Panasonic KX-TG2258S 2.4 GHz Digital Cordless Phone with Talking Caller ID and Answering System Review

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(More customer reviews)Since I have only purchased Panasonic brand cordless phones for over 10 years, my review is really based on my expereinces with older Panasonic models rather than competitors of Panasonic.
I purchased an earlier Panasonic model (KXTG-2680N) of this phone two years ago, and for the most part I really liked is clarity and multitde of features (it was at the time one of the top line phones).However, like other Panasonic cordless phones I've had in the past, the number buttons on the handset started to stick and then stopped working at all.
I bought this particular model as a replacement for the older KX-TG2680N because I'd becomea fan of the talking caller ID function.While I initally thought it was a silly function, I later found it very helpful.If I couldn't find the handset quickly enough to read the caller ID, it was nice to have a voice that told me who was calling.The KX-TG2680N talking caller ID was unintentionally funny; its pronunciation and accenting of names was often terrible, and it took time a couple of moments to figure out what it was saying.The newer KXTG-2258, however, has improved the pronunciation of names and there are far fewer times when I have to pause to think about what it is saying.
One downside of the KXTG-2680N was that the phone's battery life was short; I never bought a replacement battery, so my conversations had to be 45 minutes at the longest.So far the KXTG-2258 appears to have a longer battery life (but it has only been three weeks).
Other improvements of the KX-TG 2258 are that the buttons on the handset and speaker are bigger, and their placement is more intuative and therefore less confusing.The handset is much bigger and more comfortable to use (the older model tried to copy a cell phone) .There is also the slow talk option on the answering machine (which I don't use much) that helps when you're trying to take down a number or directions. I loved the handset speakerphone, and it is still featured on this phone. The clarity of the phone is excellent, so the voice enhancer is really not important to me.
The KXTG-2680N was full of features, but it was not an easy phone to navigate; I read the maual throughly and refered to it often.You still should on this phone, and while it still isn't the most user-friendly phone, much is less confusing than its predecessor.
However, there are things that could be improved upon and helpful features that Panasonic dropped on this lower-end model of the phone:
--The KX-TG 2258 still does not have a one-touch programmable speed dial; phone numbers are entered in the handset's phone book.Annoyingly, the phonebook can only be accessed through the handset, rather than the speakerphone and handset.
--If you are listening to the answering machine, you can't dial the handset. The machine stops playing when you press the talk button.
--When dialing from the phonebook, you cannot switch to the handset speakerphone until the number is complelydialed.Also, you can't acess the phonebook if the handset speakerphone is on.
--The answering machine may allow you to slow down a message, but it does not allow you to speed through one.You have to listen to the message from the beginning rather than forwarding to the important part of the message.
--The phone comes with several different rings tones for incoming cals.However, it would have been more useful if you could assign a group of incoming numbersa certain ring tone so you could tell who is calling.In other words, to program a caller group.The older model had this feature, and additionally the handset screen lit up a different color so that you could hear and see that it was someone from a particular group that was calling.I always thought it was overkill along with the talking ID, but I find myself missing that feature the most.When the TV is on or I cannot hear the talking ID, I could simply look at the handset from a distance and know if close family and friends were calling.I can't do that anymore with this phone.
Other than these things, the phone--so far--is good and the answering machine is okay.I just hope that the number keys on the handset don't begin to stick again!

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Product Description:
Offering a range of exciting features including 2.4 GHz digital transmission, the Panasonic KX-TG2258 connects you to the outside world with a consistently clear channel and plenty of room to roam. Special Voice Enhancer technology simulates additional bandwidth, allowing human voices to sound much more like they do in person than what we generally hear over the phone.
A three-line backlit LCD on both the handset and the base supply access to caller ID information (with subscription to the service via your telephone company). The names and numbers of up to 30 callers will be displayed, along with the date and time of the call. Additionally, this model is equipped with Talking Caller ID, which verbally announces who's on the line before you've even left the couch. And don't worry about missing your mew messages--both a visual announce light and an audible "stutter" will let you know when your voicemail has new information.
The built-in fully digital answering system provides up to 17 minutes of messaging, or eight minutes on the best quality setting. Memo recording, remote operation, and pre-recorded outgoing messages are all included. Panasonic provides a one-year warranty covering parts and service.
What's in the Box
Base unit, handset, battery, AC adapter, telephone line cord, belt clip, instructions, warranty card

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