Siemens 8825 Gigaset 2.4 GHz 2-Line Expandable Cordless Speakerphone with Answering System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great multi-line, multi-handset, cordless phone system.It's a big improvement over the previous generation from Siemens (the Gigaset 2420), and it's far better than the Panasonic system that I bought (the KX-TG4000B).
Gigaset 8825 features that I love:
1. HANDSETS -- The handsets are "dense" - just heavy enough to feel solid and high quality - much better than the old, light, "plastic", cheap ones from the Gigaset 2420 system.The handset speakerphone is a feature I didn't think I would want or need, but it works great.The ability to give each handset your own "name" (like kitchen, or family room, or upstairs bathroom) makes the intercom capability much more useful than trying to remember where handset #3 is!!!
2. BASE STATION -- The speakerphone works fine - almost as good as a Polycom speakerphone.The "MUTE" function on the base station works great - I just wish that the handsets had a mute!The base station has attractive clear backlit buttons for some functions, like Speakerphone/Mute, Calls, Voice-Mail, Intercom, Flash, etc.But it does NOT have clear backlit buttons for the telephone number keypad used for dialing - a big flaw.
3. ON-LINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION -- May seem like a trivial thing, but I love the fact that Siemens lets you register your purchase on-line via the web site.I wish that the registration process directly solicted feedback -- They currently only ask for the essentials.
4. MULTI-LINE MADE EASY -- Unlike the Panasonic KX-TG4000B, you can easily join a call already in progress.So, if Gramma calls and one family member answers the call from one of the cordless handsets, anybody else can easily join the call by pressing "TALK" on one of the other handsets or the base station.On the Panasonic KX-TG4000B, the first person to answer must "invite" others to join using a complicated Conference feature.
Gigaset 8825 FLAWS:
1. HANDSETS -- Although significantly improved over previous generation (2420) handsets, the 8800 handsets still lack a "MUTE" button -- critical for conference calls.Siemens needs to add an explicit physical button to quickly select MUTE (when the baby starts crying), not just a "menu item".Also, the telephone number keypad used for dialing still has black plastic buttons with no back-lighting.This makes it impossible to dial in the dark.Siemens needs to make the telephone number dialing buttons clear and back-lit, on both the handsets and the base station.And, there is NO way to start a new call on Line #2 -- when you press "TALK" it always selects Line #1, without giving you a choice.The only way to get Line #2 is if one of the lines is already in use -- then it gives you a choice (e.g., Join line #1, or Use line #2).Finally, the handsets need explicit buttons for volume, just like the base station.Using the menu system on the handset to change the volume is tedious and time-consuming.
2. HANDSET CHARGING CRADLE -- The new handset charging cradles do NOT have a light indicating that the phone is charging.There should be a RED light indicating that the phone is charging and needs charging, and a GREEN light indicating that the phone is already fully charged.
3. BASE STATION -- As mentioned earlier, the telephone keypad needs clear and back-lit number buttons for dialing in the dark.The base station also needs a rechargeable battery back-up, in case of power outage.
4. DIRECTORY -- Although you can "transfer" directories of names and phone numbers from one handset to another, a centralized directory always shared across the entire system would be a huge improvement for home environments.
5. VOICE QUALITY -- Although voice quality is greatly improved, I would still pay a premium price for a cordless phone with higher quality voice.Why can't somebody make a cordless phone that sounds like a wired phone?I want CD quality voice on my cordless phone!
CONCLUSION -- The Siemens Gigaset 8825 is the best multi-line, multi-handset, cordless phone system I have ever owned.But, if Siemens makes additional improvements, I'll buy the next model to get needed enhancements.

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Product Description:
Siemens raises the bar with the 8825 Gigaset, a 2.4 GHz two-line expandable cordless communication system. Expandable to eight handsets, the 8825 offers a wide range of features, including a digital answering machine with four mailboxes. The voice-announced Caller ID (with subscription to service through your local carrier) uses your voice to announce incoming calls. Caller ID information and a directory of your 120 speed-dial presets are displayed on an easy-to-read backlit LCD. Siemens includes an extra handset (model 8000 Gigaset) with charger.
The lightweight handset provides call transfer, conferencing, intercom, and room monitoring. It weighs just 7 ounces and has controls for volume, call waiting, flash, and last-number redial. Two AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (included) provide eight hours of talk time and eight hours of standby. The base and cordless handsets provide digital speakerphones and headset jacks for hands-free conversation. Additional handsets require no extra phone jacks.
A built-in answering machine completes the system. It has four mailboxes, date and time stamp, individual announcements for each incoming line, and 45 minutes of recording time. The unit also supports full remote operation, so you can collect messages while you're away.
What's in the Box
Base station with built-in tilt LCD, corded handset, coiled handset cord, cordless handset, cordless charger/base, AC power supplies and cords, two AA rechargeable NiMH batteries, one belt clip, telephone line cord, instructions, warranty information

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