BlueTomorrow.com

VTech Communications Inc.’s new solution for consolidating cellular-only homes with a single, in-house phone system using Bluetooth technology might be ideal for households in areas where dropped mobile calls, poor call clarity and range issues give homeowners second thoughts about ditching their landline.

VTech’s LS6245 Expandable Cordless Phone System allows users to pair up to four Bluetooth-enabled devices, including mobile phones and headsets, and connect two of them at the same time. Once paired, mobile phones generally connect automatically unless they are already paired with another device. The Telephone Base also connects to a phone jack and has a built-in digital answering machine for those who are still hanging on to the wired world.

If you and your spouse or roommate can get good mobile phone coverage while standing at your front window or door, but nowhere else in the house, VTech’s new Bluetooth-enabled Expandable Cordless Phone System could be for you. Simply pair two-to-four mobile phones to the LS6246 Telephone Base, and plug them in near your front window or by the front door. Make sure to keep the base within Bluetooth range (about 30 feet) of the charging mobile phones. Then, carry your VTech handset around the house with you or buy one-to-12 accessory handsets to place in strategic locations around the house, and get the same or better reception and sound clarity you would if you were standing with your mobile phone in your calling spot.

With its Expandable Cordless Phone System, VTech has taken a bold step toward providing a workable solution for people who don’t like having to run to find their mobile phone while they’re watching the game or their reality show de jour. With one or more VTech handsets sitting around in key areas, your mobile phone can be in several places all over the house.

There are a few areas where the VTech system falls short. While Bluetooth technology allows for a mobile phone’s contact directory to transfer automatically to a Bluetooth device LCD display, the LS6245 Telephone Base does not include this important feature. That means users will have to manually program all of their phone numbers into the VTech system or keep a contact book handy. In addition, Bluetooth technology allows eight devices to be actively paired at a time, while this VTech system only allows two. Finally, while users can pair a Bluetooth headset with the VTech Telephone Base, it only works if the phone is connected to a landline. There is no reason why a VTech handset couldn’t connect to a Bluetooth headset directly.

The device is attractive to look at, and its sleek touch-screen technology will keep the handset free of dust. As the included cleaning cloth should indicate, however, fingerprints and smudges are quick to gather on the handset.

While it has a few issues, the VTech LS6245 really will extend your mobile phone network throughout your house, particularly where you would otherwise have spotty reception. The mobile handset’s range is excellent, and its sound quality superb. As a one-time purchase, it sure beats spending the extra bucks on monthly landline phone service. And if you have landline service, it also works as a good home-phone network.

VTech, the Beaverton, Ore.-based subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong company, suggests $199.95 for its LS6245 Expandable Cordless Phone System with Bluetooth Wireless Technology, plus three accessory LS6204 handsets. Don’t forget to check out Amazon.com for a price comparison. The link will take you to the handset base station, but Amazon makes it easy to add accessory handsets. As of this writing, Amazon’s price of $194.28 was competitive for the same package VTech suggests.

What's in the Box?

• VTech Expandable Cordless Phone System Bluetooth-enabled Telephone Base
• VTech Expandable Cordless Phone System Handset
• 2.4V 750mAh Ni-MH Battery
• Battery component cover
• Telephone base 6V DC @ 400mA power adapter
• Telephone line cord
• Cleaning cloth
• VTech Expandable Cordless Phone System Quick Start Guide
• VTech Expandable Cordless Phone System User’s Manual

Keep reading for more detail about how VTech’s Expandable Cordless Phone System with Bluetooth Wireless Technology performed during our reviewer’s tests.