Vonage and Vtech vamp up
VoIP phones
Vtech broadband cordless phone with Vonage service
The product: In the traditional cordless phone market, expandable phone systems--those with bases for every room in the house--are all the rage. But so far, not many VoIP phones come with cordless handsets. Vonage and Vtech announced at the show a new project: an expandable cordless broadband phone system with a base that also functions as your VoIP adapter/router and plugs right into your Internet connection or your router.

• Add cordless VoIP phones to each room in a house or office as needed.
• Carry phone bases from room to room--no cords attached.

Thre price: This phone is still in production but will be on the market in major retail stores starting this summer, when Vonage will announce pricing.

The prospects: Any VoIP phone system that looks and feels familiar, like a traditional home or office handset, will help phone customers make the uneasy leap from Ma Bell to cheaper, but less familiar, Internet phone service. This phone system will be both familiar and convenient, probably a boon for buyers and for Vonage and Vtech.

By Lindsey Turrentine, section editor, CNET Reviews