Telephone Reviews

Pros:

Size: extremely small. fits in in your palm.

Feature laden interface, easy navigation

Phone book from one handset can be transmitted to additional handsets without re-entering to each.

Rechargable NiMH battery

Cons:

Proprietary battery

Proprietary headset and connector

No noise cancelling capability

The SL3501 is the upgrade to the Siemens 4215 series and carries over most of the 42XX series characteristics. The upgrade solves some of the 4215 issues but gives it the one thing it really didn't need, a smaller handset. I've owned the 4215 for about 2 years. When the base died, I started shopping for another phone. The T3501 was attractive because I could use my two 4200 handsets. However there were a lot of things I didn't like about the 4215, so I shopped around purchasing a total 3 different phones before coming back to the Siemens.

Here's how the 4215 compares to the SL3501:

Sound quality - The 4200 handsets have excellent sound quality, perhaps too good. Siemens choose not aggressively filter out the higher frequency range, so you clearly hear the background hiss inherent in any wireless device. They have nicely corrected this in the SL30 (the included handset). You can hear some background noise, but not a lot. They had to sacrifice some high frequency but the result is a more balanced sound with less noise. A worthy trade off.

Head set jack - An inexcusable omission on the 4200 has been corrected in the SL30. However, it's a proprietary jack for Siemens headsets only. They soften the blow by including an ear bud type headset. For around the house, I much prefer the full size headset with a boom mic. The included headset is functional but I could never get it loud enough or find a comfortable spot in my ear.

Answering Machine Voice Quality - The 4215 answering machine has some of the worst sound quality I have ever heard. There are 2 quality settings, both are pretty bad. The SL3501 improves the quality, but only a little bit. Siemens still lags behind Panasonic and others in this area.

Easy Access to volume - To access the volume control, it's a multi key stroke operation that requires you view the display. This makes it pretty impractical to use while on a call. Sadly this is just the same on the SL30. Two small buttons on the side of the phone would have solved this, URGH!

Base, what Base? - The 4215 base was already pretty small and discrete. Plus it doubled as handset charger. Since accessing the base was all performed through the hand set, there were no controls on the base. In the SL3501 they have taken this one step further and separated the base from the handset charger. Like the 4215 there are no controls on the base (expect page and handset registration) so the base can be placed discretely out of site, or centrally located for better reception. While this is nice, it contrasts with many other phones where the base serves and primary location for access to messages as well as serving as a speakerphone. The Panasonic 5.8 has a particularly nice base which really adds a lot to their over all package.

The Competition

As I mentioned, I tested 3 other phones which were the Panasonic 5.8ghz, AT&T 5.8, Motorola 2ghz. Of these, the Panasonic as was the clear winner. The AT&T was nice, but there was bad echo on all calls. Plus I could never get the speaker quite loud enough. The Motorola was not even close. The sound quality was horrible and the directory could not easily be transferred between phones.

Comparing the Panasonic to the SL3501

Sound - The Panasonic has exceptional sound. Like the SL30 the higher frequencies are trimmed back to cut the background noise. However it's more noticeable on the Panasonic. To my ear, the Siemens does a better job handling the hiss, while still retaining some higher frequency. But I'd have to give the Panasonic the nod for overall sound quality which is richer and fuller. The larger handset probably helps this by giving the speaker some "cabinet space".

Speaker Phone - Sorry, but the SL30 speaker phone is not that good. It's not very loud and gets choppy when there's ambient noise in the room. The speaker phone on the 4200 is better. The Panasonic's speaker phone is still better yet. It's loud and clear.

Access to the Dialing Directory

On the Panasonic you access the directory with omni dial, which requires 2 separate steps (down, then right). Most of the time, I got it wrong resulting in 5-8 button presses just to get to the directory. On the Siemens its one button and you are there, much easier!

Voice Messages and Caller ID

On the Siemens, there is a small red flashing LED that signals either messages or calls have been received. You access the call log and the messages with one button. Reviewing the messages and calls clears the flashing LED for all phones. On the Panasonic, the messages are indicated by a small flashing number on the display and a flashing LED on the base. If you are only looking at the handset you could miss it. The caller ID calls are all handled individually by the base and the handsets. If you answer the call on one handset, all the others mark it as "missed call". You have to clear the "missed" calls on all the handsets individually otherwise each handset always indicates that new caller ID calls have come in, even if they were answered or cleared on another handset. This makes the "new call" indication pretty much useless. Also, the Panasonic doesn't lookup the caller ID numbers to the names listed in the directory. The Siemens does this which is particularly useful for cellular callers where the name is listed as "wireless".

