Home > Consumer Reviews > Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra Handset

Update,
I have been using these (with 9 handsets) for over 3 years now. Zero problems and they are fantastic for its price.


=============================================================
I did not experiece the two problems mentioned below by previous reviewers:

1. I have comcast phoneline & this Uniden system works great.

2. It comes with all Cordless batteries. It doesn't come with a 9V battery, how difficult is it find one at walmart/target. This comes with all the accessories needed.

I added 6 handsets. The entire house is co-ordinated so well:

Best features I love are:
1. Monitor any room you want in a flash
2. Privacy option prevents your guests monitoring you
3. Do not disturb button keeps all units quiet.
4. Global settings. Awesome - you set the settings in base, it applies automatically to all other units.
5. you can label each handset.
6. registering the handset to the base was a dream, put the handset in the base for 5 sec & you are done.
7. walkie-talkie feature
8. check messages from any handset.
9. all handsets have a red blinking light if there is a message. so, no need to run to base to check messages.
10. you can record a conversation.
11. you can enter your local area code, so when you dial local #s, no need to dial area code.

I just got it a week ago & it works like a dream. I will provide an update in a month or so.

The introduction of 2.4GHz-based 802.11b/g wireless computer networks will spell the end of many 2.4GHz-based cordless phone systems. Though one can continue to use the phones, the interference they cause with wireless computer networks is a nagging problem. The solution is to either upgrade your cordless phones or your wireless computer network to 5.8GHz. For most, upgrading the phone will be simpler and cheaper than upgrading the network.

But selecting a new cordless phone is no simple proposition. There are dozens of variables to consider, and a wide range of brands, models and prices. Rather than searching primarily by price, many will find it easier to search by the specifics of their functional needs, narrow the results by reviews and brand reputation, and then narrow further by price.

My search began with these technical requirements:

· 5.8GHz in both directions (some manufacturers extend handset battery by using 5.8Ghz base-to-handset, and 2.4GHz handset-to-base).
· Digital handset-to-base transmission, and with some form of frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for security.
· System extendable to at least three cordless handsets.
· Handsets must include headphone jack and speakerphone.
· Base unit must include digital answering machine.
· Excellent audio (listening and speaking from handset and headphone jacks.
· Useable audio (listening and speaking) from speakerphone.
· Ergonomic handset with positive-touch buttons of reasonable size.

I'm particularly uninterested in cordless phones that attempt to mimic the size, weight and ergonomics of cellular handsets. I do not carry my cordless phone in my pocket, and I have no need to trade ergonomics for portability.

Items that do not concern me include:

· Caller ID.
· Phone book.
· Cordless range longer than 25-feet.

With that, I researched dozens of products that met some or all of my basic criteria, including models from Motorola, AT&T, Uniden, Panasonic, VTech and several others. All but the Uniden TRU9485 (which is available in the base single-handset package, as well as 2- and 3-handset packages) failed one or more criteria -- typically ergonomics. The TCX905 handset (supplied with the TRU9485 system) could still use slightly larger number buttons, but compared to all the other models I inspected in person, it was the easiest to dial.

The TRU9485 has all the basics I listed above, plus many extras that are very handy:

· Two handsets can participate in a call simultaneously.
· Room/baby monitoring that allows any handset to monitor any other handset.
· Handset-to-handset communication, either as an intercom, or directly without engaging the base.
· System time and date set from any handset.
· Single touch "do not disturb" button on base unit silences all ringers.
· Phonebook entries can be sent from any station to any other station.
· Remote answering machine control from any handset.
· 3 number redial list.
· 100 number caller ID list.
· Separate mute and hold functions.
· Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.

And lots more. The system is compatible with a number of Uniden handsets, including TCX805, TCX400, TCX440, TWX977, ELX 500) and the TCX905 included with base. Everything you need is included, including batteries, belt clips, and even a phone line for the base unit.

The TX905 handset has a nice weight, and the buttons have a positive feel that lets you know when they've been pressed. The display is easy to read, and the internalized antenna is a plus.

