- 5.8 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum cordless system
- Call Waiting Caller ID with 100-station memory
- Handset speakerphone; headset compatible
- DirectLink 2-way radio; 10 programmable ring tones
- One-year warranty
But selecting a new cordless phone is no simple proposition. There are dozens of variables to consider, and a wide range of brands, models and prices. Rather than searching primarily by price, many will find it easier to search by the specifics of their functional needs, narrow the results by reviews and brand reputation, and then narrow further by price.
My search began with these technical requirements:
· 5.8GHz in both directions (some manufacturers extend handset battery by using 5.8Ghz base-to-handset, and 2.4GHz handset-to-base).
· Digital handset-to-base transmission, and with some form of frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for security.
· System extendable to at least three cordless handsets.
· Handsets must include headphone jack and speakerphone.
· Base unit must include digital answering machine.
· Excellent audio (listening and speaking from handset and headphone jacks.
· Useable audio (listening and speaking) from speakerphone.
· Ergonomic handset with positive-touch buttons of reasonable size.
I'm particularly uninterested in cordless phones that attempt to mimic the size, weight and ergonomics of cellular handsets. I do not carry my cordless phone in my pocket, and I have no need to trade ergonomics for portability.
Items that do not concern me include:
· Caller ID.
· Phone book.
· Cordless range longer than 25-feet.
With that, I researched dozens of products that met some or all of my basic criteria, including models from Motorola, AT&T, Uniden, Panasonic, VTech and several others. All but the Uniden TRU9485 (which is available in the base single-handset package, as well as 2and 3-handset packages) failed one or more criteria -typically ergonomics. The TCX905 handset (supplied with the TRU9485 system) could still use slightly larger number buttons, but compared to all the other models I inspected in person, it was the easiest to dial.
The TRU9485 has all the basics I listed above, plus many extras that are very handy:
· Two handsets can participate in a call simultaneously.
· Room/baby monitoring that allows any handset to monitor any other handset.
· Handset-to-handset communication, either as an intercom, or directly without engaging the base.
· System time and date set from any handset.
· Single touch "do not disturb" button on base unit silences all ringers.
· Phonebook entries can be sent from any station to any other station.
· Remote answering machine control from any handset.
· 3 number redial list.
· 100 number caller ID list.
· Separate mute and hold functions.
· Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.
And lots more. The system is compatible with a number of Uniden handsets, including TCX805, TCX400, TCX440, TWX977, ELX 500) and the TCX905 included with base. Everything you need is included, including batteries, belt clips, and even a phone line for the base unit.
The TX905 handset has a nice weight, and the buttons have a positive feel that lets you know when they've been pressed. The display is easy to read, and the internalized antenna is a plus.
There are very few things I dislike about this system, all of which are drawbacks with nearly every cordless system out there:
· Limited ring tones/tunes.
· Only three ring volume levels (off, low, high).
· Short answering machine record time (12 minutes).
· Answering machine security code is only 2 digits.
· Always-on lights on handset base units waste power.
Overall this system is a terrific improvement over the 2.4 GHz system that it replaced, and other than the typical cheesy, electronic ringtones, there's really no major improvements I could think of. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]These are the best phones I have ever owned! I actually have TRU9485-4WR, it comes with a "submersible" handset as well as three other handsets with chargers. You can add up to 9 handsets to this system. As reviewed by others, it has the awesome ability of getting your messages at the handsets, and as some others left out, you actually have FULL answering machine control from all the handsets. Includes handy "call screening" option (read manual). Great sound, including the answering machine messages. Also mentioned by other reviewers: You can copy phone books (memory dialer) to other sets & base. But you can also copy just a single entry to other sets. A "copy to all" feature would have been nice, but it only takes a minute or less to copy to each one individually, and the intuitive menu system helps make the process easy.
Setup was quick and easy. I did read the manual, but not entirely, and I would not have to to learn most of the functions if I wanted just a simple basic setup without the phone book entries, and I would have been able to figure out how to program the date & time without the manual easily. I read it to understand some of the more complex settings, and how to open the phone book. You open the phone book by pressing the left 4-way button which is marked by surface contour only, not colored with an open book symbol. This may be the only thing you need to know from the manual! I liked all the default option selections that were active on the first powerup, except I changed the 1 minute max time per message to 4 but I did change the two-digit answering machine security code.
