Panasonic KX-TG6500B 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable 2-Line Cordless Phone (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There are, at this time, exactly two 5.8 GHz 2-line expandable phone systems -- this Panasonic and the Uniden TRU8866 -- and I found it frustrating to research them because they're new and there's not much information out there. So my two cents, should it be helpful...I bought this Panasonic 6500B and three handsets, played with them for a week, and called today for an RMA number to return them. I'm now evaluating the Uniden system, which I think I'll end up keeping.

(For reference, I'm migrating from a Siemens gigaset 2420, 2-line 2.4GHz system, amazon item B00004R7R1. It's noted for a few quirks, but it's been solid for 6 years and I'd easily favor it over the Panasonic.)

Pros:
-- you only have two options at present, so this phone does deliver 2-line 5.8 GHz functionality
-- blinking antenna for ringing/message was a nice touch
-- all of the basic stuff you'd expect...intercom, speakerphone, Caller ID, etc.Cons:
-- poor sound quality, even compared to my 2.4GHz system -- there was a constant hiss even when standing near the base, and it wasn't line noise. (There is a voice boost/voice enhancer function, though even the manual notes that it might amplify any existing line noise you may already have.)

-- one 'feature' that tilted me toward the panasonic was a 'shared' phone directory among the handsets and base. It actually works like the Siemens - you have to manually copy phonebook entries from one handset to another, so keeping them all in sync is a pain.

-- The handsets didn't behave like extensions of the same line; when you answer a call on one handset, all of the others display 'missed call', which you must then clear from EACH handset. So I always seemed to pick up a handset with a few missed calls, which were actually answered on a different handset.

-- Lack of an aux port so the phone can catch the distinctive ring and shuttle a call to the fax (btw, the Uniden doesn't have this either)

-- Misc. minor annoyances: Panasonic still uses a two-digit code for the answering machine, as it did ~15 years ago. Only eight ring tones (4 ring/4 melody), none of which were great.

-- basic interface is just crude compared to other modern phones/cell phones (I'm a techie with a UI/usability background, so I do have bias there).

Overall, I found this Panasonic to be a step down from the Siemens. I've only had the Uniden for a couple days, and I'd certainly say it's the better option of the two.

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Product Description:
Panasonic KX-TG6500B BLACK 2-LINE 5.8 GHZ EXPANDABLE CORDLESS PHONE SYSTEM

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