Telephone Reviews

I have owned this phone for over 2 years.
Pros:
*900 MHZ DSS=Excellent range, (the second largest after my toshiba)
*Very clear connections. I haven't experienced the humming some other reviewers have.
*Lighted Keypad
*Sturdy and well built
*Very good answering machine
*No paying extra for caller ID, call waiting (no need to give my money away to the phone company)
*Belt clip and wall mountable, both handy
*Speakerphone, although it is not the best quality, ( I love the digital panasonic speakerphones)
*Good volume for audio in the handset (The panasonic I just mentioned was return for such a low volume in the handset despite setting it to the loudest volume)
*Spare charger in the base. I also bought the second battery, so my hanset is always available. I find the need to change the battery about once a week with normal use
Cons:
* If you need caller ID, get the version with caller ID, not this unit
*After the first 19-20 months the number 3 key stopped working. I decided to open the handset and clear the contacts, and that worked fine the first few weeks but the problem returned. Now I have to keep cleaning it every few weeks, which is a drag. I guess this is an issue with my unit only, so be on the look out for similar complaints
Bottom line: very good phone with great range and clarity, very good answering machine and average speakerphone. I am planning to buy it again. I will let you know

I have tried just about all of them, from cheap to expensive, and this one is really great for the money. I have had to replace the battery once since I got it approximately 4 - 5 years ago. Sound is great, has an answering machine, caller ID, etc. Go for it and spend the extra money you save by buying this on something else.

I've had this phone for about 6 months and have been very pleased. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles such as caller ID or call waiting, features I don't need, but does offer dss security which I really wanted. I can take it outside or in the basement without sound quality problems. Also, the handset feels comfortable in your hand, the answering machine is functional, it has a neat memo feature which allows you to leave voice messages for other household members when you leave - I just don't have anything bad to say about it!

Synopsis: Space-saving base design, but poor sound quality (for person you are calling) and frequent bouts of interference have forced me to send this product back. The Good: * Compact design of base allows for easy placement in tight areas. * Backlit display The Bad: * People I have called with this phone complained that voice clarity and volume was lower than usual. * Interference was prominent when in a different room from the base; static is worse when near electric appliances (i.e., computer monitor, microwave) This phone has similar levels of interference as my old Panasonic 900 MHz phone. I have also tried the Motorola MA351 2.4 GHz phone. Neither phone has been spectacular.

I purchased this phone because the price was low and it had the features I was looking for, Caller ID, Call waiting Caller ID and a message waiting indicator for voice mail service from the local phone co. These features work well but the sound quality is not that good. The speaker where you put your ear has only a very small slit opening that makes it hard to hear a caller unless you move the phone to just the right position on your ear. Even with the volume turned all the way up it is annoying to use. AT&T phones used to be some of the best cordless phones on the market but they are now made by a subsidary of VTech called Advanced American Telephones. I would not purchase this phone again and would be cautious about a phone from Advanced American Telephones or Vtech.

I've been through a number of these cordless phones and I always come back to AT&T. This one is perfect if you want a good clear cordless phone without spending a fortune. Previously I had this same 1400 series with an answering machine built in but the answering machine lasted about a year before it became garbled and unclear. It looks like AT&T could build a good answering machine doesn't it? Oh well, now I have a seperate Sony answering machine and this. There are some things I don't like. It's analog instead of digital and it has nicad batteries. Just make sure you get the "battery low" warning before you put it on the charger. Otherwise nicad batteries will develop a memory and only hold the short charge they become accustomed to. I honestly believe most of the battery complaints I read about are people who don't know how to treat nicad batteries. They need to be cycled, which means run down completely and charged completely to retain their memory. This phone is always clear and has good range. It is comfortable and has good features. You can even select a distinctive ring tone for your girlfriend.

