When you compare cordless telephones, do you know what to look for? There are many models on the market each with a feature list as long as your arm. In this article, I'll try to make some sense of it all by summarizing each of the main cordless phone features on offer today.
Is Your Cordless Phone System Expandable?
A basic cordless telephone system consists of the base unit and handset. The base unit plugs into the phone jack in the wall and normally provides battery charging for the handset.
An expandable system allows you to add more handsets to the same system. The handsets all share the same phone line for making and receiving calls but can each be used interchangeably. Each handset normally comes with its own charger which must be plugged into a power outlet, but beyond that, they can be placed anywhere you like.
And that is the advantage of such a system. You can place phones anywhere you like without having to run phone cables all over the house.
Multi-handset cordless phones normally have other features which can be of benefit as well. Line-in-use indicators let you know when someone is already using the phone (no more abuse from your teenage daughter for breaking in on one of her calls) and home intercom capability are a couple of the features which are worthwhile.
Speakerphone
The speakerphone feature allows you to use either the base unit or the handset (or sometimes both) in hands free mode. This can be very useful.
I don't know how many times I've been placed in a call queue when trying to contact a utility company (or the phone company, ironically) and been able to take advantage of the speakerphone by continuing on with other important tasks while I wait for them to get around to taking my call.
Another use for speakerphone is for group discussions (conference calling) like when the family all want to talk to Grandma for her birthday.
Answering Machine
Some cordless phones have an answering machine built into the base unit. Without going into all of the functions available in an answering machine, the main benefit is the space saved. By just having the one unit, you have a smaller overall footprint (freeing up space for all of the other electronic devices which you no doubt share your home with).
Frequency
A discussion of the frequency which cordless phones transmit and receive at is a whole article in itself. Rather than bore you with that here, I'll just quickly go through the 3 main frequencies.
DECT 6.0 cordless phones use the latest technology. It provides the best range (ie. distance between handset and base unit) and sound quality and is designed to be more secure as well. At the risk of causing confusion, I'll also point out that DECT 6.0 phones use a frequency of 1.9 GHz.
5.8 GHz cordless phones provide the next best performance in terms of range and sound quality.
2.4 GHz phones are becoming less popular now. The biggest drawback is the potential for these models to interfere with other electronic devices around the home, in particular wireless networks.
Skype/VOIP Cordless Phones
Skype is is probably the most popular service providing cheap (or free) voice-over-ip (VOIP) calls using the internet. Some cordless phones now allow you to make Skype calls without needing to use your computer, in addition to being able to use you landline to make and receive calls. If you're a Skype user, then this might be a handy feature to have.
Bluetooth
The last feature I'm going to cover is Bluetooth connectivity. If your cell phone is bluetooth enabled, you'll be able to connect it up to your cordless phone system so that you can make cellular calls on any of your hansets while you're at home.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
GE True Digital Cordless Phones
General Electric offer two models in its True Digital cordless telephone range. These phones communicate at the 2.4 GHz frequency and offer a relatively inexpensive entry point into the GE range of cordless phones.
The 21900FE1 model is the more basic of the two. It supports one incoming line and is expandable to up to 4 handsets (although the basic model comes with just one). There is a 50 number phonebook/speed-dialing capability and it has all of the other basic functions like redial, volume control, paging and mute. It is also hearing aid compatible.
The 21905FE1 extends the functionality of the 21900FE1 by offering a built-in digital answering machine to record messages when you're not home or otherwise engaged (or you just can't be bothered talking). The base has a display showing the number of messages received, and there is a remote message retrieval function allowing you to check for and listen to messages even if you're not at home.
It should be noted that at the 2.4 GHz frequency, you may encounter some interference from other electrical devices in your home. This includes some wireless networks.
Both models in the True Digital cordless telephone range are backed by a one year warranty from General Electric.
The 21900FE1 model is the more basic of the two. It supports one incoming line and is expandable to up to 4 handsets (although the basic model comes with just one). There is a 50 number phonebook/speed-dialing capability and it has all of the other basic functions like redial, volume control, paging and mute. It is also hearing aid compatible.
The 21905FE1 extends the functionality of the 21900FE1 by offering a built-in digital answering machine to record messages when you're not home or otherwise engaged (or you just can't be bothered talking). The base has a display showing the number of messages received, and there is a remote message retrieval function allowing you to check for and listen to messages even if you're not at home.
It should be noted that at the 2.4 GHz frequency, you may encounter some interference from other electrical devices in your home. This includes some wireless networks.
