Home > Consumer Reviews > Uniden TRU-448 2.4 GHz DSS Cordless Phone with Caller ID and Digital Answering System (Graphite)

Well I've owned the Uniden TRU-448 2.4GHz DSS cordless phone system for 2 and a half years now and it still works as well as the day I bought it. That in and of itself says a lot, considering that prior to buying this phone, I went through about 8 others in a year's time.

The sound quality is extremely clear for a surprisingly great distance away from the base unit and the digital answering system is great for screening calls (you can use a pre-recorded digital voice instead of recording your own message, if you so desire) and can be set up so that you can check your messages remotely using a self-programmed 3-digit security code. The speakerphone works flawlessly and the programmable features are easy to set-up as explained in the manual. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, is compatible with most standard headsets and has useful features like programmable speed-dial and variable ring-tones. It is also surprisingly sturdy for such a lightweight piece of equipment as I have accidentally dropped it a few times and it has suffered no adverse effects (though I don't recommend testing this intentionally).

Of course, it has all of the standard features like caller ID with call waiting, flash, redial, light-up keys, volume settings, etc. For me, the biggest selling point was the ability to add-on additional phones in other locations of your home or office without the need for more phone jacks. All you need is an electrical outlet where you want your additional handset(s) and you are good to go! Saves you having to call the phone company to install more phone jacks, as long as the "homebase" unit is plugged into a live phone jack. Less cables and junk to have to hide!

Couple of cons: Don't hold this phone between the head and shoulder - you may actually accidentally hang up on the party at the other end - I have done this numerous times (guess that's what the headset is for!). Also, the 'end' button, which is used to hang up or end a (programming) process, is miniscule (even by my standards, and I have small hands). It should have been designed larger, or the talk button should be a toggle button, as with most cordless phone systems. People who are used to the toggle systems for answering and hanging up may try that a few times with this phone only to come back to it later and realize that the phone is off the hook.

The most I like about this phone are the sound clarity, ease of use, and size. While talking from a good distance from the receiver, I've had not problem with sound. The only think I get is good quality sound. I don't miss anything what other people say.

Two things I dislike about this phone are the end botton, and the words on or below bottons. First, the end botton is fairly small. If you miss pressing it after you've done talking, which I have done several times, the phone will continue to be on and no one else can call you. So, very careful with this button. The words fade very rapidly if your not careful. I had my phone for 9 months now, and almost all the words are erased. This is all from normal usage.

At first, I was disappointed, until I realized that I had plugged it into the DSL outlet. When I finally hooked it up correctly, it worked great. The digital answering machine sounds clear. The phone sounds great from anywhere in the house. Haven't tested it outside yet (too cold). I've been updating the built-in phone book through the caller-id function...very convenient (don't have to type everyone's name and phone number in). Good stuff. I also like setting different rings for various people in the built-in phone book. Locals I have set for one ring, long distance set for another.

I just bought a different brand name and it was not worth it. You can hear yourself talking back into the phone and it has static. I will not pay that kind of money for a digital phone. I just read in the sunday paper that digital phones are not worth it and have alot of problems! I returned that phone and will stick with the phone I have!

Wife hates it..we have had trouble with signal breaking up and static on transmission. Contacted Uniden repair and they said to move to new location..easy said but not convenient to us.

Micro Wave seems to drive it nuts. I guess it would work fine if used in the front yard.