Dirt-cheap calls, no wires in sight

In today's paper, Log On reviews the Plantronics CS60-USB headset, which is an uninspiring name for a nifty headset which means your PC or Mac can damn near act like a regular phone. The base station connects via USB and integrates with phone-call software such as Skype.

When you make a call, the headset acts like a cordless telephone, using the reliable DECT standard to allow you to roam up to 50 metres from your computer (the manual promises 100m but it, ahem, lies).

Better still, if you're using the PC, you don't have to be at the computer to answer an incoming call. Press the talk button on the headset and bingo! You're in touch. Hit it again and the call is ended.

It works well, though it's uncomfortable to wear for long periods. However, the price tag is a heart-stopping €360. Ultimately, it's a good half-way house to a full internet-based phone you can use like an ordinary handset. That possibility is on the horizon with Siemens' USB adapter for its Gigaset cordless phones. I've been promised a review model soon.

In games, Star Wars, EP III: Revenge of the Sith (PS2, Xbox) is a repetitive travesty given the resources available to Lucasarts. Empire Earth II (PC) is an involving real-time strategy game spanning half a million years of history. Pariah (Xbox) is a dreadfully ordinary pastiche of Halo. Close Combat: First to Fight (Xbox) can't touch the heights of other squad shooters such as Rainbow Six 3 but doesn't disgrace itself.