Cordless Phones That Do It All: Close, But Not Yet

A reader writes: As you roam CES, I'd be interested in any cordless phones that: 1) Use DECT, 2) Provide cell phone integration, 3) Provide VoIP integration...If I'm going to replace my aged Siemens 2.4 handsets, I'd really like a system that provides all three of those to give me maximum flexibility in the future.

We all would like a phone that does it all and with crystal-clear reception, too. But I didn't find one that does all of the above at CES, and neither did my co-advisors in their many travels around the show floor. However, there are some new phones that offer both DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol.) Here's a quick look at a few of them:

GE's DECT 6.0 phone ($170) - GE says it provides clear calls because it operates on a 1.9GHz radio frequency, which doesn't interfere with home Wi-Fi or appliances and incorporates Skype VoIP service, so you can switch between Internet calls and land line calls.

Philips DECT ID9371B ($180) - This phone announced at CES looks like a cell phone, has a sharp color screen, and stores 250 names and phone numbers. You can transfer phone book numbers from a cell hone SIM card to the cordless handset, but you can't sub your cell phone for the handset. It will ship in the second quarter of 2007. (Pictured above)

Philips VoIP841 ($199) - This cordless handset handles both land-line and Internet calls over Skype's VoIP service with no need to be tethered to your computer. All you need is a nearby Ethernet cable and a router to make Skype calls. The phone stores 500 Skype numbers. (Pictured)

Linksys iPhone Dual-Mode Internet Telephony Kit for Skype ($179) - Oh, that iPhone. Linksys came out with the first iPhone, just not the one everyone's talking about. (Whether it holds onto the name will be decided in court.) But it's another DECT phone that allows land-line and Skype calls without a PC. Check out Robin's review.

Netgear SPH200D ($180) - You get the idea by now. It can be extended to four handsets.