Panasonic KX-TG1061M Cordless/Corded Phone with Answering Machine

Technical Details

•     Power Outage Operation, Corded Handset
•     Answering Machine
•     Call Block/Silent Mode/Night Mode
•     Expandable to 6 Handsets
•     Large 1.8-inch LCD

I purchased this phone a couple of weeks ago, as a replacement for a phone that had issue with the audio. I also wanted to be able use a very expensive headset I have. I have spent hours trying to find the right phone. I don't know what made me have an extra look at this phone, but the more I looked, and the more reviews I read, the more I liked it and I ended up purchasing it. I am using it mostly for my home office, but do use it for the occasional personal call as well.

Pros
====

1. It has a good sound, so far I have not had the issues I had with my old phone. I have tried both the handset and the speakerphone, and like both. I particularly like the fact that I can put it on speaker, dial the number, and pick up the phone if I need to, or use the speaker phone. I also like that it's possible to switch between handset and speaker phone. Nice touch!
2. The buttons/keys are nice. Easy to see without being too large. There are 5 options for speed dial, which made my life very easy! Some buttons (soft buttons) change depending on what you are doing with the phone at the time (on call or not, for example)
3. Menus that are easy to understand. The handset is a little bit trickier than the desk phone, but in essence you can do what you want on that too.
4. Once a number is programmed into the phone, it can be sent from handset to desk phone and vice versa. I only have one handset (will buy a second one soon), but I understand from the descriptions that you cannot send between handsets. But both can send to desk phone, and from there can be sent to hand sets. You can send all, or individual numbers.
5. Large display. It's quite easy to read. I do have some issues with the display, see cons.

Cons
====

• Display. While I generally like the display, I wish it had been raised a bit, or that the phone had a greater angle. I have to either get off my chair or lift my phone in order to see the menus. Once a button is pushed, it's easy enough to see due to the back light, but it annoys me that I have to stretch my neck to see. It's a minor thing, but still.
• Answering Machine. When I got the phone, one of the first things I did, was to try to configure the answering machine. But that cannot be done on the desk phone, it has to be done by the hand set. Since that should be charged for 7 hours before use, this is a bit inconvenient. I thought this could have been done on the phone as well. The man telling me how many messages I've missed has a very metallic voice, clearly computer generated. It's annoying, but nothing major.
• Phone bigger under the handset. This I didn't realise looking at the picture, but the phone is not square. It is a good portion larger where the receiver is compared to the rest of the phone. That means that raising the phone at a larger angle may be an issue (see display above). One really needs a "cradle" to put the phone into.
• Metallic voice/feedback in my headset. I am not sure it's the phone or the combination, but my headset (Plantronic) is in the $250-range, and this phone is no where near as expensive, which leads me to think it's the phone. Especially since the headset has been used before without this issue. But it's something only I hear, not the one I am talking with, and it's not all the time either. It could be because it gets dual feedback, my headset pick it up, and so does the receiver (it has to be lifted off the hook).

But I like this phone, and I am likely to have it for a long time to come. It does the job much better than my previous phone, and the fact that I can use my headset is a serious bonus. I would definitely recommend it for anyone in need of a phone.

Edit: I just got another handset for this phone. Pairing the handset with the phone was a cinch, there is even a button for it. Then I just pressed the menu buttons and sent my entire phone list to the new phone. I also discovered yesterday that I can even listen in on the message on the handset when someone calls and I let it go to answering machine. I really like the features of this phone. 

Crosley Kettle Classic Desk Phone CR62-Black: Sweet Phone

Technical Details
Color: Black

•     Rotary Dial Fashion Plate with Push Button Technology
•     Redial Feature
•     Ringer Volume ON/OFF Switch
•     Tone/Pulse switch
•     Earpiece Volume Control

This is a very attractive phone to which I put a lot of effort into finding this style. It's location in my home is one where it is not used very often. In 3 months it was used less than half a dozen times. I was shocked and extremely disappointed to try to answer a call recently and hear nothing on the other end. The other caller was able to hear me. There was no dial tone. Even trying different lines and phone jacks did not help. There is no damage to the phone. I have been trying to contact the seller: Northstar Electronics, but have been unable to get through on the phone number listed on Amazon or receive a reply via their e-mail contact. Even if I decide to try to have the phone replaced/repaired by the original manufacture, I will be out another $20 for shipping costs they require. This has been a complete waste of money and a total disappointment!