Not good, even when I turned off my wireless LAN. Poorly made and not durable at all. The 2.4G range is too croweded and we live on a half an acre. Siemens dissapoints. Will not buy a 2.4G again. Someone needs to develop a bluetooth that uses a different frequency.

I have used this system for about a year and now have a base unit and 3 extension units. I've found it reliable, very durable, and easy to use. I appreciate the adjustable volume controls on the handsets. The range and clairity is fantastic. The batteries, though, seem to need constant re-charging. Also, the design discourages balancing the handset on your shoulder and holing it to your ear. But, really, this is a great improvement over the last generation of cordless phones.

I first bought a 2420 system with 2 auxillary handstes to support my home office throughout my home. I was pleased enough to then buy a 2402 system with 5 auxillary handsets for my residence lines. (I should add that one of my handsets, 6-months old, simply stopped working for no apparent reason, but I've had no other performance issues.)

The handset size is comfrotable and ideally proportioned. It can be clipped to your belt or carried your pocket. The handset's features are complete, (except that there is no intercom feature to track misplaced handsets). Reception is also great.

A big plus is that the auxillary handsets use any type of rechargeable AA battery.

Be forewarned, however, that someone in the house should read the detailed instructions that accompany the system. This is a sophisticated system. Summary instructions are embedded in the handset's LED and may be accessed by scrolling, but the LED instructions are cryptic. I, for one, did not understand them until after I'd read the User's Manual, (a first for me). But once you've completed the Setup procedures, you'll need only to remember: "When in doubt, take the phone away from your ear, (apparently a difficult motor skill for Teens), look at the LED screen, and press the button below the appropriate command."

The phone has received high marks from several sources, which is why I bought it. It has terrible range! It clips the voice into pieces which is very hard to understand. I have a brick house which I would consider of average to small size. I cannot go into my basement with it nor into my back yard. I only wish I had spent more time testing it within the 30 day return period. I will be replacing the phone soon. IF THERE is anything you get out of this review, it is to make sure you have the time to put ANY cordless phone through its paces during the store return period.

Also something that is annoying is you cant make a call from another area code from the caller-id list without hitting the * key so that the phone will append a 1 in front of the phone number. I have called customer support and that is the way it is designed.

This phone has a great answer machine on it and the voice quality is superb, but the range is terrible. It may be good for an apartment or a condo, but I couldn't walk through my house without it breaking up, and my house isn't that big. And the instant I walked out the door it broke up, only forty feet from the base! I was disappointed. My recommendation after trying many phones is the 5.8 Ghz AT&T or the V-Tech version of the same phone. I know they transmit 2.4Ghz back to the base but I tested it, there is no interference on either end from micowave ovens or wireless B connections. If you live in a house I would not recommend this phone.

I was rather disappointed with this phone for the following reasons: The buttons on the keypad are way too small. I had to use the very tip of my fingers to dial numbers.
It doesn't wall mount - although this may not bother others.
When using the phone, the sound I heard was wonderful, and the range very good - BUT several people that I spoke with complained that my voice sounded 'tinny' and distant. The last complaint\issue is one I have had with all of my cordless phones - there is no backup power for the base unit. Everytime there is a power outage, the time and date have to be reset.

I have used this phone for 1 week now. Here are what I have experienced:
The good:
1.Very easy to use menu system
2.Speaker phone on both base and handset
3.No interference with wireless computer network
4.NM-Hi battery

The bad:
1.Poor sound quality, a lot of background static noise. My 6-year old 900MHz phone has far better sound quality. Really surprised and disappointed by this.
2.Tried two headphones, none worked well. The GE brand one didn't work at all. The Panasonic one worked better but the other party still complained couldn't hear well.
3. No caller ID panel on the base station. The little panel on the base is only for message box etc.
4. No ringer on/off switch on the handset.

Overall, it's not worth the money. The sound quality is just too bad.