Summary

The SL3501 is a nice upgrade to the 4215. Many will find the handset too small, but fully functional. It has great sound, rich features and performs well. It has excellent integration with caller ID and the messages making more a phone "system" rather than a phone/answering machine combo. Sadly the German engineers didn't fix the 4200's usability issues and still haven't added a standard headset jack.

Great phone for the money. Big sound improvements over the old 4100 series, very easy menu and phonebook management if one is used to cell phones. I use Siemens triband cell phone and for me switch to Gigaset was seamless. Siemens does have more superior design and user interface than Panasonic. The rest of features are a matter of taste and personal preferences, such as sound which is very natural in Siemens, cell phone like operations and size. Stay away from 3501 if you are used holding your phone between your head and a shoulder. Also, do not pay more than 99 dollars as even Siemens website sells it in US for under a hundred.

I purchased this phone when it initially came out. I had to return the phone twice, mainly because the first two times the buttons would not respond properly. However on the good side,the phone has a good range and does not interfere with other cordless phones due to the 900MHz. Unfortunately I did not enjoy owning this phone. The caller ID screen would blank out at times. Also, my phone only lasted a little over a year, then it broke down completely. I usually have no problems with Sony products, maybe this was the exception?

I guess I was surprised to find this model still for sale. Usually I find that most models are not available for this long. I am actually looking for a new battery. One of the batteries that came with it has died but the other is still working. I purchased this phone about 5 years ago and have never had any problems with it. I have dropped it a few times over the years so it has the dents and scratches to prove it but it keeps operating flawlessly. I guess the only complaint I have had over the years is that the volume control seems pretty useless. I have another sony corded phone (yes, they still make them) and have the same problems. I have tried other brands such as Vtech and Uniden and the volumes seems to be a bit louder.

We're pitching the old casio in favor of this one. The reception is excellent, almost eerily clear on some days. The big, backlit caller ID panel is very easy to read, programming numbers into the directory was a cinch, and the handset is comfortable.
This phone corrects my complaints about a previous phone: short talk time and frequent, accidental hangups because of the handset design. In this handset, the "off" button is small and positioned in such a way that it's nearly impossible to hang it up unintentionally. The volume of your caller's voice adjust to three levels, and "low" has been plenty loud so far.
Entries are automatically alphabetized when you enter then into the phone directory, which is a nice touch, and the jog dial control on the side of the phone easily allows you to alter or delete numbers when people move.
The answering machine is well designed and easy to use, but not as clear as our old voice mail. Messages still come through cleanly, and the option of screening calls is nice to have, but the sound isn't perfect. Still, it seems worth the savings, as we no longer have to pay for our expensive phone company's voice mail on a monthly basis.
The nicest touch--and this is a biggie--is that once a number is programmed into your phone directory, the ring has a different tone when that number calls you (if you have caller ID service). This means that you don't even have to get off the couch to look at the ID panel; you'll always know when it's a friend or relative by the distinctive ring. It's a great bonus for those who hate dealing with telemarketers.
The good features about this phone easily overcome the mild annoyance of an imperfect answering machine.

The expandable two line phone solved all our phone problems. It has been very reliable and I have added to the system so we now have four phones plus the base. A good buy.

This VTech 20-2420 Accessory Handset also works with the VTech 20-2489 Expandable Phone system.

The 20-2489 system is identical to the VTech 20-2481 Expandable Phone system, except that the 20-2489 system has a 20-2420 handset (with stand/charger) included in the box, for a total of *two* handsets, instead of just one.

5 stars because it works well.

This is a terrific, well-priced, and reliable phone. Reception is clear, battery life is adequate and it is simple to use. I have tried many, more expensive systems and the v-tech 2 line is the best. Additional phones can be added seamlessly and you do not need an outlet in every room. The answering machine can be acceseed from any handset and the paging functions work quite well. I now have 5 phones using 2 lines on the system and am very pleased.

Used it for about 8 months until the 1, 5, and 9 buttons stopped working. It's great that I only paid ... for it, so I don't feel so bad throwing it away.

