Reasonable Cordless Phones?

[browna]

Been ready to throw out cordless phones out the window the last few months.

Two reasons, the battery life (and this plagues them all) is now extremely low on the those nicad batteries after a few years.

Related, the bigger issue is the lack of warning on a call before the phone goes dead. The last model we had gave you enough warning that you could go and pickup another extension before it dies....but this one beeps once and goes dead right away. And, for whatever reason, the line is tied up for a couple minutes (even picking up corded phones in the house, you get static). Really annoying.

Anyone have recent experiences in buying a model?

It should be no frills..no answering machine, just two handsets that have caller ID. Ideally 5.8Ghz.

The biggest thing, that isn't always advertised on the box, it should have enough of a "low battery warning" beep that when it does die, there's enough warning to get another extension, or tell the person on the other end the phone is about to die, instead of being cutoff immediately.

I know X-S Cargo always has them cheap...but battery life is crappy enough on new models, so who knows what they're going to be like on refurbs.

Not looking to spend more then 100$.

I don't suppose anyone makes those phones with lithium batteries yet?

[BlackArcher101]

I like Uniden handsets. I've tried Panasonic's, but seem to sound tinny to me. Vtech I'll never touch again. I picked up my 5.8 GHz handsets for about $50 (two of em, caller ID, no machine). Check out costco as they usually have these, but in packs of 3. Close to $100, can be found at times below I'm sure. If they are not to your liking, they will always take them back.

[Flames09]

Okay a long, long, long time ago I went too Zellers and picked up a Vtech 2.4Ghz and I am not joking when I say this we are a family of 6 (5 girls) who are phone crazy litterally the phone is on all day and we can go days without charging it, we've had it for about 2 years now, I also have 2 nieces who have thrown it across on hardwood floor about a million times, I've dropped it thrown it across a room and not a single thing went wrong with the phone. I highly recommend this phone, I LOVE IT.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

When I had a landline - I always trusted Panasonic for sound quality. Just be sure to charge the batteries up fully before using and follow good rechargeable battery practices....

Plus - they're on sale right now for $79 (dual handset)

http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/ma...ldeals/#e25646

[ken0042]

The best cordless phone I ever had was around 1990 my sister sent me an AT&T phone from the States. It was so good that nobody would believe me that I was actually on a cordless phone. The original battery was great, but then any time I went to get a replacement it would just die quick.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

From my Radio Shack days, Uniden is probably the best on the market. I've been pleased with the Sony and Panasonic ones I've had. I have a V-tech currently and don't mind it, but I'm not a fan of the brand overall. Nexxtech is made by V-tech now as well. (The former Radio Shack brand was Uniden, when my phone got damaged in a move the extended warranty then replaced it with a Nexxtech, then that one with V-tech, hence my V-tech phone).

I would reccomend buying from the Source by CC and getting the Extended Warranty. They'll keep track of the fact you have the warranty for you (just remember you bought it and your postal code) and when your battery dies they'll replace it for you. You get one replacement over a 3 year period, plus depending on the phone if the phone breaks or dies they'll replace the phone over the counter for you.

The extended warranty is only a couple of extra bucks, but less than the cost of a battery replacement.

[Ford Prefect]

I've had a lot of crappy cordless phones over the years, so I think I've probably tried most brands. Uniden and Panasonic have stood out as the best by far.

Perhaps more important than the phone itself though is the battery. When buying replacement batteries I've found it's worthwhile to spend top dollar on a battery from one of those specialty battery places in the malls. Under no circumstances buy Walmart or Radio Shack/Source batteries. They're a total waste of money.

[Titan]

My 2 cents. I bought the Uniden 3 pack 5.8 ghz from Costco and have been very happy. It has a room monitor feature so when I am in the basement I can put the phone near the kids room and monitor if they are crying or whatever. I would definately buy these again.

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by Titan

My 2 cents. I bought the Uniden 3 pack 5.8 ghz from Costco and have been very happy. It has a room monitor feature so when I am in the basement I can put the phone near the kids room and monitor if they are crying or whatever. I would definately buy these again.

I saw those at Costco as well and debated picking them up but didn't because like everyone here is saying, I had no idea if they were good or not. I'll give them a try now. Thanks Titan.

[Titan]

Originally Posted by Frank the Tank

I saw those at Costco as well and debated picking them up but didn't because like everyone here is saying, I had no idea if they were good or not. I'll give them a try now. Thanks Titan.

Worst case scenario you can take them back without the package, run over by a truck, covered in dirt, and missing 2 of the handsets and Costco will still take them back!!

[return to the red]

a few months back Future shop had motorola cordless phones on for about 100 bucks for 3 handsets 5.8 ghz. I thought because they were motorola they would be a good product. Everyone who calls us says the phone sounds like it has an echo. I'm not sure if this is because we are with shaw or because of the phones. Anybody else have this problem with shaw digital phone or is it my cordless?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by return to the red

I thought because they were motorola they would be a good product.

