AT&T HomeManager organizes your busy household

According to AT&T’s website, “AT&T HomeManager™ is a modern communication, organization and information device that allows busy individuals and families to efficiently manage their time and information needs–faster and more efficiently than before.”

Consisting of a handset, touch-screen frame, and base unit, the HomeManager will provide easy access to all your phone functions, plus add communication and organization options like email, voicemail, calendar, reminders and photo slideshows.

I haven’t seen one or tested one of these yet, but I have to admit that it had a certain coolness factor.

Sure, I can get most of this from my laptop … but, this device just seemed to provide a new accessibility factor that I can’t get from my laptop.

In order to use it, it is recommended that you have AT&T DSL Pro, and required home phone or VoIP service.

The base package includes the base unit (to communicate wirelessly with the frame and phones), the “frame” and one handset, at a cost of $499.99.  If you have AT&T DSL Pro, and sign up for a 2 year contract, you can get it for $299.99.  Each additional handset is $69.99 and an additional frame is $299.99 (up to 2 supported by the base), to be able to have one, for example, in the kitchen, and another in the master bedroom.

The cost sort of warms the coolness factor, however.  While it seems at first glance to be a useful, handy dandy little item, forking over $450 – 500 to replace my answering machine, calendar, and electronic phone book stored in my existing phone, is just a bit too rich for my blood.

I paid $140 for my existing DECT 6.0 phone with digital answerer and 4 handsets that have talking caller id and share the stored phone book across all handsets.  And with wireless access on my laptop from anywhere in my home, I’ve got enough mobility to get at the other items when and where I need them.

Cut the price in half and you might hook me, AT&T.