VTech Blends QWERTY With Cordless In 2008 Line

BEAVERTON, ORE. — VTech has begun shipping its 2008 cordless lineup to dealers this month, including a DECT cordless phone with a QWERTY keyboard capable of sending instant messages and making peer-to-peer VoIP calls.

The IS6110's base connects to both a landline and a PC via USB. When connected, it can send instant messages through MSN Messenger, Windows Live Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger. The phone will bundle software for loading the chat programs onto the phone.

It can also send peer-to-peer VoIP calls through Windows Messenger and supports click-to-dial.

The phone features caller ID/call waiting, a 50-name/number directory, custom ringtones, handset speakerphone and a color LCD display

It is shipping now for a suggested $99 through Best Buy and directly from VTech.

For the first time, VTech is offering consumers the ability to create a custom design for its new LS6117 DECT phone. It will ship with five design inserts that can adorn the back of the handset, or consumers can upload images to VTech's Web site and create their own custom inserts.

The $44.95 LS6117 features a 50-name/number phonebook directory, 15-minute ITAD, voicemail-waiting indicator, remote message retrieval, back-lit keypad and caller ID.

It will also be sold in a two- or three-handset bundle for $79.95 and $99.95, respectively.

Also new to VTech's DECT line is the $49.95 DS6121 featuring a 15-minute ITAD, handset speakerphone, 50-name/number directory and remote message retrieval. It also has a back-lit message counter, keypad and display.

It will be sold in a three-, four- and five-handset bundle for $89.95, $109 and $129, respectively.

In 5.8GHz, VTech will ship the CS5121 for $24.95 with a 12-minute ITAD, remote message retrieval, a 20-name/number phonebook, caller ID/call waiting and any-key answering.

A two-, three- or four-handset bundle will also be available for $39.95, $59.95 and $79.95, respectively.