One serious drawback on this system for some people might be it's answering machine limitations: 12 minutes maximum and either 1 (default) or 4 minutes per message limit. But I have not seen more than 15 minutes max total on a digital answering system & cordless handset package, so this is pretty much "on-par" with the rest at this date, I will not remove a star rating for this, but I would if it were 10 stars max.
Also, you probably don't want to wall-mount this system, the base must remain horizontal.
I had a hard time deciding on this purchase because I LOVE to use a headset a lot and want a "belt" clip on my handset, and many packages did not advertise the clip on the package. The 9400 series packages have the clips, but I only noticed it written on the bottom of the package, where I did not look the first time.
I replaced our AT&T 1256 system with this Uniden set. Our AT&T system made an annoying loud "beep" at irregular intervals on the other end, and we would miss just a syllable of the conversation at our end (we did not hear the beep). We did not notice until the warranty was expired. It took us years to finally afford to replace our cordless system. This Uniden set is sooo much better.
Pros:
Full answering machine control, with voice HELP features that tell you what to dial to do what, at all the handsets & call-ins (with code)!
Great sound quality of conversations.
Great sound volume.
Great sound quality of (digital) messages.
Wireless 5.8 GHz does not interfere with 802.11 a, b, g, etc. wireless networks.
Intuitive menus.
Lighted keyboards & LCD backlights help you in dark rooms.
Message waiting flashing LED visible at all handsets.
Entire base LCD flashes when there is a new message.
Great redial: Three-sets of last number dialed remain in memory for re-dial.
Can copy phone books & single phone book entrys to other units & base.
Can copy current number incoming to phone book*.
Room monitor "Baby monitor" feature, and can set handset to private to disable.
Speakerphone: Other reviewers say it works great I haven't tryed it.
Conference calling: Multiple handsets all on the group (call) conversation at once.
Headset jack & belt clip included.
Intercom & handset finder.
Intercom will operate without base, directly between handsets.
Instant record of conversations but it uses message time and beeps at both ends (legally required).
Cons (all these are very minor, unless you need a lot of answering machine message time):
Only 12 minutes of answering machine message time, and only 1 or 4 minute per message limits possible.
Only two-digit answering machine security code.
Range might be a bit low for large houses, reported by other reviewers.
"Mute" label on the LCD ("softkey") is hard to read in a dark room, and the tiny print would be even harder to read for those with weak eyes, but eventually you remember where it is if you use it often.
Lighted keyboard & LCD could stay lit a bit longer.
Base needs button press before lights come on, but flashes LCD when new message.
Belt clips could be better.
*Some reviewers have complained about lack of a "1" prefix added to incoming numbers added to the phone book, but it is easy to insert a "1" there.Good sound quality and user friendly interface/setup.
The things that stand out most for me are:
-Large buttons on the base, HS buttons aren't too small.
-Speaker phone on both the base and HS.
-Adjustable volume on the fly(6 settings)for ear and speaker phone.
-Easy to read displays.
-HS is just the right size, not too big, not too small.
-All in one phone, caller ID, and answering machine.
-Flashing light indicating new message.
If I have any beef at all at this point it's that the caller ID memory on the base doesn't update when you delete a number from the HS. Besides that, I am very pleased with the whole package.
I would easily recommend this product to my family and friends.
HS= HandsetWe've had this phone for about a month & when we first got it, the handset would ring at the same time as the base. But lately I've noticed that the handset doesnt ring/make a sound until about 1 second after the base. Another reviewer said the same thing for the 9485/2 and it's annoying. When this happens the handset is no more than 30ft from the base, so I know it's not a distance thing. Another thing is that the date/time/name "stays on" on the handset which is a waste. The melodies/tones are "cheesy" like a lot of other reviewers have stated.
Apart from that this phone is pretty cool. The monitor is a cool feature. Make sure to press "privacy" though if you dont want someone listening in on your conversation. U can also record your calls and another cool feature is when someone else calls while you're on the phone U have the option to send them str8 to the voicemail, or send them a message saying to hold on or u can send a message saying you're busy.
Will purchase additional handsets in the future.
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