Yeah, same here. I have the Motorola 5.8 Ghz one too. Mine is just the one unit, but can be expanded. And it sounds horrible- both when I was on Telus, and now that I'm on Shaw phone.

[ericschand]

Sanyo 5.8GHz Digital Multi-Cordless Telephone w/ CID & Two Handsets - $59

It's the best phone I ever got. The above was from a Dell Days of Deals
on March 20th, so the deal is expired, but wait if you can for the next
one.

5.8GHz so it doesn't interfere with other stuff (ie. wireless network,
some remotes), digital so it's much more crisp and clear sound.
The digital also scrambles it, so neighbours can't accidentally
listen in, plus it has a privacy feature so someone else cannot
interrupt your call with the other headset.

Has speakerphone on each handset, intercom, distinctive ring so
you can tell who is calling. When I use speakerphone, most people
can't tell that I am, it's like I am using it as a normal phone.

The batteries last me over 3 hours of talk time in speakerphone mode.
Longest call I've made using them was something like 3 hours 12 minutes,
according to my phone bill.

And it was only $79 for 2 handsets when I bought it, $59 now.

ers

PS. I use it with Shaw without any problems.

[Bill Bumface]

I've got a no frills Panaphonics. It has a battery indicator (from 0 to 3 bars) and a dead battery warning beep that lasts at least 15 minutes of talk time. Might have even been more, I've only managed to kill it once.

[boobaloo]

Vtech 6785 dual handset. $100 if I remember. They've been very good. Good batteries and the sounds is good as well.

[Canada 02]

Does anyone know of a good quality cordless that uses AA or AAA batteries? I know Siemens had them, and they were great, but they don't sell their phones in North America anymore.

[ricoFlame]

we've had these for two years and they are the only ones that haven't caused headaches: http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/e/e34/

they just work.

[browna]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

When I had a landline - I always trusted Panasonic for sound quality. Just be sure to charge the batteries up fully before using and follow good rechargeable battery practices....

Plus - they're on sale right now for $79 (dual handset)

http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/ma...ldeals/#e25646

Thanks for the heads up..had the wife pick this up earlier today in store (didn't get the coupon discount). Also got an extended warranty for 2 years for 10$, which covers everything, including crap batteries.

For the record, the current model (for another 2 hours as the batteries charge on the new one..tomorrow morring I take the hammer to it) is a Uniden.

This Panasonic has a battery meter, and, beeps around 10 minutes before dying...sold.

[Mango]

I work part time in an electronics department and Panasonic phones are definitely the best of the bunch. Now, there was a recent recall on Panasonic 5.8 ghz 2 handset units (KXTG5622). Make sure to avoid these units. Even if you see them on sale...run the other way.

All Panasonic phones include a NiMH battery, regardless of high end or low end. High end G.E. phones also include a NiMH battery. In addition. G.E. has just released their line of Dect phones. They've been received average reviews and we aren't getting too many back. If you feel Dect would beneficial for you, I'd consider giving them a try. Mind you, they are a fairly new technology and the prices are rather high.

In my opinion, if you're looking for a decent one handset unit without answer machine, grab a Panasonic KXGT5621. It retails for around 65-70 dollars and it is a one year exchange warranty. All the models up from this one feature a one year repair warranty, which can be very frustrating.

For a two handset, look at Panasonic's new line of phones. They were just released and might be a bit harder to get a hold of, but from my understanding, they've fixed the problem encountered with the 5622 model from last year. The aesthetics of the phone were also improved and they've removed the aerial antenna.

[browna]

Originally Posted by Mango

I work part time in an electronics department and Panasonic phones are definitely the best of the bunch. Now, there was a recent recall on Panasonic 5.8 ghz 2 handset units (KXTG5622). Make sure to avoid these units. Even if you see them on sale...run the other way.

All Panasonic phones include a NiMH battery, regardless of high end or low end. High end G.E. phones also include a NiMH battery. In addition. G.E. has just released their line of Dect phones. They've been received average reviews and we aren't getting too many back. If you feel Dect would beneficial for you, I'd consider giving them a try. Mind you, they are a fairly new technology and the prices are rather high.

In my opinion, if you're looking for a decent one handset unit without answer machine, grab a Panasonic KXGT5621. It retails for around 65-70 dollars and it is a one year exchange warranty. All the models up from this one feature a one year repair warranty, which can be very frustrating.

For a two handset, look at Panasonic's new line of phones. They were just released and might be a bit harder to get a hold of, but from my understanding, they've fixed the problem encountered with the 5622 model from last year. The aesthetics of the phone were also improved and they've removed the aerial antenna.

Where were you 24h ago! This is the model for sale at Staples..the one we picked up.

Hmm just googled this model and redflagdeals seems to show that Panasonic is replacing these quietly to anyone who complains about the voice quality. Looks like its going back today.