices. With the latest product, users now can afford to have just one contact number as they take the same number used on PC with them on to the PDA.

Articulation is only workable with the following: PalmOS 5.x and above; Palm-based PDA with speaker and microphone (T|X & T5 need external mic); Wireless internet connection (Wifi/Bluetooth/GPRS/EDGE/EVDO) and of course, a VoIP service provider connection. A free version is made available below at the end of this article. It's only for trial though so it has a time limit of one minute per call. The PRC file is supposed to be installed direct to your PDA.

Articulation supports whatever, if not most, VoIP providers and brings the following features as well:

* Echo cancellation for speakerphone use
* Secure authentication using SIP MD5
* Support for GSM and G711 codecs, and NAT through RFC 3581
* Symmetric RTP support
* Lookup and dial from contact list

Download: [Articulation ZIP file]
Download: [Articulation PRC file]