VTech adds IM to home phones--but why?

(Credit: VTech)

Some companies just refuse to give up on an idea, no matter how illogical it may be. That seems to be the case with VTech, which is still trying to sell the concept of a land-line phone with computer-like features.

More than a year ago the company came out with its "infoPhone," a cordless handset that included limited online functions, such as getting news headlines and doing local directory searches--a classic example, we thought, of a solution in search of a problem. But this year, rather than ditching the idea, VTech has actually expanded the concept in its new IS6110 model to include instant messaging when connected to a computer, as well as a QWERTY keypad, according to Electronic House.

So let's get this straight: VTech is making land-line handsets that resemble smartphones, which were originally created to perform tasks that weren't otherwise available away from home. But if you're already at home--presumably within a few feet of a computer--is an IM phone really necessary? Apparently we're missing something here.

[desertsurfergirl]

VTECH phone

Seems to be an interesting idea if you don't want a whole computer or if you don't have a smartphone or want to use up your minutes. I would assume the information would be traveling at dial up speed? or could you use DSL if so you wouldn't need your ISP either just your phone service.

Interesting

[psybernot]

VTech has a vision.

I like the Idea. I think this would work well with people who are still afraid of using computers and it would compliment the answering machine.

[make_or_break]

VTech has a BLURRED vision

Guess it's too much to ask of a person to have his or her IM client software running in the background.

[Kiwami]

i kinda want one

if it signs into aim and msn?! SOLD .. i leave my laptop on sometimes JUST because of those.. and my motoq? rrright, its bad enough keeping connected to sprint.. turn msn on and forget about battery life. watch this phone blow up .. if it has bluetooth i'm gonna order one NOW lol..

[dadspeedy]

I think it would make for an additional.......

communication option. If you can send and recieve IM for it to computers, cell phones and your one of those with a home phone anyways, why not? If it can be capable then you have another option. Kind of a smart idea.

[admin44]

Just because you are at home . . .

. . . does not mean you are at your computer. Maybe you are on the couch, sitting on the toilet, making dinner, out on the patio, out in the garage. Remember, some of us don't live in cracker-box sized condominiums where our PC is always 3 steps away.

I like this gadget. Why pay the high price for cell phone access to commonly used internet functionality just because you are rattling around the house away from your PC. Not to mention that your wireless home access will be lots faster and probably more reliable than cell service.

Now, what I would like to see is this product from VTech taken to the next level. When it is not within range of your at-home wireless hub, have it switch over to work off your cell carrier, automatically. This way you will really have the best of both worlds.

Just my 2¢ worth . . .