About a month ago I bought one of the "old" ones, not knowing about hte imoending updates. It works really well, just make the settings adjustments in System Preferences => Sound, and it works fine. It has a switch on it that allows for line-in or mic use, and has the 1/8" output as well.
Generally these sound better than internal sound cards because the conversion from digital signal to analog is done OUTSIDE the case, which leads to a quieter signal. Really, usb is the way to go for serious recording and audiophiling, and this is a good, inexpensive option. I just really wonder is it's worth trying to trade my new "old" one in for the "new" one. Griffin doesn't really give a "what's new" schpiel in it's announcement though.
P.S. I can't see any problems with Skype-like programs, it's just another audio option like built in mic or line-in