This is the perfect phone. The sound quality is clear as a bell and it looks good (discreet yet attractive). Cordless phones can't sound this good, and many other corded phones are built cheaply.
To look good get it in black or "espresso". The white
"windchill" looks cheap. Black is the traditional phone color anyway.
The only problem is that its enclosed modular wires are too short. Solution: After you get the phone go to Radio Shack and get 12 foot coiled modular wire (in black) for the handset and a 15 foot straight wire (in black) for the phone jack connection. (25 foot wires are too long and will get tripped over, damaging the phone.) Get all wires in black, these colors should match!
To be extra cool, get a mechanical bell ringer at Radio Shack (or at another store) mount the ringer on the wall, and use it with the phone's built in electronic ringer turned off.

If you're looking for an inexpensive handheld phone, try the AT&T 146 DesignLine Telephone. You can adjust the ringer volume or turn it off completely, redial, store numbers, or press the mute button so the person on the phone can't hear you.
The headpiece is very light, which is great for long conversations.

What I like best about this phone is the design. It has a space age kind of shape to it so it fits in well with modern decor.

Only when you read the very small print on the box do you find any mention of "batteries not included" and the battery size (3 "AA" bateries). It wasn't until I got home and opened the box that I realized it didn't include the batteries. The LCD display is a little tough to read depending on the room lighting. Otherwise, it seems to be a nice unit.

Very nice unit, the only thing that I don't like about it, is that it only takes batteries, you cannot plug it in. Best bet is to put rechargable batteries in it. One other thing that is not mentioned, unless I missed it, is that is has a timer on it, so you know exactly how long you were talking.

I picked my up at WalMart for nine dollars and ninty six cents, cheaper, plus saves you shipping costs.

I bought two of these units in March 2003. I needed "Call Waiting Caller ID" capability and bought these units after an awful experience with Radio Shack's comparable product. I was immediately impressed by how much better these units worked, and indeed they do everything well. They even have a call timer (which I wasn't aware of). The only bad news is that I've had one of them fail. A few weeks ago it started complaining of low batteries, even though I'd put batteries in both units at the same time. Removing the batteries then putting them back in solved the problem for a week or two, but then the problem came back. Finally, the problem came back for good ... even new batteries couldn't solve it. Then the display went nutso, it started displaying the call counter even though the unit wasn't hooked up. It did that even after having no batteries in it for several days (I thought that might reset it). So I've sent the unit back to the company for repair (Texas). We'll see. The other unit continues to work fine. I like this unit well enough that I'm even considering buying a third one for another room ... and keeping my fingers crossed.

This is a great answering machine for the person who is looking for an extended time that the incoming caller can record (100 min.) and allows the caller to leave as long of a message as they want. You just can't find this on any of the phones available at this time 12/27/2003. I have been using this phone since it first came out, approx 4yrs ago. At the time I thought it was pricy ($249.00) not including shipping, but I'd pay it again, the phone is that worth it. It is durable, I've dropped it several times on hardwood floors, and keeps on delivering those messages. Easy to use, many features that I don't use, because I never took the time to investigate them all. I would like one thing it doesn't have and that is a removable hand set, but it works well in sync with the other two line panasonics I have plugged into other jacks, so it's ok. I wish panasonic still made a machine with these features, multi line and decent speaker phone....I know others who would like this phone, but can't find it.

Overall, a good machine; speakerphone and caller ID memory are wonderful. But lots of steps to follow to access basic functions, even remotely. A couple of times, I know for certain that this machine has failed to record messages from callers...NOT good! Also, the recording quality leaves a bit to be desired, too; this is particularly true of the outgoing message quality; for some reason the callers' messages come through more clearly. (Hint: record your outgoing message remotely, from a quiet location--seriously!)

A very nice piece of telephone gear, integrating the phone, answering machine, and caller ID functions. I only have two complaints: 1. For some reason, there is no MUTE button! A mute button is the greatest, particularly for tele-conference calls. 2. There are no one-button speed-dial buttons. It can remember 100 names and numbers, which is great, but to access the list you must: a. turn the jog dial, b. press a letter key, perhaps a couple of times, to get to the desired first letter, c. turn the jog dial some more to get to your desired entry. That's a lot of activity to call someone you call all the time!

Skullycandy sells a model that lets you use your own headphones. That would be better because these headphones sound bad. Too much distortion! Otherwise its a really cool product. I can use the button on the mic unit to activate the voice dialing so I don't even need to take out the phone to make calls. Maybe a little bit less of the fake "we are cool and hip" marketing might not hurt. These would be useful for adults too.