Both models in the True Digital cordless telephone range are backed by a one year warranty from General Electric.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Panasonic 5.8GHz Cordless Phones
Panasonic offer a number of 5.8 GHz cordless phones. In this article, I will discuss the features available on a number of these phones. If you run a wireless network at home, 5.8 GHz cordless phones are less likely to cause interference than the 2.4 GHz models.
The KX-TG4323B cordless phone is part of the 4300 series which offer expandability (through the addition of more handsets), a digital answering machine and "Night Mode". Night Mode allows you to put one or more handsets into silent mode at various times - when you go to bed for example. The KX-TG4323B comes with the base unit and 3 handsets, but you can buy different packages with varying numbers of handsets - the KX-TG4324B comes with 4 handsets. Or you can buy individual handsets (KX-TGA430B).
If you need more than one phone line, the Panasonic KX-TG4500B cordless telephone supports up to 4 lines and is expandable to up to 8 handsets (using the KX-TGA450B model). It also has digital answering machine built in.
If 4 lines is overkill, then the 6700 series supports up to 2 lines with the KX-TG6700B having 1 handset and the KX-TG6702B having 2. It can also be expanded up to 8 handsets. Both these models feature a digital answering system.
The multi-line capability of the phones discussed above comes with conferencing ability allowing you to facilitate a 3 way conversation between 2 inbound callers and yourself. You can also put one line on hold while answering a call on another line.
Another feature offered by all of these cordless phones is speakerphone. Using this function, you can put the handset down and continue talking, or perhaps share the conversation with others in the same room.
The KX-TG4323B cordless phone is part of the 4300 series which offer expandability (through the addition of more handsets), a digital answering machine and "Night Mode". Night Mode allows you to put one or more handsets into silent mode at various times - when you go to bed for example. The KX-TG4323B comes with the base unit and 3 handsets, but you can buy different packages with varying numbers of handsets - the KX-TG4324B comes with 4 handsets. Or you can buy individual handsets (KX-TGA430B).
If you need more than one phone line, the Panasonic KX-TG4500B cordless telephone supports up to 4 lines and is expandable to up to 8 handsets (using the KX-TGA450B model). It also has digital answering machine built in.
If 4 lines is overkill, then the 6700 series supports up to 2 lines with the KX-TG6700B having 1 handset and the KX-TG6702B having 2. It can also be expanded up to 8 handsets. Both these models feature a digital answering system.
The multi-line capability of the phones discussed above comes with conferencing ability allowing you to facilitate a 3 way conversation between 2 inbound callers and yourself. You can also put one line on hold while answering a call on another line.
Another feature offered by all of these cordless phones is speakerphone. Using this function, you can put the handset down and continue talking, or perhaps share the conversation with others in the same room.
Panasonic Cordless Phones
Comparing Panasonic cordless telephones is a major piece of work, because they are available in a staggering number of models (and model variations). The range seems endless and there is a multitude of features on offer. For this reason, I've put together this article to provide a little structure and background information which I hope will be useful for anyone trying to decide what the best Panasonic cordless phone is for their specific needs. While it would be impossible to cover the whole range in one article, I'll try to cover the basics.
DECT 6.0 Panasonic cordless phones offer the latest technology. DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications and despite the 6.0 in the name, it actually transmits at 1.9 Ghz (I think the 6.0 was just a marketing exercise to make it sound more modern than the 5.8 Ghz models). DECT 6 is said to be more secure, have greater range and longer battery life due to the lower transmission frequency.
Panasonic offer a number of models which use DECT 6.0 technology. The KX-TG9000, KX-TG6000 and KX-TG1000 cordless phone range's are all expandable with extra handsets available and some models offer features like digital answering machine and speakerphone among other things. At the more expensive end of the spectrum is the KX-TG9390 series which has 2 lines in addition to the features already mentioned.
Next are the Panasonic 5.8 GHz cordless phones. While there aren't as many models available in this range as there is in the DECT 6.0 range, there is still a reasonable number of features on offer. The KX-TG4320 series is expandable and has a built-in answering machine in the base unit. And the KX-TG6700 series offers 2-line functionality and is expandable up to 8 handsets.
If you're looking for something different, the KX-TH1212 is a bluetooth enabled cordless phone. With the KX-TH1212, you just link the base unit to your bluetooth enabled cell phone, then you can make and receive cell phone calls at home without draining the battery of your cell phone.
Last but not least is the KX-WP1050 cordless phone for Skype (the VOIP communications service). With the KX-WP1050 you can enjoy the convenience of a cordless home phone combined with the cost savings available through the use of Skype.
