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(More customer reviews)Before I start my review, let me point out that I've been using Panasonic phones for years, and I'm quite familiar with their phones. And every time buying a new phone, another feature is missing. So to date, I have so many features missing, I wish I could get back to my old phone from 8 years ago. And let me explain.
The TG-5240 Is replacing my TG-2257. I'm not crazy about the new hot orange color on the handsets LCD and keys. I would like blue better. Voice quality is clear and good. No problems so far. But the new missing feature is: on all my phones until now, whenever I playback a message and the handset is on the base, the caller ID shows while the message is playing. NO MORE! The handset just doesn't care I'm listening to my messages, it just shows me a freaking 'CHARGING...' message. So I have to figure out who is the voice talking on the message. I really miss that feature. (actually, according to the user manual, it supposed to work with the caller ID showing, but for some reason it's not working on my phone. I will contact Panasonic for that).
The talking caller ID is really weird. It reads the names very funny, and "out of the area" calls it always saying 'unavailable' and bla bla bla... I just hate it. Fortunately, you can turn it OFF (as I did). You can have this feature on or off independent on the base or the handset.
The recording in the answering machine has 2 modes. Standard, and Enhanced recording (for better sound quality), which reduces recording time in half (from 16 minutes to 8 minutes).
Another good feature (copied from cell phones) that if somebody is calling you and you don't want to pickup the phone, and you want to turn off the ringer now (for this call only), you could press the 'Off' button (which is as the 'end' key in a cell phone), and the ringer will turn off. The call will be transferred to the answering machine, of course.
There are many things more similar to cell phones in this phones. A few examples: A selection of many ringer tones with some musical ringers; When you come home you don't see any more on the handset LCD '5 new calls' or (like my previous TG-2257) 'new calls received', but you see '5 missed calls'.
A new feature on this phone, that on the top of the antenna of the handset there is an indicator lamp (which is flashing while the phone is ringing), and you have an option to set that if you have a new message, the lamp will flash, even the handset is off the base. So you don't have to go to your base to check for new messages. You just see the indicator lamp flashing slowly on the handset, and you press the soft button 'play', and you hear the messages on the handset speaker. Smart!
I also like that lately in Panasonic phones you have a redial list of the last 5 outgoing calls (Although some others have a list of the last 10 calls).
Let's go over some things Panasonic used to offer on their previous phones and now you can't get it any more, and I really missed them all.
1) LCD on the base to show Caller ID and other info. (even on the older models that do have it, it was never backlit).
2) In the good old days, the answering system had a 'fast talk' feature on message playback, so if somebody is talking too slowly, you can make it play faster by about 30%. And you was also able to rewind it fast (also about 30% faster than 1X the speed). (much like your CD players rewind and fast forward functions, when you press the forward button and hold it, it plays faster and while pressing and holding the rewind button it's rewinding but you can hear it. This was very useful for me in many situations, for example: you have a long message from your friend, with a return phone number at the end of the message, and I just wanted to re-listen to the phone number, I was able to rewind as many times as I wanted to listen to that phone number. Or restart the message from the beginning and fast forward it to the point you want to listen (you know, we're always in a hurry...)
In the newer Panasonic phones (last 4-5 years or so), if you press rewind - even if you keep holding it, it will return to the beginning of the message or to the previous message, same as forward will move it to the next message. Also, the last few years they have a new useless feature called 'Slow talk', so you can play the message about 30% slower than usual! I never used that feature. But for you people who did used it, be advised that this feature has been eliminated from this phone. No more slow or fast talk - just regular speed.
Now, let me describe some features Panasonic never had, but other competitors do have them, and would be nice to see them in upcoming Panasonic telephones (I hope Panasonic is reading the reviews).
1) Show the time (and date) on the handset when not in use.
2) Automatically adjust time when a caller calls in (with caller ID). In Panasonic phones you have to set it first manually, and caller ID will adjust the time if the time is incorrect. But if the date & time have not been previously set, caller ID information will not adjust the date & time.
Sorry for my long review. I hope you'll find some useful information.
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Panasonic KX-TG5240M GigaRange Supreme 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable Cordless Phone with Answering SystemProduct Description: Panasonic's KX-TG5240M utilizes the 5.8 GHz band and digital frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for increased call security and range and for less interference. This system comes with one handset but can accommodate up to three more (for a total of four). Compatible with Caller ID/call waiting, the KX-TG5240M offers a 50-station caller ID memory and dialer, accessible through the handset's three-line backlit LCD. It also features talking caller ID, which audibly announces who's calling through the handset and base speakerphones. Rounding out the main features are an integrated digital answering system and a light-up antenna on the handset that flashes to alert you to new calls and messages. The handsets also offer a variety of ring tones and melodies to choose from.
The KX-TG5240M allows you to pre-program frequently called numbers, even for chain dialing (ideal for calling automated systems that require a series of numeric inputs). It's also Caller IQ compatible, a service provides updates on weather, sports, horoscopes, and more; the information is sent directly to your telephone and displayed on the handset screen. (Caller ID and call waiting require subscription through your phone company. Caller IQ is a fee based service that requires registration.)
What's in the BoxKX-TG5230M base unit, handset, AC power adapter, phone line cord, belt clip, NiMH battery pack, user guide, warranty information
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