The Time is Ripe for VoIP-Enabled PCs and Laptops

A couple of years ago, I started wondering when PC and laptop makers would start building and selling lines of PCs and laptops that were optimized for VoIP -- with a choice of pre-tested, certified and pre-installed software, broadband wireless cards, softphones, headsets, etc. that would make it easy for buyers to "plug and call" without the need to engage in self-installation. I envisioned a model similar to the now common practice of offering sign-up options for ISPs provided on the desktop of most new computers -- you know, the Get AOL, Earthlink, MSN, etc. icons that come preloaded on systems -- but obviously much broader to include related VoIP hardware, VoIP-ready components and distinctive marketing campaigns.

With the latest news about the projected growth of mobile VoIP users, I would think this market opportunity is getting quite ripe. There have been a few news items about laptops that include built-in VoIP features, such as an Acer laptop with a built-in Bluetooth card with integrated speaker, and I seem to remember a new line of laptops launched recently by a company I can't remember and can't find on a Google search. (If you know what I'm talking about, please comment!)

Anyway, I think it's only a short matter of time before some of the boutique computer builders, and even the 800-pound gorillas such as Dell and HP, start offering special VoIP-enabled PC and laptop product lines.