Panasonic KX-TG2382B 2.4GHz Phone System (Black)
See it at Amazon.com for $47.77Average Customer Rating
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First | + ShareGreat cordless phone + walkie talkie solution!
I narrowed down my choices by reading epinions.com, ranking of popular phones at amazon.com, and recommendations from cordlessphonesamerica.com. This model appeared to fit my bill. After a week of use, I'm convinced I made the right choice.
Calls are clear, except when I turn on the microwave -- I hear a few clicks when that happens. But that's expected of cordless phones that operate on the 2.4GHz bandwidth.
This model allows you to have conversations between handsets (walkie talkie feature :-)) In addition, you can transfer incoming phone calls from one handset to another, and conference into the conversation after the transfer, if needed. You may also page handsets from the base.
The answering system feature is adequate for my needs, and is conveniently accessible from the handset. The speakerphone feature on the handset is an incredible convenience.
I compared this with the KX-TG2730S. I liked the all black appearance of this phone, plus its NiMH batteries. The KX-TG2730S comes with NiCD batteries -- don't want the memory effect.
Hope this helps you.
The Phone That Met All My Requirements
It is very clear and does everything it was promised to do by the manufacturer.
I previously owned a 900mhz panasonic and the experience I had with that encouraged me to buy this 2.4GHz and I more that love this phone and I recommend it highly to all you gadget lovers.
Please read the instructions and follow it.
Close, but not perfect
My favorite new feature, hands down, is the on-board speakerphone. With a small speaker built into the back of each handset, one button push turns either handset into a portable speakerphone. With full duplex action (no waiting for the other person to stop talking before you do) and microphone quality good enough to make the other party think you're holding the phone, it's a great feature.
Disappointingly, Panasonic did away with the speed dial feature they've had for several generations (the "Auto" button) in lieu of a cell phone style, 30-number directory. The directory seems like an afterthought, with features that pale in comparison to most cell phones. In fact, for numbers called most often, dialing is slower than with previous generations' speed dial.
If you ever experienced the annoying "drop out" that the 900MHz caller id models produced when caller id data was transmitted from the base to the handset--Panasonic has eliminated it in this model.
Other general comments: the included second handset makes this phone a great value, especially if you're replacing two telephones. Each handset includes a standard 2.5mm headset connector, the same as most cell phones. The answering system is standard Panasonic, and can be operated remotely (and easily) from either handset.
Don't buy this phone (a seven-month update)
Battery life is terrible, charge time is lengthy.
Another annoyance--when the answering machine picks up, the handsets' displays change to read "Line in Use". If you didn't get to the handset in time, you miss the caller ID info.
Call quality is fine, and the speakerphone and headset jacks are nice, but everyone has those now.
Expect a high level of frustration.
Acceptable replacement
Pros: TWO handsets included. This is NOT standard on most cordless systems. Both use NIMH batteries, NOT standard NiCAD (garbage) like on most units. You will most likely never have to replace the batteries, or not for many years.
Quality and reliability of overall phone appears to be good, unlike Uniden. My parents own this same phone, and have for two years. No problems, they love it.
Speakerphone on each of the handsets is excellent. People I call can barely make out that I'm on a handset speakerphone. Being a portable speakerphone is actually more convenient than one built into the base unit. Sound quality is good, volume adjustment is good.
Answering machine is decent, but sound quality out of the speaker on base could be stronger and clearer. However, it passes well enough. Configuration of the buttons on base unit is not too uniform, but you do adjust quickly.
Cons:
I don't think the phones earpiece is comfortable enough. I compared my old 900 mhz this new one and the old was far more comfortable. Why fool around with new design that feels awkward. I really have to move it around to find "the comfort zone." I find myself using the speakerphone often, although my wife, mom and dad have not complained about it. Could be me.
Speed dial is lousy-- in other words, there really isn't one. Sure, you can page down the list of numbers and then hit "talk" to dial it, but if your personal directory is huge, it's painful and waste of time.
Not enough ringer tones (only 6 --and 5 of them are completely obnoxious)
Each unit requires your directory phone numbers to be MANUALLY plugged in! EACH ONE INDEPENDENTLY. No wireless communication between each handset. Again, see what I mean about a huge directory and how tedious it rapidly becomes when setting up the unit? ARGH!! Your products are getting harder to use, Panasonic.
Each unit needs it's Caller ID log cleared seperately. If you get a call and then clear the ID on one phone, you must go and clear the other as well. Again.....ARGH!
Would I buy this phone again? Hmmm...probably not. But I won't return it due to the con's. If you can ignore only a few of the negatives, this may be a decent phone for you.