GE 21006GE3 2.4 GHz DSS Cordless Phone with Dual Handsets and Caller ID
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Most Helpful First | Newest First | + ShareStay away from this model! Total Disappointment
Pros & cons of the GE 2.4 GHz Dual Handset Phone - 21006GE3
I chose this particular phone system mainly because it was priced better than other similar phones. The better security of the 2.4 GHz frequency and especially the DSS (Digital Spread Spectrum) security feature were also a deciding factor.
My biggest concern is the sound quality. Though it has great range, I register a slight hiss as though I'm calling long distance. I also hear a few clicks now and then, though very infrequently. I cannot rule out my immediate environment as a possible cause, but since I am not in a densely populated area, I find my environment an unlikely candidate. The quiet hiss is present between handsets as well as on calls, ruling out my phone line. I've turned off all my electrical equipment with no improvement. The hiss is so slight that it is easily tolerated.
This would be a good phone system for both business and home use. However, I believe it is not expandable beyond two handsets. Both units have a nice small footprint. You can page both handsets from the base to find them. It has the typical functions of flash, redial, mute and hold. You can transfer calls from one handset to another, telling your co-worker who is on the line before he or she accepts the transferred call. Intercom and conferencing are also possible. The number pad and talk buttons are big enough for ease of use. The special function buttons are a little small.
There is a special walkie-talkie mode that allows you to talk to each handset independent of the base unit. The only benefit of the walkie-talkie mode over the intercom function is that it allows you to communicate between each handset even if your power is out.
Each phone is programmable independent. You can select from six different rings, or no ring at all. You can adjust the volume (four levels) during a call, though the volume control buttons are small and hard to adjust without taking the phone away from your face. You can label each handsets display (IE - Upstairs, Downstairs, John, Mary etc.).
It has 40 caller ID records and 50 programmable speed dials (max of 24 digits each). The 24 digits are not really a limitation however since you can cascade the speed dials (IE - press DIR 01 to dial your calling card 800 number, then press DIR 02 to dial your calling card access code and then DIR 35 to dial your party). Unfortunately you cannot toggle through the directory list after the first speed dial. In other words, you can toggle through the directory list to your first number (your calling card 800 number) but you have to remember the second and third speed dials by their corresponding number (02, 35).
The directory does not list the speed dial numbers alphabetically; the numbers are listed by their corresponding speed dial number (01, 02, 03, etc.). This is typical of business speed dials. You, of course, can edit the list to be alphabetical, but this is a hassle.
There is an interesting security function call registration, de-registration. This function allows you to de-register all handsets in case you lose one, then re-register only the remaining handset.
I was worried that my 2.4 GHz wireless router for my computer would interfere with this 2.4 GHz phone, but I found no related problems with the phone. However, I have not yet throughly tested my router/computer connection to see if the phone might interfere with it. I want to reiterate here that I disconnected all my electronic equipment in hopes of stopping the quiet hiss, to no avail. I hope this review was helpful.
GE 21006ge3 2.4 GHz Dual - Handset
Clear audio with good range.
Second handset does not require phone jack, nice feature extending primary base/phone. Good value for the price.
Pros and cons of the GE 2.4 GHz Dual Handset Model 21006GE3
I chose this particular phone system mainly because it was priced better than other similar phones. The better security of the 2.4 GHz frequency and especially the DSS (Digital Spread Spectrum) security feature were also a deciding factor.
My biggest concern is the sound quality. Though it has great range, I register a slight hiss as though I'm calling long distance. I also hear a few clicks now and then, though very infrequently. I cannot rule out my immediate environment as a possible cause, but since I am not in a densely populated area, I find my environment an unlikely candidate. The quiet hiss is present between handsets as well as on calls, ruling out my phone line. I've turned off all my electrical equipment with no improvement. The hiss is so slight that it is easily tolerated.
This would be a good phone system for both business and home use. However, I believe it is not expandable beyond two handsets. Both units have a nice small footprint. You can page both handsets from the base to find them. It has the typical functions of flash, redial, mute and hold. You can transfer calls from one handset to another, telling your co-worker who is on the line before he or she accepts the transferred call. Intercom and conferencing are also possible. The number pad and talk buttons are big enough for ease of use. The special function buttons are a little small.
There is a special walkie-talkie mode that allows you to talk to each handset independent of the base unit. The only benefit of the walkie-talkie mode over the intercom function is that it allows you to communicate between each handset even if your power is out.
Each phone is programmable independent. You can select from six different rings, or no ring at all. You can adjust the volume (four levels) during a call, though the volume control buttons are small and hard to adjust without taking the phone away from your face. You can label each handsets display (IE - Upstairs, Downstairs, John, Mary etc.).
It has 40 caller ID records and 50 programmable speed dials (max of 24 digits each). The 24 digits are not really a limitation however since you can cascade the speed dials (IE - press DIR 01 to dial your calling card 800 number, then press DIR 02 to dial your calling card access code and then DIR 35 to dial your party). Unfortunately you cannot toggle through the directory list after the first speed dial. In other words, you can toggle through the directory list to your first number (your calling card 800 number) but you have to remember the second, and third speed dials by their corresponding number (02, 35).
The directory does not list the speed dial numbers alphabetically; the numbers are listed by their corresponding speed dial number (01, 02, 03, etc.). This is typical of business speed dials. You, of course, can edit the list to be alphabetical, but this is a hassle.
There is an interesting security function call registration, de-registration. This function allows you to de-register all handsets in case you lose one, then re-register only the remaining handset.
I was worried that my 2.4 GHz wireless router for my computer would interfere with this 2.4 GHz phone, but I found no related problems with the phone. However, I have not yet throughly tested my router/computer connection to see if the phone might interfere with it. I want to reiterate here that I disconnected all my electronic equipment in hopes of stopping the quiet hiss, to no avail.
There are far worse out there
As far as the echo and the static goes, I haven't had a problem with that. Hopefully I won't. I agree with the other people about the caller id list, though. It's very confusing, it's not in order of calls. Also, there is no voice mail waiting notification. But other than that, it's not bad.