Cordless Bundles Abound At International CES

By Greg Scoblete On Jan 8 2007 - 8:00am

While DECT phones have staked out the high ground in the cordless market, consumers opting for 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz models will find a number of three-handset bundles with a few high-tech surprises, such as Bluetooth, thrown in for good measure.

Panasonic will offer a new cellular-to-landline conversion product using 5.8GHz FHSS technology. The Bluetooth-enabled KX-TH111S can pair with up to five cellphones and is expandable to up to eight handsets. The model features talking caller ID, a 60-minute Integrated Digital Answering Device (ITAD), base keypad, visual ringer and the ability to record cellphone messages to the ITAD.

Pricing and availability were not announced at press time.

Uniden will introduce two new 5.8GHz digital series including the TRU9360-2. The phone is expandable to a total of 10 handsets (the accessory TCX 930) and features caller ID/call waiting, one-touch access to voicemail and a 70-entry phonebook. The step-up TRU9380-2 adds an ITAD with message retrieval from the handset.

The TRU9260-2 is expandable to up to four handsets and features caller ID, one-touch voice mail access and handset-to-handset intercom. The 9280-2 adds an ITAD, handset speakerphone and a 70-entry phonebook.

On the 5.8GHz analog side, the EXI 5660 will feature caller ID/call waiting, voicemail-waiting indicator, the ability to viewed stored numbers during a phone call and a "find handset" locator key. A step-up EXAI 5680 adds ITAD and handset voicemail access.

The DXI 5686-2 offers caller ID, 10 memory-dial locations and the ability to viewed saved numbers during a call. The DXAI 5688-2 adds an ITAD with remote message playback.

Finally the CXAI will feature a corded base station with a cordless handset, caller ID, ITAD with remote message playback, battery backup, base speakerphone, call screening and recording modes, handset voicemail access and conference calling.

Pricing and availability were not announced at press time.

VTech will update its phones in April, adding the new "any key answer" feature also found on its DECT models. The youth-oriented V-Mix phone gets a 5.8GHz upgrade. The gz5838 will offer interchangeable handset and base plates, polyphonic musical ringtones and a visual ringer. It features caller ID/call waiting, animated alerts and any-key answer for a suggested $29.95.

The VTech i6767 5.8 GHz digital model will ship with two handsets and a cradle that is angled at 45-degrees. It offers caller ID/call waiting, a 15-minute ITAD, handset speakerphone, intercom, call transfer and call conferencing. It will retail for a suggested $69.95.

The $69.95-suggested i5878 will bundle three handsets in a single package and offer caller ID, a 15-minute ITAD, any-key answer, remote message retrieval and a back-lit LCD.

From the company's Advanced American Telephone's division will come a line of AT&T-branded models due in May.

The EP5632 is a 5.8GHz DSS model with built-in Bluetooth for pairing with up to eight cellular phones. The unit's base can connect with two cellphones simultaneously and if a user is talking on one and a call comes in on the other, the phone will route the incoming call to voicemail.

It is expandable up to 12 handsets and features color displays with image wallpaper, musical ringtones, battery backup, handset speakerphone and 15-minute ITAD. Cellular calls can be conferenced with landlines and the handsets can serve as intercoms and can transfer calls between them. It will retail for a suggested $129.

The E5811 ($39.95) is a 5.8 GHz analog model with a 15 minute ITAD, handset speakerphone, any key answer, handset-to-handset transfer and caller ID.

The E6013B 5.8GHz DSS will be available in a triple handset bundle for a suggested $119. It features caller ID/ call waiting, color display, 15 minute ITAD, handset speakerphone and handset call transfers. It will retail for a suggested $119.95

In 2.4GHz DSS, the company will introduce the AT&T E2911 ($39.95) with a 14-minute ITAD, remote message access, handset speakerphone, color display, and caller ID/call waiting. Additional features include handset-to-handset call transfer, any-key answer and selectable ringtones.