Vonage V-Phone
Vonage keeps adding ways of using its Voice over Internet Protocol network.
The V-Phone looks like a conventional USB memory key but when it’s plugged into a Windows PC with a
broadband connection, it loads the pre-installed Vonage software and becomes a phone capable of communicating
with every phone in the world. The ear buds and microphone are useful when travelling, but a good microphone
and speakers provide better quality for a home office.
Vonage accounts start at $20 a month for 500 outgoing minutes and unlimited incoming minutes. Calls to
Canada, the US and Puerto Rico are considered local. The account includes many of the most useful calling
features, including voice mail, which can be accessed via a website, a phone, or by configuring the system to
send messages to your e-mail inbox as sound file attachments.
The V-Phone has 250 MB of free storage space that can be used for any purpose without interfering with the
software. Although Vonage provides a useful means of making voice calls, it is only as reliable as your
Internet connection.
Price: $50 or less, depending on rebate offers.
Rating: 
Fujitsu Lifebook T4210 Tablet PC
The Lifebook T4210’s performance, versatility and portability make it easy to pretend that it’s a
desktop, notebook or tablet PC.
I tested the more powerful of the two base configurations available in Canada. It has the latest version
of Intel’s Core Duo processor for mobile computers, 1 GB of RAM, a 100 GB hard drive, and DVD writer. The
30.7 cm indoor/outdoor viewable display is ideal for mobile computing. Its performance is comparable to a
powerful desktop, although it lags somewhat in disk-intensive tasks.
Fujitsu’s unique hinge for the T4210 allows it to easily swing between notebook and slate configurations;
both have pen features.
The T4210 has a modular bay for the DVD writer or a second battery (optional), depending on which is more
important. When the bay is kept empty, the computer weighs 1.95 kg, light enough to make you forget there’s a
keyboard attached.
The Lifebook has Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Security starts with a fingerprint scanner and includes
more features than most accountants use.
The justification for buying a T4120, in view of its price, is that it can be the only computer you need,
regardless of your needs.
Price: $2,733. A less capable configuration is available for $2,281.
Rating:
Xerox WorkCentre 4118
This powerful, upgradeable and robust multifunction laser printer is designed for the busy office.
There are less expensive alternatives but the 4118 is unquestionably cost effective.
The WorkCentre comes in two basic configurations: the 4118p (copy/print) and the 4118x
(copy/print/scan/fax).
Both models do two-sided mono printing and copying at speeds of up to 18 ppm and at resolutions up to 1,200 x
1,200 dpi for printing and 600 x 600 dpi for copying.
The 4118x also scans in colour at 600 x 600 dpi and makes good use of its 40-sheet automatic document
feeder. The input tray handles 650 sheets and can be increased to 1,200 sheets. A 4,000-page toner is
standard but busy offices will want to buy 8,000-page replacement cartridges.
The optional networking kit is the easiest way of connecting the 4118 to a network but it can also be
shared via any computer on the network.
The 4118x is also a capable stand-alone fax machine with enough memory to store 640 pages of received
faxes. It uses compression to send faxes at higher than usual speeds and has many useful features.
Price: 4118p, $999; 4118x, $1,499.
Rating:
