DesignTech's wearable emergency phone
DesignTech 911 Guardian Phone
The product: Designed with senior citizens in mind, DesignTech's 911 Guardian Phone is a wearable cell phone that places direct calls to 911 for emergency situations. The lightweight device can be worn around the neck and features a single Activation button that connects directly to the emergency operator rather than to a call center. Continuing in its minimalist fashion, there aren't any service fees and usage charges. Other features include:

• Rated battery life of 40 days of standby and 6.5 hours of talk time
• Autopower-off after 4 minutes of inactivity
• Water resistant
• Operates on 2.4MHz frequency with an 800-foot range
• Voice confirmations during dialing, shutdown, and system and battery tests

The price: The 911 Guardian Phone will be available in late April 2005 for $139.95.

The prospects: The 911 Guardian Phone is a highly useful device for senior citizens, but we think it'll also bring some peace of mind to concerned parents. The simple interface will also ease the nerves of any technophobes.

By Bonnie Cha, associate editor, CNET Reviews