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Comparing Vonage Handsets

Vonage markets a select number of handsets with its broadband internet telephone service.

While you can use any regular analog telephone with the service, this new breed of telephone provides more freedom and versatility with all of Vonage's great VOIP features.

More about Vonage...

Wi-Fi UT Starcomm F1000

This portable Wi-Fi handset looks like a cell phone and allows you to roam from your home wireless network to public wireless hotspots available in cafes, hotels, airports, and other locations worldwide. You can make calls using Vonage from any of these locations.

Advantages:

• Pocket size is easy to take with you
• Call quality similar to that of a cell phone
• Connects easily to public Wi-Fi networks
• 200 entry phone book built in

Disadvantages:

• Phone styling is dated (some say)
• Battery life is not as long as expected
• Difficult user interface for setting up access to private or secure Wi-Fi networks
• Not compatible with E911. If you dial 911 you must be prepared to give your physical location to the Vonage emergency operator who will forward it on.

V-Tech IP8100

Integrated analog phone adapter (ATA) and cordless telephone system all in one. The phone adapter plugs into your broadband modem, and also wirelessly connects to the cordless phone system.

If you don't have, or are shopping for, a cordless phone, consider the V-Tech IP8100.

Advantages:

• Don't need a separate broadband phone adapter or ATA (one less box on your desk)

• 5.8 GHz cordless handset can be used anywhere in the home

• Good voice quality

• One-touch preprogrammed access to Vonage voice mail

• 50 Name/Number Address Book

• Hands-free speakerphone

• One or two handset models

Disadvantages:

• Not necessary if you already have a cordless phone. Save some money and just get the basic Vonage broadband adapter and plug the phone base station (cradle) into the adapter.
• Cannot be used as a regular cordless phone. Must use with Vonage service

Uniden UIP1869V

A 2-line VoIP phone system includes one corded and one 5.8GHz cordless telephone. Expandable up to 10 handsets. Integrated adaptor.

If you don't have, or are shopping for, a business phone, consider the Uniden UIP1869V.

Advantages:

• Don't need a separate broadband phone adapter or ATA (one less box on your desk)
• Business telephone
• Easy to set up a multiple phone system. Have up to 10 cordless handsets spread throughout the home or small business
• Speakerphone
• 100 name address book
• Supports two Vonage lines

Disadvantages:

• Cannot be used as a regular cordless phone. Must use with Vonage service

Related Articles

All Vonage Phones are Not Created Equal In it's simplest sense, a Vonage phone is a broad term that refers to the handsets used by subscribers of Vonage phone service to make and receive calls.