Vtech Ds3211-2 Dect 6.0 2-handset Cordless Phone with Caller Id & Speakerphone

Technical Details

• DECT 6.0 Digital technology provides the best sound quality, increased security and range
• Without interference for crystal clear conversations-does not interfere with wireless networks and other electronic devices
• Protect yourself against identity theft with digital security-your call is digitized and encrypted, making eavesdropping virtually impossible
• This is the lowest and cheapest price deal for a 2-handset Cordless Phone
• Two handset system - includes 2 handsets

I couldn't find any other 2 handset cordless phone for this low price, and this is a good one with all features needed from a good cordless phone. great deal!
Set up is extremely easy...so is changing the ring tone you hear when someone calls.Relatively flat compared to most sets out there. Buttons are harder plastic, not the soft rubbery buttons....this I like. The display is clear to read....I'll have to agree that display isn't extremely bright but it is lit up enough to read the screen. I haven't had it long enough to worry about this yet or play with it. The phones have good volume.

AT&T CL82309 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone, Black/Silver, 3 Handsets

Technical Details

•     AT&T DECT 6.0 Digital Three Handset Answering System
•     Handset Speakerphone
•     Expandable up to 12 handsets through one phone jack
•     50 Name / Number Phonebook Directory
•     Large Lighted Display and Keypad on Handsets

Amazon is presenting this as the "newer model" of the the AT&T SL82318 DECT 6.0 phone. It has most of the same features -- high quality, clear, crisp sound, very good range, clear display, reasonably simple number storage and auto-dial -- but it does NOT have a jack for a headset, which the earlier model did. So if that feature is important to you, this is not the phone you want. (And no, the old model handset is not interchangeable with the new ones. It would be great if AT&T offered a compatible single-phone expansion set for this series with a headset jack.) Another minor annoyance is that although the phone hangs up when you put it in the charging cradle, it does not automatically turn on if it's ringing and you remove it from the cradle; you have to push a button. But overall a very good phone.

Panasonic Integrated Corded Phone System (KX-TS500B)

Technical Details

•     Corded telephone
•     Number of phone lies: 1
•     Selectable tone/pulse dialing
•     Wall mountable
•     Flash and redial buttons

I bought this phone to have as a back up for when power goes out. So obviously it doesn't require power to operate. It has no bells or whistles. No caller ID, no message waiting light, and so on.
For the price you can't beat it. My only grip is the ring tone is horrible. It's a "chirp" sound and it scares my cat!
I highly recommend this phone to anyone that wants a plain basic phone. Something rare these days.

It's actually a nice phone. Didn't want features, just something to use during power outages and ended up using it as an everyday phone.

Panasonic KX-TG6532B DECT 6.0 PLUS Expandable Digital Cordless Phone with Answering System

Technical Details

•     2 Handsets
•     Single Line
•     Cordless Phone
•     DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
•     Digital Answering System
•     Call Block, Slient Mode
•     Intellegent Eco Mode
•     Smart Wall-mount

I have had this phone for a month and I really want to write a review because the detail description doesn't tell us any thing much but it actually has a lot of features that other companies do not make. I owned many cordless phones so far but this is far better than others.


1. The phone uses the AAA rechargeable batteries NiMH. It can be replaced with any AAA NiMH batteries. I replaced mine with the higher capacity of NiMH batteries so it lasts even longer. The phone claims for 13 hours talk time. I never clock when I talk but it lasts very long time. And unlike other brands that we have to use only the manufacturer's batteries made for that phone.

2. Headphone Jack.....Bingo!! Finally I found a cordless phone with a headphone jack. Again no other brands make it and I don't know why but here I got it. It works absolutely perfect with a Panasonic headset. Sound is very clear.

3. Battery indicator.....My Vtech phones show a level of battery only while it's being charged but this Panasonic, the indicator shows the battery level all the time.

4. It speaks the phone number out loud when there is an incoming call.

Bottom line because of the first two reasons above, this will be my last cordless phone I ever bought since the batteries can be replaced with the regular rechargeable AAA NiMH. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!

