Home > Consumer Reviews > AT&T 5840 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable Cordless Speakerphone with Digital Answering System

I bought this phone because I wanted the expandable qualities. It has nice features but there were several disappointments. One was that the battery did not last as long as I was hoping. The most serious problem though for me was the volume. I had problems hearing distinctly on some calls where I never had these problems with my previous phone. The phone has all kind of controls for bass, treble, etc as well as volume control - nothing seemed to help. I also struggled to hear the answering machine calls. I would turn up the volume and the announcer would blare loudy, but the calls were soft. In the end I had to return the phone because of the volume problems. I don't know if it was just my particular phone - although I did read where someone else had problems with their answering maching volume as well. One thing that I did like about this phone was that you could buy different colors and styles in the additional handsets. This makes it easy to distinguish which handset goes where.

The phone has been the best portable phone i have ever owned. When I was considering this phone and reading the reviews, there are many people who dont realize that the phone uses both 2.4 and 5.8 ghz, but that is actaully an advantage, it uses both frequencies to get you the best range, and to get you the clearest call clarity. I would highly reccomend this phone.

I just bought the 5840 last week at Sam's. They must have been discontinuing this model cause they had them reduced to $80.46. I read a number of reviews before purchasing this phone and some were helpful. I found the distance on this phone to be better that the 900mhz I previously had. I can walk to my shed and down my driveway and still have clear reception. The answering machine works well and the other features of the phone are good. About the only drawback is not having the ability to dial from the base. This would be convenient if the phone was in another room. I haven't experienced any of the problems other posts have indicated. I found it useful to leave the belt clip on the phone as it helps when cradling the phone between your head and shoulder. I just ordered another handset from Sam's. They had the best price at $56 and change. Wish a "spare" battery had been supplied with the phone for the base when the power goes out. But they are available online for around $6 to 7 bucks. Overall a good phone. I think some of the problems in previous reviews could be alleviated by reading the instructions.

Despite using this review site and reading a few more negative comments than positive, I decided to give it a try. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised at how well the phone system performs. I purchased the base set and three additional handsets which are dispersed throughout my three story (includes finished basement) home footprint. The reception and sound quality is first rate. I even tried going outside and got as far as approximately 300 feet away before even the slightest hint of scratch in reception quality. I have no LAN or abnormaly complex comm systems installed in my home.
The features seem very straightforward and easy to use. I would highly recommend this unit to anyone looking for a new 5.8GHZ system with lots of flexibility and room for expansion.

Bought the Uniden 5.8 becaue I have a wireless network system at home and it was the only one advertised as a true 5.8Mhz. However the sound quality was very tinny.

I bought the AT&T but thought I would have problems as the specs say it is 5.8 to the phone but 2.4 back to the base. So far no interference with the wireless network and the sound quality is great. Different settings allow you to change the tonal quality and it actually works.

Very happy so far.