VTech Adds Excitement to Cordless Phone Market

The thrill of the cordless phone is pretty much gone now that everyone can chat from the back deck, the tub or while cooking dinner. VTech wants to bring some of the excitement back, by launching three new products: the mi6879, the ia5874 and the V Mix gz2335.

Each of the new units has 17 different ringtones, which you can assign to specific contacts. Other than that, the V Mix gz2335 may have a big name, but it's sort of low on features. The unit has colored faceplates, caller ID and a voicemail indicator. Nothing special, right? Well, you can't expect too much -- except, hopefully, good reception -- for 25 bucks.

If you're willing to throw in a few extra bucks, the ia5874 has three handsets and the mi6879 includes conference calling and speakerphone features, as well as a digital answering device and LCD screen.

Each of the three units is currently available online and at retail stores across the country. -- Rachel Cericola

• $99.95 (mi6879), $69.95 (ia5874), $24.95 (gz2335)
• Each model features 17 polyphonic musical ringtones
• Dual caller ID/call waiting
• mi6879 & ia5874: 5.8 GHz frequency; gz2335: 2.4 GHz