By Andrew Liszewski
If you’re not chained to a desk all day, it can be tough to keep up with your friends on IM programs like AIM or MSN. And sure, you can get yourself a fancy keyboard equipped smartphone and a nice data plan to stay connected while you’re away from your PC, but that can be expensive. For a cheaper solution you might want to consider the IS6110 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone from Vtech which uses your home (or office) phone and internet service to access AOL Instant Messenger and Windows Live Messenger via the handset. It features a full QWERTY keyboard and a somewhat small, but probably usable screen for keeping track of instant messages. The phone comes with a compact charging cradle as well as a small box that connects to your PC via USB which allows the handset to access the IM services, as well as VoIP from what I can tell.
At $93.65 from Amazon the Vtech IS6110 is relatively inexpensive when compared to a smartphone (not subsidized with a voice or data plan) and features other cellphone-like functions such as a built-in phonebook and ringtone support.
[ Vtech IS6110 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone ] VIA [ Uncrate ]