There are very few things I dislike about this system, all of which are drawbacks with nearly every cordless system out there:

· Limited ring tones/tunes.
· Only three ring volume levels (off, low, high).
· Short answering machine record time (12 minutes).
· Answering machine security code is only 2 digits.
· Always-on lights on handset base units waste power.

Overall this system is a terrific improvement over the 2.4 GHz system that it replaced, and other than the typical cheesy, electronic ringtones, there's really no major improvements I could think of. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]

I bought this phone after returning an AT&T 5.8 GHz cordless set. I was a little wary because of the poor quality of the AT&T phone, but the reviews on Amazon gave me the confidence to try this Uniden model.

The reviews here are spot-on. The phone has excellent range and voice quality, and its minor detractors are just that--minor. Here are my observations:

PROs:

- This system is expandable to 10 handsets (including the handset on the base). This gives maximum flexibility in deploying in your home or small office. DON'T BE CONFUSED. Get the TCX905 handset ($29.99 MSRP). This is the one that is recommended for/provided with this phone--I believe Amazon recommends some other handset.
- Very good voice quality. Clear signal, no interference. This was a major detractor for the AT&T phone.
- 20 ring tones (10 musical, 10 ringers). You also have the ability to set personal ringtones for people in your address book. You can set different ring tones on each handset.
- Up to 100 numbers in your address book. HOWEVER, the phone book and CID system share memory, so it's a TOTAL of 100 numbers. Hm. But each phone book entry can have 2 numbers--so you don't have to have multiple name entries for person (e.g. Mom home, Mom work). However, the multiple entries are not delimited by text, so you have to remember which is home and which is work.
- DirectLink "walkie talkie" mode. You can set two phones into direct mode and do a walkie talkie system. However, you also have an intercom capability as well.
- Multiple handset "conference" call capabilities. If you pick up a call on one handset, someone else can join in just by turning on a second handset. Dropping off is easy...just turn off the phone. There's also a privacy mode in each handset that enables you to turn off this function.
- Do Not Disturb function: Can be set on the base--it will turn off all the ringers on all the handsets.
- Advanced Caller ID. Capable of normal caller ID, plus Call Waiting caller ID.
- Caller ID to phone book. Can store a caller's info into the directory.
- Room/baby monitor. Can listen to the sounds from any room that has a base/handset.
- Speakerphone on base and handsets. Nice!
- Customizable handset banners. Name them for the room where they belong!
- Remote access. Standard stuff. Only a two-digit security code, though.
- One key speed dial. Set up to 10 speed dial numbers. Press the speed dial number and hold, and it will bring up the corresponding speed dial entry. It doesn't dial until you're ready, just in case you picked the wrong speed dial.
- Normal answering machine features. Call screen, toll saver, etc. I wish it had a dial-out notification.

CONs:

- No dial in/remote room monitoring. This would be nice, to dial into the system and hear what's going on.
- Phone books and CID shared, but not synchronized. You have to copy the phone books from one handset to another instead of it being sync'd across all handsets. You also have to delete CID from each individual handset.
- Base display is a little convoluted and confusing. The only way you can see if the answering machine is on/off is when it's actually off (an icon appears). This was a little confusing. Most machines have a little glow light/button that turns the machine on or off. You have to do this through the UI.
- Shorter answering machine record time. Only 12 minutes, up to 59 messages.

All in all, this is an excellent choice and value.

I purchased this phone only a few days ago but already I'm quite impressed with it. Initially, I got the 2-pack and then picked up an extra two handsets. I'll give a quick rundown of my pro's and con's. Many of these things have already been covered by other reviews but here goes anyway:

PROS:
1. Excellent sound quality on both ends of the conversation. This includes the speakerphone which is one of the best I've yet owned.
2. Fairly compact and attractive with no protruding antenna.
3. Extra handsets are very cheap. They cost well under half what the handsets for my VTech phone ran.
4. Very nice menu's. Menu's are well laid out and quite intuitive. I love the "Global Settings" menu which allows you to set the time and date as well as several other basic settings form one handset and apply it to all the others. This is also the case with the phonebook. I was thrilled to find that I didn't have to enter all of my contacts over and over again for each unit. Simply enter them on one handset and it's an easy matter to copy them over to all the others. Speed dial and personalized ringer setting will not transfer, however, so you'll need to set those up at each station.
5. Handset buttons are perfectly sized and have a very distinctive "click" feel when pressed.
6. Registering a new handset is as simple as placing it in the base-station cradle for 5 seconds. That's it.
7. The inter-network capabilities of this phone are great. The intercom works perfectly and I love the Room Monitor function. The phone also has a feature called "Direct Link" which allows the handsets to be used as two-way radios. I haven't played with that feature yet so I can't comment on it but if it works as advertised it would be a very nice function.
8. Everything about the answering machine! I love the ability to completely control the answering machine from any of the handsets. Also, the blinking "Message Waiting" light on each handset is a welcome feature.

CONS:
1. Relatively short answering machine time of 12 minutes. For me this isn't really a problem but if you get a ton of messages then it could be on the short side.
2. As stated above, I like the blinking "Message Waiting" light on each handset but I just wish it would either blink faster or simply stay on constantly.
3. I wish the backlight on the base station would remain on constantly. Seeing as this unit is on constant AC power it would be nice to have the option to let this light remain on. This would make it easier to see the current time or number of messages waiting.
4. Like most expandable phone systems the extra handset bases are light as a feather. I wish manufacturers would simply put a little piece of metal in them to make them a little more stable.

All of my "CONS" I consider to be of very minor significance. I must have owned at least a dozen different phones in the past few years and so far this one is my favorite.

I just got this phone yesterday and I already love all about it, especially the fact that it has almost everything I've been looking for when I was doing my research on buying a new phone for my business, without having to spend a ton of money.

#1. The base speakerphone quality is very good, so I don't have to hold the phone dialing some HP tech support and waiting 30 minutes untill someone finally answers the phone. From what my wife said, she couldn't tell if I was on a speakerphone or using the handset.

#2. The fact that it has caller ID display on a base makes it much easier to see who is calling on the other line while you're talking to someone.

#3. The range seems to be pretty good so far. I can go on another floor in the office building or even go outsite the building and still get good reception without any static noise.

#4. I can record conversations using this phone, something I've been doing on my cellphone when I don't have a paper (or PDA) handy, or while driving (which wouldn't apply to this phone anyways). It may also come handy if you need to record a conversation for some evidence.

#5 This phone has a "HOLD" button, which you may think is standard, but you will be surprised how many phones don't have it, probably more then 50%. If you're running a business, this is a MUST to have feature.

#6. It's got all the other features, such as being able to insert or remove "1" on the front of a number on your Caller ID or remove the area code simply by pressing a button; I can adjust ring volume on the base as well as on the handset; The base has dial buttons so I don't have to pick up the handset to dial a number; The design seems to be well to medium well done and it fits nicely with other devices that I have on my desk; It has answering machine built-in, it can be expandable to multiple phones (although it's NOT a multiline phone) and lot more...

Well, not everything is perfect in this world, neither is this phone. There are couople of drawbacks in this model:

1). The handset volume could be a little louder. I use mine 100% and it's still not as loud as my other phone is. I like to have some room left for extra volume in case I have someone with really low signal on the other end of the conversation. But this can be easily solved by turning the handset speakerphone on, which will give you plenty of volume even for half deaf folks.

2). One big drawback in this phone is the power dependancy (which is what you will get on ANY 100% cordless phone anyways) If you don't have power coming to your house or office for any reason (such as power outage or unpaid electric bill), you won't be able to make or receive any phone calls using this unit, so you have to have a basic old phone as a backup for emergency situations. In my case I have a basic GE handset without the AC adapter (but with Caller ID ;) ) so I feel this issue is solved in my case.

3). As I mentioned earlier, this is NOT a multiline phone, so if you are buying it for business, you may consider to get a multiline phone instead. This is not exactly a drawback, but instead a design implementation, but I included it here in case someone need to consider this feature before you spend your money on this phone. In my case 1 line is plenty as long as I have Call waiting.

I am giving this unit 4 stars, because for the price you pay you will get a really nice device that seems to do everything someone in my opinion will expect a basic phone to do these days and possibly even more. I took 1 star away because of the drawbacks described above. We'll see how reliable it will prove over time.