AT&T CL82409 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone, Black/Silver, 4 Handsets

Technical Details

•     AT&T DECT 6.0 Digital Four Handset Answering System
•     Handset Speakerphone
•     Expandable up to 12 handsets through one phone jack
•     50 Name / Number Phonebook Directory
•     Large Lighted Display and Kepad on Handsets

When researching our next cordless, expandable phone system, I found that AT&T and Panasonic phones were getting the best reviews. My requirements were as follows:

1. Phone system must not interfere with my wireless network;
2. Phone base must be wall mountable;
3. Phone base must have an answering machine that would also provide an audible message alert (and a message count would also be nice);
4. Speakerphone on the handsets and base;
5. A shared, central phone book.
6. A Voicemail indicator (for phone company/VOIP voicemail);
7. A lighted number pad.

I spend about 3 weeks researching over 30 models and browsing manuals. I originally was going for a 5.8GhZ AT&T model (#E5924) that I later found was also operating on a 2.4GhZ frequency that may have interfered with my wireless network, as my current 2.4GhZ cordless does (it slightly impairs my wireless network speed). So, I scratched that model, and all the 5.8GhZ category, and decided to find a Dect 6.0 just to avoid any potential problems.

Very feature-rich were nearly all of the Panasonic models, with Talking Caller ID and ringer ID. But, how they can advertise as wall-mountable I don't know. I checked the manuals for the models I was most interested in, and every single model mounted like a shelf. Very unappealing. And none had an audible message alert. Panasonic phones mostly have a blinking light to inform you of messages. I had an older Panasonic model years ago and always missed messages because of the lack of an audible alert. This combined with the ugly wall-mounting made me have to scratch Panasonic off of my list. Shame, because I really liked the features (Talking Caller ID, Ringer ID, Light ID, Caller ID Block).

Panasonic KX-TG6645B DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone with Answering System - Excellent phones at a remarkable price

Technical Details

•     DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
•     All-digital answering machine
•     Intelligent Eco Mode
•     Range Boost; Tone Equalizer
•     Power back-up operation (handset)
•     Dect 6.0 Plus Technology Cordless Phone
•     Dual Keypad on both Base and Handset
•     Hands-Free Speakerphone on Base & Handset
•     Power Back-up Operation
•     Talking Caller ID/Call Block/Silent Mode

First, one of the reviews above states they have used these phones for years, but this series was first shipped in May 2011, so this review must be for a prior generation. And it is important, because this series has a lot of pluses that the prior generations did not have.

Second, we have used Panasonic phones (with very few exceptions) since their old wired phones! This product is replacing an earlier generation wireless series with 4 phones. We had two batteries in the old units starting to fail, so rather than buy replacement batteries for 5 year old phones, I bought this and am not disappointed at all. Some of the key reasons this may be the best Panasonic phone system yet are:

• The screen is so much better to read. I wear reading glasses and the old screens were tough to read without them, but the high contrast, white backlit screens on these phones are so much easier to read!
• The menu systems seem much better. Much of what you want to do is handled by the soft-touch buttons with screen readouts so rather than searching the small text below some of the buttons, the choices are much easier to see on the screen.
• The reception is so much better and covers a longer distance than before. Our old phones (5.8mHz system) would get harder to hear on both ends if we walked to the other end of the house and walking a few steps outside was sure to cause a drop, but this new DECT 6 works anywhere in the home and far outside with no noticeable diminution in sound quality. (Pana makes a range extender optional piece you can add to the system, but I cant see any use we would need for it!)
• One of the best new features is the ability to use one of the handsets for temporary battery backup during a power outage! Most wireless systems go down entirely if there is no power, so if there is an emergency or even a short duration power failure, you cannot call out or receive calls. With this phone, if the power fails but your handset is charged, just putting it in the base station powers it and allows you to call out or receive calls. This feature alone is why I waited a few months for this version to ship. We have had a number of short power outages, but this feature eliminates most of that as an issue.
• We use the phone company's voicemail system so we do not need the recording function, but this phone includes the ability to speed-dial the external voicemail and, more importantly, if there is a message on that system, the Panasonic handsets still show a flashing light to alert you to a message and when you pick up any handset, the screen also shows you there is a voicemail.

There are a lot of other features that we do not use, like the Voice Caller ID that announces who is calling (we don't need the extra noise!) but they worked fine (until I turned this off). So I have to say that this is a great phone system overall. Light weight, easy to use, easy to read - just excellent!

