Inexpensive Cordless Phone - Great Performance

The Panasonic DECT 6.0 Series is a cordless phone system. My package includes 3 handsets; one with the base and two other smaller base chargers. The base includes a digital Voicemail system. Its key selling features are the 17 hours talk time, 1.9 GHz frequency for less interference, and expandability (up to 6 phones).

Main Features
* Cordless system with digital answering machine includes 3 handsets, 1 base, and 2 chargers
* Uses 1.9 GHz frequency band for less interference
* Digital answering machine with 16 minutes recording time
* Up to 17 hours talk time
* Battery life of 7.5 days when not in use
* 3-way conference calling capability
* Expandability up to 6 handsets
* Caller ID Display

Observations

The handsets are especially handy. They are lightweight, but large enough that the buttons are easy to use. The display is a good size and well lit. There’s no problem with readability or hitting the right numbers. Caller ID is clearly visible and the Log is easy to scroll through. The phone stores up to 50 numbers and you can delete some if you find that that’s not enough.

The Voicemail feature is also convenient. The base has a flashing LED for messages, and all you have to do is hit one button to play and one button to erase. You also get to hear the message as it’s being left, so you can sit and screen calls if you like. The message system is pretty simple other than that and there are no advanced options such as a number of messages display.

The battery life is excellent. I’ve never had a problem with low power yet. The rechargeable bases are interchangeable so you can just rotate the phones around at your convenience. There’s a charge indicator on the display screen of each phone. I’ve never put the phone to the full test, but it’s lived up to its promise so far. The rechargeable Panasonic batteries were included with the phone but you can replace them with any NiMH AAA batteries in future. This eliminates that old problem of a new phone being cheaper than a replacement battery.

I have several appliances in my house, most importantly my wireless network, cell phones, and microwave. The 1.9 GHz frequency is intended to reduce interference. I never usually have a problem with this, although occasionally I do get a half second of lag when I first pick up the phone. I’m not sure where this comes from but it’s never been significant or frequent enough to worry about. The range is also more than adequate. I often wander out into the street for privacy on phone calls and have never had a problem yet in that regard.

Perhaps my only complaint would be the basic features of this phone set. The voicemail is somewhat limited and the base doesn’t perform any other function. You can’t make a call from the base and there’s no speaker on there like I had on my last phone. This used to be convenient when working in the kitchen and using the phone at the same time. You still have the speakerphone option on the handsets however. Menu navigation is also not that easy and probably requires the breaking out of the manual, something I’m not really interested in doing.

Verdict

Overall I think this is a great phone set. It’s fairly limited in terms of features, but what in terms of practicality it’s excellent. The battery life, range and clarity are great while the phone is lightweight and simple to use.

The price is convenient too. At the moment Amazon is listing this set at $81.15. My last cordless phone set was more expensive and didn’t perform as well, although it did have more features.

I’m completely satisfied with this Panasonic set. My main complaint about phone in the past has been the dying battery. Now I’m pretty sure that I’ll be able to use this set for as long as I want, especially since the replacement batteries are universal.