Great Idea, but you really look like a fool walking around with all these wires. Got mine at J & R for 20 bucks.

This product is dream come true! No more fumbling for the cell when the call comes in. No more having to take off the headset while in listening to my music. I can listen to my music, answer my phone calls and never stop riding my bike.

Well worth the money!

Its a cool phone but the picture needs to show more detail and tell more about it. I didnt want to get it because i didnt even know where i would punch in the phone number so either tell more about it in the description or show more in the picture!

this is an great phone for a kid 7-14. it is a flip phone shaped ljike spongebob. the onle weaird this is that there is an on of switch.

I was up at my cousins house and she had one so I thought i would check it out. It's really a cool phone. When you open it, it looks like the inside of spongbob! You listen thru his brain and talk thru his pants. The numbers are on the back along with the on button (which I found was odd that you had to turn it on with a button.) He has feet and arms so he can sit or stand. I give this item a 4 star!

I had a previous good experience with a Jabra headset. This one was recommended for my Panasonic cordless phone by Jabra. However, the sound quality is terrible. It lacks any kind of high frequency response, and so sounds very boomy and full of bass, making it almost impossible to use. It also needs a foam cover, since any kind of slight wind movement makes it extremely noisy. I contacted Jabra about this product, but received no response. Maybe it would work better with a different phone, but definitely NOT with my Panasonic.

Really good sound quality for the price range. Suppresses outside noise very well due to such a snug fit. Since there are six (three different sizes for each ear), most people should find a decent match. Some of my friends found it kinda' hard to get used to sticking it in their ear but I thought it was rather soft and comfortable. It also stays in the ear quite well even while shaking one's head (Yep, I tried. I like a good tight headset.) According to everyone I called, the voice quality was also pretty good. Never had anyone complain to me about not being able to hear me unless it was windy or lots of background noise. (Don't think any other phones really do well in those conditions anyway.) The one downside is that due to the cylindrical design of the wire, the wiring came apart on the inside (took it apart to figure out why) because I used to wind the cord when not in use. Lasted about six months though. All in all, a pretty good headset . . just don't wind it up or fold it too much.

I've had two (broke one and lost one) and am ordering two more today. Nothing beats the simplicity of this gem. I use for my cellular phone (an LG 4400) and for my cordless house phones. Input sound is great, noise blanking fine for the recipient of my calls. Get very positive feedback from everyone I call. One of the best things I like is that there is nothing needed over the ear. It fits nice and snug in the ear.

I want to love this phone! It's small enough, it has good range, it is truly hands free/cordless, it's even a pretty blue, but...

The buttons are covered with thin plastic that is stuck on with adhesive like a bumper sticker and they are starting to peel. For some reason when I dial, a lot of static is produced as if the buttons are shorting out. I have to have the clip installed to be able to set it in the charger. If I don't set it perfectly in the charger, it won't charge, and it won't let me dial later without pressing the off button. I had to train my friends how to set this in the charger and they would still just hand me the phone. It is not loud enough. The earphone jack has just failed right where it looked like it was going to.

I don't recommend this phone. I just ordered the IBM 900Mhz version (with speaker phone) to replace it. Maybe I can "own" the IBM, rather than just "rent" it, like the VTech.

This is a neat little phone, looks good and some well thought out features but:

1. The headset is wierd, I have small ears and it keeps falling off. 2. The sound quality is quite poor. 3. The buttons require too much pressure to work. 4. The Plantronics CT-10 is by far a better phone and if you have the money, buy the Plantronics

The VTECH works better with the Plantronics headset, the OEM headset is it's biggest flaw.

I have to agree with another reviewer that the headset provided with this phone is lacking. However, in combination with one of the better plantronics headsets (a converter is required because the plugs are incompatible) this phone is everything I wanted. I conference into a lot of meetings and my VTech 1411 allows me to pace while I address the group (a habit I picked up years ago), answer the door without missing key info or a question aimed at me, wander off to the WC, everything one has to do when one works at home. With this phone, I'm honestly more productive than at the office where I'm tied to my desk. The audio is GREAT, even with the VTech headset (much better though with the plantronics), the volume range is sufficient, and in terms of range I can go out to the mailbox without missing a word - perhaps 150 feet with no signal degradation at all. TINY complaint: the unit has to be set on its cradle *just* right in order to charge. Life should be so rough! Just buy it: you'll love it.