Panasonic KX-TG4053B DECT 6.0 PLUS Expandable Digital Cordless Phone with Answering System & Range Extender

Technical Details

•     3 Handsets
•     Single Line
•     Cordless Phone
•     DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
•     Digital Answering System
•     Call Block, Slient Mode
•     Intellegent Eco Mode
•     Range Extender Included

I bought this phone because I needed a phone that would give me better range than my panasonic 5.8gHz model without the interference with my computer equipment. I live in a pretty good sized house, ( 3 stories, 6000 sq. ft., lots of steel too). My 5.8 gHz model didn't quite cut it for range from one side of the house to the other. I really started seeing problems when they installed my wireless network for the house. I did some research and found out that the interference issue was common with 5.8 gHz and the wireless router because they operate on the same bandwidth and therefore can have some interference issues. As for the range, I was out of luck until I found this phone that has an included " range extender ". Set-up for the phone was very easy, ( 6 steps including " insert batteries and charge for 7 hours"). I put the range extender at about the distance where my 5.8 gHz started to fuzz out. This is easily installed as well. All you need is a power outlet, no phone jack. After the charging period, I tried the phone everywhere in the house with no issues. I can even go down to the lake to watch the kids with no issues. Also, from reading the directions, I noted that you can add one more range extender to increase your range even more. I think panasonic really got the idea right when they made this phone and included the range extender. I would have to say that my only disappointment is the handset display size and that it is not in color. If you are looking for a solid phone system with great range and no computer interference issues, you can't go wrong with this phone. Buy it! You won't be sorry.

AT&T SL82318 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone - Generally very good product

Technical Details

• Cordless phone system with three handsets and DECT 6.0 frequency for outstanding call clarity
• DECT 6.0 frequency avoids interference from appliances and networks; offers greater range, clarity, and security
• Built-in digital answering machine offers reliable and instant access to messages
• Speakerphone built into handset for extra convenience
• Can transfer calls between handsets; multiple handsets can be off-hook simultaneously

First and foremost, this line of AT&T DECT 6.0 cordless phones works extremely well, no background noise even with a home wireless system, great range, and very good sound quality both with the handset to your ear and on speaker phone. It does all that one should expect from a cordless phone system. Entering names and numbers into your directory is very intuitive, as is using the caller ID and changing the ringer tone and volume. You hardly need the manual. We use the "phone company" voice mail, so I haven't evaluated the "usability" of the answering machine, but it "talks you through" the setup steps, setting the clock, etc., and seems very user friendly to operate. Another nice feature is that directory and CID entries are maintained in the base station, so if, for example, you enter a name/number on handset #1, it is immediately available on all other handsets on your system.

The handset is quite lightweight and compact compared to our previous cordless phone, which took a little getting used to, but my wife and I adapted to it after one or two days. The handsets come with belt clips, which I use, not to clip them on my belt but because they raise the back of the handsets slightly if you lay them down, which I find improves the the speaker phone sound (the speaker is on the back of the handsets).


One minor drawback, compared to my prior cordless phone, which permitted each handset to be identified by location, e.g., "kitchen," "bedroom," etc., is that each AT&T handset has a number (and added handsets are given consecutive numbers as they are registered to the base up to the maximum of 12), so you have to remember the location numbers to call another handset on the intercom or to transfer incoming calls. Not a big deal, but being able to name each handset is a nice feature.

Be aware that the SL82(X)18 models are all the same, with the (X) indicating the number of handsets with that bundle. For example, SL82318 comes with three handsets, SL82418 with four, etc. I mention this because the various bundles appear to be different products, but they are all essentially the same, so keep this in mind when shopping for the best deal. The only exception seems to be that models SL82518 and SL82558 both have five handsets, but I haven't been able to find what the difference between them is, even on the AT&T site. Since my review applies to all bundles of this system, (if they let me) I will post this review under the several different model numbers.

All in all, I am extremely pleased with these purchases, first a four handset bundle, then three additional handsets for a total of seven. Hope this review is helpful in making up your mind about selecting a new cordless phone.

Motorola DECT 6.0 Enhanced Corded Base Phone with Cordless Handset and Digital Answering System L402C

Technical Details

• DECT 6.0 Cordless Telephone with Corded Base
• 15 Minute Digital Answering System on Base
• 9 Speed Dial Presets
• Handsfree Speakerphone on Base and Handset
• 60 Name and Number Phonebook
• 15 minutes answering machine record time with access to messages on corded base as well as cordless handset
• Adjustable ringer and earpiece volume
• Caller display stores information on the last 30 calls
• Corded and DECT 6.0 cordless combo telephone
• Hands-free speakerphone on corded and cordless handsets

I bought model L402V of this phone Dec 2009 from Sam's Club, for about $50. There are two phones: one a corded base with an answering machine, the other a cordless phone with charger. The packaging had an earth-friendly "green" notice, which I found appealing. The buttons on both phones are comfortable and easy to press.