DECT 6.0 Panasonic cordless phones offer the latest technology. DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications and despite the 6.0 in the name, it actually transmits at 1.9 Ghz (I think the 6.0 was just a marketing exercise to make it sound more modern than the 5.8 Ghz models). DECT 6 is said to be more secure, have greater range and longer battery life due to the lower transmission frequency.
Panasonic offer a number of models which use DECT 6.0 technology. The KX-TG9000, KX-TG6000 and KX-TG1000 cordless phone range's are all expandable with extra handsets available and some models offer features like digital answering machine and speakerphone among other things. At the more expensive end of the spectrum is the KX-TG9390 series which has 2 lines in addition to the features already mentioned.
Next are the Panasonic 5.8 GHz cordless phones. While there aren't as many models available in this range as there is in the DECT 6.0 range, there is still a reasonable number of features on offer. The KX-TG4320 series is expandable and has a built-in answering machine in the base unit. And the KX-TG6700 series offers 2-line functionality and is expandable up to 8 handsets.
If you're looking for something different, the KX-TH1212 is a bluetooth enabled cordless phone. With the KX-TH1212, you just link the base unit to your bluetooth enabled cell phone, then you can make and receive cell phone calls at home without draining the battery of your cell phone.
Last but not least is the KX-WP1050 cordless phone for Skype (the VOIP communications service). With the KX-WP1050 you can enjoy the convenience of a cordless home phone combined with the cost savings available through the use of Skype.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Panasonic Dect 6.0 KX-TG1032S Expandable Cordless Phone System with Answering Machine
The Panasonic KX-TG1032S cordless phone contains a digital answering machine, is expandable (up to six handsets) and uses DECT 6.0 technology.
DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications and is a standard for cordless home telephone devices. Advantages of DECT include less interference and longer range communication (up to 100 meters outside). DECT 6.0 (somewhat confusingly) operates at 1.9 GHz.
Using DECT 6.0 technology means the KX-TG1032S cordless phone shouldn't conflict with the myriad other wireless devices that undoubtedly inhabit your home. This means less interference from wireless networks and other household appliances.
Digital Answering Machine
The KX-TG1032S has a digital answering machine built into the base. The unit features up to 16 minutes of recording time for your messages and can be accessed directly from the base or via any of the handsets.
Expandable Cordless Phone System
This product allows you to operate with up to 6 individual handsets allowing you to place them in convenient locations throughout your home. All of the phones run off the same phone jack, to which the main base unit is connected. You can even make calls between base stations - probably a novelty rather than a necessity, but a cool feature none the less. The product comes with 2 handsets to get you started.
Also featured is a 50 number phonebook, shareable between all of the handsets. And there is a headset jack in each of the handsets and a speakerphone (on the handsets not on the base unit like with some of the older Panasonic models.
Panasonic claim up to 17 hours of talk time with the KX-TG1032S, but this will obviously depend upon the age and quality of the battery in the handsets.
Reviews of the Panasonic KX-TG1032S Expandable Cordless Phone are mostly positive, there was some negative feedback about sound levels and quality. However this negative feedback was in the minority.
DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications and is a standard for cordless home telephone devices. Advantages of DECT include less interference and longer range communication (up to 100 meters outside). DECT 6.0 (somewhat confusingly) operates at 1.9 GHz.
Using DECT 6.0 technology means the KX-TG1032S cordless phone shouldn't conflict with the myriad other wireless devices that undoubtedly inhabit your home. This means less interference from wireless networks and other household appliances.
Digital Answering Machine
The KX-TG1032S has a digital answering machine built into the base. The unit features up to 16 minutes of recording time for your messages and can be accessed directly from the base or via any of the handsets.
Expandable Cordless Phone System
This product allows you to operate with up to 6 individual handsets allowing you to place them in convenient locations throughout your home. All of the phones run off the same phone jack, to which the main base unit is connected. You can even make calls between base stations - probably a novelty rather than a necessity, but a cool feature none the less. The product comes with 2 handsets to get you started.
Also featured is a 50 number phonebook, shareable between all of the handsets. And there is a headset jack in each of the handsets and a speakerphone (on the handsets not on the base unit like with some of the older Panasonic models.
Panasonic claim up to 17 hours of talk time with the KX-TG1032S, but this will obviously depend upon the age and quality of the battery in the handsets.
Reviews of the Panasonic KX-TG1032S Expandable Cordless Phone are mostly positive, there was some negative feedback about sound levels and quality. However this negative feedback was in the minority.
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