AT&T introduced a computer telephone and software
package that combines the power of a PC with the familiarity, simplicity, sound quality
and reliability of an AT&T telephone.
he AT&T Computer Telephone 8130, a two-line
speakerphone for home offices, is the first phone that connects directly to a PC. It
increases productivity by freeing consumers to take or retrieve notes easily from their
computers while talking on the phone.
The Computer Telephone has several advantages over PCs with
integrated telephone functions.
Other computer telephony solutions require consumers to use
external computer speakers or headsets to make phone calls. The Computer Telephone allows
a consumer greater privacy, if needed, via the handset. The sound quality and reliability
of the Computer Telephone is greater than the speakers and microphones commonly used in
most PC's with built-in phone components. And the Computer Telephone can be used to make
and receive calls even when the PC is turned off.
"Customers now have an alternative solution for using home office PC's with
integrated telephone functions, and the AT&T Computer Telephone and software will
improve productivity and save time in the process," said Carl Ledbetter, president of
AT&T Consumer Products.
The Computer Telephone can store up to 5,000 names and phone numbers, for which it allows
simple one-touch dialing. It greatly enhances customer service by giving people access to
customer records stored in their computers with a couple of key strokes, even before that
customer's call is answered.
When used in conjunction with Caller ID service available through phone companies, the
Computer Telephone displays a caller's phone number on the computer screen between the
first and second ring, making it possible to access stored notes and files easily.
The Computer Telephone and software package that it uses
offer a number of other important customer benefits:
It provides a call log of all incoming and outgoing calls,
which can be sorted by name, phone number or date, and redialed with a simple click of a
mouse.
It allows users to handle all phone functions -- such as
setting up three-way conference calls, putting calls on mute or hold, or redialing calls
-- either by phone or computer.
The phone holds an 18-call memory to dial the most
frequently used numbers, and can store up to 15 incoming call numbers in memory when the
PC is off. These are downloaded to the PC when it is turned back on.
The Computer Telephone 8130 comes equipped with many other
features, including a new-call indicator; a call timer; and speakerphone, receiver and
ringer volume controls. The Computer Telephone is compatible with TAPI (Telephony
Application Programmers Interface) standards and comes with a one-year warranty.