I did have trouble changing the base to wall mount. The "quick start" guide omitted this issue, and the extended manual contains such tiny images that I had difficulty reading it. When I tried to reverse the clip that holds the phone on a wall-mounted base, it came loose and shot across the room. Luckily, I retrieved it before the cat got it.

Discouragingly, once wall mounted, the phone hangs crooked when the receiver is hung up. I fixed that problem by putting sticky tack behind it (the stretchy stuff you use to hang up posters). Although the manual said it would have to be charged for 24 hours before first use, the cordless phone had enough charge in the battery to try it out.

The phones are slim, stylish, and mainly intuitive to use. One not very intuitive feature is that in order to make a call from the base, you have to press the "speaker" button. With the exception of the intercom feature, they mostly work as if they are separate phones, and their differences can be confusing.

The cordless phone has great audio transmission without static or interference, even in distant parts of the house. We've had trouble inside our house with previous phones. I like that each entry in the phone book can be customized with one of ten ringtones, some of which are really cute. The ringtones apply separately to each phone, so the phones will ring at the same time, using separate melodies.

A disadvantage is that it's hard to see the location of the tiny microphone on the base, and you have to speak very close to the phone when recording a memo or the outgoing message. For this reason, the audio quality of the memos and outgoing messages can be poor. However, the audio quality of the actual phone conversations is very good, and the volume is easy to adjust.

The two separate phonebooks are also a bit annoying. There doesn't seem to be a way to link phonebooks so that each time you save a number it appears in the both the base and the cordless phone. 30 numbers can be saved on each phone. Confusingly, the base will not save an incoming caller's number if it's not in the phonebook, but the cordless will do so.

The font size on the LCD screen of the base makes it easy to see the numbers and names. The base lights up only when active, which (I hope) saves energy. The speakerphone and mute features work well. For those who don't mind figuring out the quirks, this phone combination is a good purchase. 

AT&T CL81201 DECT 6.0 Digital Two Handset Cordless Telephone

Technical Details

•     DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
•     Push-To-Talk for instant and easy communication between handsets. HD Audio.
•     Handset Speakerphone
•     Call Transfer Using Intercom
•     Push-To-Talk for instant and easy communication between handsets
•     HD Audio

I replaced a telephone answer machine from another mfg. with just the telephone. I have an answering function with my telephone company system, and it signals me when a message has been left by a caller. I was not an informed consumer, but the web page on Amazon gave much valuable information on the phones features and function. When it was received, it took some trials to learn how to use all the functions; but now that I have done so... my satisfaction has really increased. It does everything I wanted my phone to do... with good sound quality and ease of use. It was a very good value and if there was constructive criticism it would be to increase the weight of the charger base on handset 2. It is light, and falls over when phone is removed during use. But a good purchase for me.

Panasonic KX-TG6582T DECT 6.0 PLUS Link-to-Cell via Bluetooth Cordless Phone with Answering System

I have owned this phone for about 3 weeks and it has worked out really well. I went back and forth between this model and the Vtech touch screen model. In the end I chose the Panasonic because it had more of the features I was looking for. While the Vtech had a touch screen and a sleek design, the Panasonic seemed to have more features.

I have 2 cell phones synced to it. 1 iphone 3Gs and 1 Motorola flip phone (a freebie from AT&T) and both sync up automatically to the base unit without any problems. I LOVE that I can use the handsets to make and answer calls from my cell phone. I set it up so that each cell phone and the landline all have unique ring tones so we know when the phone rings, if it is a call from one of the cell phones or the landline. The other features I really enjoy are the talking caller ID (sometimes you just don't feel like getting up to see who's calling) and the call block (we get alot of calls for donations to different charities). I also really appreciate that you only have to enter a phone number once into the directory and it will automatically share the info with the other handsets. I did not try loading my contacts from the iphone into the Panasonic, this is one feature I knew I wouldn't use. I also have not used the conference call feature. I programmed about 20 numbers into one of the handsets and then ordered 2 more directly from Panasonic. The additional handsets were very easy to register and I didn't have to re-enter the contacts into them. Once they were synced with the base unit, they learned all of the existing entries. The directions are very easy to use, but I keep the user guide handy as there are alot of features and I forget how to access all of them. It really is a great phone for the price.

