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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Panasonic KX-TG6702B 2-Line 5.8 GHz FHSS GigaRange Expandable Cordless Phone System with 2 Handsets Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you need a two-line, expandable cordless phone system, the pickings are pretty slim. Of the few out there, the Panasonic system is the best. I previously owned both early and late generations of the Siemens Gigaset systems. Both were POSs. No wonder Siemens got out of that line of business.

The Panasonic system has great sound quality and pretty much every bell and whistle you could want.

Is it perfect? No. Here's what I'd add or change in the next version of this phone:

1. The (user selectable) flashing indicator on the handsets for new voice messages is great. But it works only with messages left on the machine's built-in recorder and not messages left on phone company-based voicemail? C'mon Panasonic, this is trivial to implement. Lots of much cheaper phones can do this. Even most caller ID boxes have a message light. Silly omission.

2. When you clear the missed called list from any handset or the base, it should likewise clear the missed called list on every other station. Just like when you listen to new messages and the blinking indicator stops flashing on every station. Annoying, basic user interface design flaw that would be so easy to correct in the next generation.

3. The ONE thing the Siemens Gigaset did that I miss is the ability to slip a handset into the charging base during a call and have it charge the battery and not drop the call. If you do this with the Panasonic, it hangs up. You could also initiate a call on the Siemens phone while in the charger by using a plug-in headset or the speakerphone feature. I'm sometimes on long conference calls and it would be nice to be able to do this when the battery is about to die.

4. A two-digit PIN for retrieving messages remotely? That's just ridiculous, Panasonic. C'mon... it should be at least 4 digits long. At least the PIN is user-selectable.

5. There are cheap (< $1) belt/pocket clips for the handsets available from Panasonic. You'll see an order form in the box. Geez, Panasonic. Think ya coulda sprung for a FREE one of those with the phone? It's little piece of plastic, for crying out loud. They snap on firmly and are particularly useful if you like to walk around while you talk with a plugged-in headset.

6. Speaking of headsets, another nice-to-have feature is Bluetooth connectivity between the handset and a wireless headset that you probably already own for your mobile phone.

7. Reduce the size of the transformer plug on the charger base. It's ridiculously large compared to similar devices (e.g. my mobile phone's charger). Move the transformer circuitry from the plug to the base itself. The base is mostly filled with air right now. The extra weight in the base would make it more stable anyway.

None of these are showstoppers for me. Overall I'm very satisfied with thesound quality in both speakerphone and held-to-your-ear modes, the peaceful coexistence of the 5.8 GHz with my WiFi network and microwave oven, the very adequate battery life and the system's ability to deal with my city's mandatory 10-digit dialing and four local area codes intelligently. It's also very important to me to be able to copy dialing directories between handsets and it's simple to do with this system.

Are you listening, Panasonic....? Bueller? Anyone?

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Product Description:
Panasonic KX-TG6702B 2-Line 5.8 GHz FHSS GigaRange Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System with two handsets

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Panasonic KX-TG1062M DECT 6.0 Cordless/Corded Phone with Answering Machine With 4 Handsets Review

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(More customer reviews)The Panasonic KX-TG106x (x = number of handsets included) phone system works very well, sound quality & volume are quite good. Batteries (uses 2) are a standard AAA rechargeable NiMh that can be upgraded from the included 630mah to Ray-O-Vac's 1000mah for under $11 (set of 4 batteries). With the 1000mah upgrade I get about a week of standard use between charges. Call blocking is fantastic, you can "input" up to 30 numbers you don't want to here from plus you can also select to block "private caller" or any other calls that do not contain an actual phone number. When a "blocked" call comes in, the phone will ring once (for caller ID information) then rejects call. On the receiving end the caller will get one ring then a busy signal. The only disappointment (although minor) is that you can not directly copy "phone book entries" between handsets, you have to send the "phone book" tothe base unit & then to the handsets. With a 100 entry phone book it is of more than adequate capacity. When the power goes out, the base reverts to a very basic telephone as there is no battery backup for advance functions such as caller ID or the answering machine. Range is very good at about 175'-200' from the base to place or receive phone calls. Along with remote message retrieval handsets allow erasing of messages. Both the main unit & charging bases are provisioned for wall mounting. With 15 user selectable ring tones & melodies to choose from most can find 1 that will meet their requirements. Simply put, I'm unaware of a more feature rich phone with this sound quality or capabilities.

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Product Description:
At Panasonic, we never stop trying to increase our knowledge of the ways in which technology can improve people's lives. That's why we've engineered our latest line of DECT 6.0 digital telephones with even more innovative features that enhance the way you communicate. Designed to complement your lifestyle and improve the way you live, our 2009 line features big button handsets and larger, clearer displays in sleek, simple packages.
--PLUS--
Additional Two Handsets Included.

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Panasonic KX-TG6545B DECT 6.0 PLUS Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System with 5 Handsets Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Panasonic KX-TG6545B DECT 6.0 PLUS Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System with 5 Handsets

Just to qualify - I rely HEAVILY on my phones for constant daily use in work / business calls and I use the headset feature a lot as well as speakerphone. I've been using similar types of phones for about 5 years now and have owned Uniden TRU8885, Uniden TRU9485, Uniden DECT2085-3, and Panasonic KX-TG1033S.

I've been using this new set of Panasonic KX-TG6545B DECT 6.0 for about 32 days (as of the time of this review) and so far these are the best out of the bunch.

LIKES:
- Handsets are lightweight and comfortable
- VERY EASY TO SET UP AND GET RUNNING
- Sound is clear on handset AND HEADSET (optional separate purchase), the latter of which is really important to me
- Almost no crackling noise when I accidentally shift the headset connector around
- Talking Caller ID actually works! It's not perfect at pronouncing some words, but you definitely know who is calling without looking
- Very full array of features!
- Buttons are big enough for people like me with big hands, and the spacing between the buttons really helps avoid wrong presses
- Battery life is excellent AND they take standard NiMH AAA rechargeables, so NO MORE PROPRIETARY BATTERY REPLACEMENT HASSLES! BIG PLUS!
- Lots of redial and caller ID memory
- Phonebook groups for easy lookup and dial quickly
- AUTOMATICALLY copies your phonebooks to all handsets just by saving an entry on one handset

DISLIKES:
- The speaker phone on the handsets is a tiny bit too susceptible to background noise, but still acceptable
- Still, as with all others like these, on rare occasion the sound drops out or phone says no signal even 2-feet away from base. (HOWEVER, this problem occurs less than with any of the other 4 or 5 brands/models I've tried)
- There is some lag (delay) when answering a new call or flashing to another incoming call. Have to wait a couple seconds for the other party to hear you pick up.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
I'm much more satisfied with this set than any of the others I've tried in this price-range. It's not perfect, but definitely 4-Star worthy and I would recommend trying this set if you need a multi-handest DECT 6 solution to cover the whole house.

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Product Description:
6500 Series Dect6.0 Phone/ 5 handsets

Get 22% OFF

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