Hailing frequencies open: VoIP Star Trek communicator engages nerd cred
Command your own fleet of nerds with this replica of the original Star Trek communicator, and guess what? It also happens to double as a VOIP phone, meaning you can use it to actually talk to another human being using Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, iChat, etc...
Bad news, though: unfortunately, the device does not have built-in Wi-Fi, so you must use USB for connectivity...worst. communicator. ever. Good news, though! Whoever designed this replica had the foresight (and the fear of vengeful Trekkies everywhere) to include buttons that play sound effects from the original series and a real mesh flip cover, just like the original!
Since I'm not cool enough to make a relevant joke about the authenticity of this device, I asked a co-worker for his thoughts and he scoffed in my face, telling me he'd rather wait for a badge communicator from TNG (The Next Generation) that works as Bluetooth speakerphone. Transport beam should be available for $20 more.
The Star Trek USB Communicator is available now for $75.
Justin Yu covers desktop computers, printers, and peripherals for CNET. When he's not scouring eBay for useless ephemera or eating hot dogs for breakfast, he spends his time making fun of Internet culture every morning on The 404 podcast. E-mail Justin. 
I would rather any of the following (1) cheap plastic 'knock off' communicator walkie talkies (2) get some spare model parts, glue, paint and build my own version on top of a flip phone (3) stick with my HTC Mogul from Sprint.
I'll pass for now, thanks