Technical Details

•     2 Handsets
•     Single Line
•     Cordless Phone
•     DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
•     Digital Answering System
•     Bluetooth headset capability
•     Link up to 2 Cell Phones
•     Phonebook copy from cellular phone via bluetooth
•     Talking caller IDCall block, Silent mode & Intelligent Eco mode   

AT&T CL2939 Corded Phone - Good corded speaker phone value

This model seems to have the most features and good construction for the price. For the display functions to work you will need 4 AA batteries (not rechargeable) BUT the basic phone works without them in case of battery failure or electrical failure. And of course corded phones are still way more secure than cordless phones. Most people don't know this but cordless phones (I'm not talking cell phones which also are NOT secure) are not secure at all. They can be hacked into with about a $50 gadget and being with in the range of the signal. This is a major way of stealing identity by listening in and recording banking info, etc. Corded phones on the other hand require a physical tapping device &/or a Court order. Be aware and protect yourself appropriately.

Vtech CS6229-4 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone - Great set of phones

Our Panasonic phones were suffering from heavy, ungentle use. We were happy with Panasonic, but we decided to try this similar and comparably priced Vtech set instead. Mostly we liked its appearance. The two sets are very comparable in appearance and ease of use. Set-up was equally easy. However, here are three features Panasonic had, that the Vtech units do not have:

1. Panasonic had an easy-to-reach menu item to directly access my messages at my phone service provider. Vtech lets me turn off the phone-base messages, but then I have to set up a directory entry to reach my provider-held messages or dial them each time.
2. Panasonic let me set ring tones for anyone on my directory ... not the Vtech units.
3. Panasonic offered the option of caller ID voiced aloud from the base unit.

Small differences, but I would have stayed with Panasonic had I known these were not available with the Vtech set.

Still, the Vtech set has one feature better than the Panasonic. It has a quick and easy way to alter phone log numbers to whatever format we need to call back or put them in our directory. Our state uses area codes that are not geographically determined. So, every call has to have at least 10 digits and many need a one added for long distance. Vtech flips through the options to let us pick the one we need ... very nice.

VTech CS5111 Cordless Phone: Love the little thing

After my home phone broke, I was looking for a cheap replacement. Like most households now are not using their home phones, I still keep a home phone just in case, and talk to the occasional telemarketer that get passed the Do Not Call list(j/k) Well I was looking for reliable, caller ID, high frequency that won't interfere with my wireless network, Back lit, and most importantly Cheap. I have purchased V-Tech before and had no problems. At first I was skeptical but I have come to give some cheaper brands a try. It is easy to set up. The buttons are nice and big, Caller ID back lighting is great, enough to see when it rings in the dark. It does not interfere with my wireless network which is important cause we have 4-6 computers/laptops connected. The sound is clear and crisp. You cannot go wrong with this phone and its price.

AT&T CL81209 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone: Amazing Clarity - a perfect phone

We got this phone specifically because we needed an expandable system that didn't have an answering machine. Voice mail is included in our phone company bundle, so we were unwilling to pay the extra cost for an answering machine. This phone is very easy to work with, very intuitive both in terms of operation and menu access. The phone feel very solid, though we've only had it for two weeks now. But after trying V-Tech, GE and UNIDEN, this seems to be the most physically resilient of them all.

But the #1 feature of this phone - the clarity. With both 2.4 and 5.8 GHz phones, we had a lot of interference and a lot of static. With this phone, I can walk to any part of the house - even a few houses down, and still hear just as well as if I were talking on a wired phone.

I can recommend this system whole-heartedly - ignore the 3-star review of this product, as it specifically states the reason for the 3 stars is the lack of an answering system. As mentioned above, that's the very reason I bought this phone. AT&T makes another model WITH and answering system, so if that's what you need, get that one. But if, like me, you have no use for it, you will be very happy with this phone.

VTech CS6419 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone with Caller ID

I really like the phone. It has exceptionally good range (wish my bluetooth headphones had half the usable range this puppy does); charges quickly; all functions work as described.

