The new generation of cordless phones sure makes wondering around the home easy.

People that need a longer range -– perhaps out into the street or down the garden -- might find utility in the EnGenius cordless phone system. The device offers up a 1/2 to 2 mile range in the city and further in areas where there is no interference from electronica and physical obstacles.

No need to put “gone fishing” on your answering machine, just pack this gadget in with the tackle. Over water, the signal travels quite well, an EnGenius spokesperson told me.

While testing this device in the city, I was able to make calls about a half mile from the base station, which was plugged into a jack in my second floor office. I didn’t quite make it to the dog park a few blocks away before the noise on the line made the phone unusable.

Some static is audible on the device once you wander 50 yards or so away from the base station, but the system remains useable.

The phone kit can support up to 36 handsets and four phone lines, which will appeal to small businesses. The handsets look like cellular phones, with the familiar LCD screens. They are not particularly intuitive to use. They make awkward beeps and flash cryptic icons when something goes awry, which will send you to the manual to figure out what’s wrong.

If you’re a basement dweller, the product isn’t much better than its shorter range counterparts. One nice bonus feature, however, is the ability to walkie-talkie to another handset without using the base station.

The EnGenius cordless phone system will please farmers and country squires. Urban dwellers will not be so enchanted, but if you need more range than a traditional 2.4 GHz phone, this device is worth a look.

Price: $339 Canadian / $200 US
More info: http://www.engeniustech.com
Buy it: In the U.S. at Office Depot, Fry’s Electronics or call 1-888-735-7888. In Canada, call 1-888-397-2788 or 905-940-8181. On-line at Etronics or ShopWireless.Com