IT LOOKS like home phones have shed their boring image.

Siemens has launched the Gigaset SL370 cordless phone that comes with features usually found on mobile phones.

There is Bluetooth connectivity so you can use it with a handsfree headset. The phone also sends SMS messages, has a vibrating mode and functions as a personal digital assistant with room for 250 contacts. You can sync it to your computer to download phone numbers, e-mail addresses and even birthday information from Microsoft Outlook 2003 and Outlook Express, and it's compatible with Windows Vista too.

Two other phones from Siemens, the Gigaset AL130 and Gigaset C470 also promise to be more green.

Eco Dect technology in the phones reduces the transmission power of the handsets to zero when they are in the base stations. This helps to reduce power consumption.

• The AL130 ($60) and C470 ($148) are available now while the SL370 ($268) will be available in mid April

This article was first published in Digital Life, The Straits Times on Apr 8, 2008.