HOWEVER, it does NOT have a headphone jack! I get on 3 hour conference calls, and counted on this as having a headphone jack. IT DOES NOT. If you are looking for a good handheld phone for brief conversations without a headset, this is the ticket. If you are looking for an office phone on which you engage in hour+ calls, pay a bit more and look elsewhere.

AT&T 84100 DECT 6.0 Digital Corded/Cordless Phone - Excellent Phone , price and Amazon service

I'm a long time AT&T customer, and I'm going waaaaaay back when the only phone company in America was AT&T.
My first phone was from Illinois Bell and it was a solid piece of construction, weighed a ton too, however, it lasted for over 30 years before it finally died out. What a phone! It had just TWO functions, receive and make calls...that's it.


Now this new DECT 6.0 phone is light years ahead of the old and now defunct Illinois Bell phone. The weight of the HANDSET & BASE are light but solid construction. The sound clarity is absolutely outstanding. The BASE is laid out just right with a nice LARGE and brightly lit screen. The large buttons are very easy to see because of the silver background. The HANDSET is laid out just right with a nice SMALL and brightly lit screen. The HANDSET was ready to use in under 30 minutes and fully charged in less than 60 minutes. The buttons on the HANDSET have a nice orange glow for easy viewing. However, I think the orange glow could be a little more ORANGE but no big deal...I'm not complaining.

The answer machine is ready to go with an outgoing announcement already recorded, which you can change with your own announcement. No more tape machines, everything is recorded on a micro-chip...talk about futuristic. Setting the time and date was a snap. In fact, all of the settings are a snap to configure. This is a very "user friendly" phone.

You can have different ring tones for both the BASE & HANDSET. There's an equalizer for two types of Treble, one Bass, and one Natural, and a six level volume control.

Using Your Phone During a Power Failure:
In a power failure the HANDSET will not work but that's OK since the BASE is functional. Some features in the BASE will not function in a black-out but you can still send and receive phone calls. During a black-out, the phone is capable of getting its power/electricity directly through the telephone cord.

SUGGESTIONS TO AT&T:
With the advent of LED lighting, why not "backlit" ALL the keys/buttons on the system, (i.e., MENU/SELECT, the UP & DOWN buttons, the FLASH & CLEAR buttons, and the 7 non-illuminated buttons on the BASE)??

Dump the "orange" backlight on the HANDSET and replace it with white LED lights!

Also, add a function that allows the user to control how long the BASE/HANDSET light(s) stay on before going into power-saving mode.

Panasonic KX-TG6511B DECT 6.0 PLUS Expandable Digital Cordless Phone - Clear call quality. Good basic phone

My previous DECT 6 phone broke recently and I picked this one because I don't need answering machine.
This is 2010 model from Panasonic without the answering machine. If you are looking for answering machine, explore KX-TG4031B which is similar to this one with answering machine.

Cons:
- It takes 3 to 4 seconds to open the phone book, i just have 15 contacts stored (half star rating less for this).
- No Talking Caller ID on this model as advertised in the item description (half star rating less for this).
- Can save only 50 numbers in the phone book.
- Speaker phone exists only in the handset not in the base. I think this is same for most basic phones in the market.

Pros:
- Can conference 2 outgoing calls like we do in cell phone.
- Great call quality both using handset and speaker phone, but i have not noticed the call quality difference between DECT 6 and DECT 6 PLUS technology.
- Excellent range and changes to ECO mode when the handset is closer to the base during the call to increase talk time.
- Great battery life. After the full battery charge, I used this phone continuously for 2 hours and I still see 2 bars out of 3 in the battery indicator.
- Light weight handset. The handset uses 2 rechargeable AAA batteries which is easy to get.
- Large buttons in the number pad. The screen is clear and you can see the caller ids clearly.
- I am using one handset but this system can be Expandable up to 6 handsets.

Panasonic KX-TS105B Integrated Business Corded Phone - Conference... in style

I have a home office and do contract work for other companies. I needed a corded phone (for security reasons) with no bells and whistles like caller ID. The phone had to have a headset jack for hands free talking. There are very few corded phones on the market that are really this inexpensive that had the features I needed. Most everything has went to cordless. The buttons are a nice size. The mute is invaluable to my work along with the volume. I also love when I am working late that i can turn the ringer off as to not disturb anyone in my home and the phone flashses a red light when a call is coming in. Don't hesitate to buy this phone if you are thinking about it. You can't beat the free super saver shipping either.