The 5240 series improves on the excellent 5110M ( the previous generation). Things that are better :

1. Smaller handset design.
2. Better battery.
3. Backlighting better, and display sharper.
4. Talking caller ID is neat.
5. Ability to download contacts form Outlook to the phone (through a paid service).
6. Call quality about the same as the 5110 series (I strongly recomend that you check out those reviews as well).

Negatives :

1. No LCD on the base. However, talking caller id helps.
2. The voice enhancer can make people sound funny. Then again, turning it off is a metter of pressing one button.

Bottom Like :

This is the best 5.8Ghz set you can buy.

My brother owns this phone. I'm the one who gets to listen to this Panasonic transmit the voice. I don't understand some reviews that state the sound quality is bad. It's just the opposite. The phone sounds very much like a good corded phone...on both talk AND receive. No noise, just clear good sound.

I write this because I recently purchased Uniden's newest 5.8 phone. I read so many glowing reports about it's sound quality. After all, once you finally stop "playing" with these phones..it's the sound quality and comfort that really matters...at least to me.

The new Unidens on the receiver end DO sound great and plenty loud. BUT if you have voice mail at work or even on your cell phone...just leave yourself a message with the Uniden. You'll see the transmit quality is HORRIBLE...dark, muffled, like a cheap cell phone. Back to the 5200 series Panasonics...they sound GREAT on both send and receive. Don't buy HALF a phone...like the new Unidens. Mine went back to Staples! Make sure you listen to both send AND receive on your new phone. If you buy a Panasonic 5200 series...you'll have about the best sounding cordless out there...

I once had the expensive Siemens cordless system, but ditched those on Ebay b/c of the horrible ergonomics. If you picked up a phone call for another person, you couldn't just yell, 'pick up the phone' b/c the other units couldn't barge into an existing call. You'd have to remember the cumbersome process of call-forwarding.

Anyhow, the VTech system doesn't have such problems, so right off the bat I was encouraged. Out of all the great features this system offers, you cannot custom name each station. You are stuck w/ the default numbering. Thus if you want to transfer to, or page, another handset, you have to recall which phone is which number. What is more surpising is that older VTech system allowed custom-naming, according to tech support.

Contrary to a previous review, I didn't find the answering machine quality horribly poor, but it isn't stellar either. I can certainly live with it.

What I think isn't so hot is the general sound quality when on the phone. I would have thought that 5.8GHz would be the best I've ever had. On the other hand, phone lines only transmit a very poor quality sound; something like the equivalent to 11kHz mono (vs 44kHz stereo for compact disc music).

My only other complaint is the general crappy belt clips that snap onto cordless phones, including these. If you bend over & the phone is too far towards the front of your belt, the clip snaps off & the phone tumbles. Better design would be appreciated.

The i5881 is full of features. It has everything that you need on a cordless phone. The quality of the phone is very good. The ringers and phone settings are easy to configure and let you personalize the phone. Call quality is great on both regular and speaker phone. A few minor things that are inconvenient include: the caller ID on the handset and the base do not link up (ex. base says 4 new calls, handset says 0 new calls); the answering machine quality is pretty good, but can use a bit of refinement. It seems like the treble is a little too high. However, everything is understandable. Overall this is a very good phone for the price, and is one of the best phones out currently. The minor imperfections are not enough to lower the rating to a four, maybe a 4.5 but thats not an option.

I have never had luck with cordless phones. AT&T phones have been awful, as have Southwestern Bell, and Uniden. These V-Tech phones have excellent reception. I'm very impressed with the battery as well. They are worth every penny. I also have the previous model for my other home. They have taken a lot of abuse and still keep going. The features are simple to use. I've never had to look at the handbook. Some of the other reviews shocked me. It seems some people are overly picky, and should spend $200+ to get what they are wanting. I will never purchase any other phone.

I have bought nothing but Panasonic phones over the last twenty years, and this one does not disappoint. I bought it in Tan/Black/Silver and it looks nice with my other office equipment. The only time I get any kind of distortion is when I'm standing directly in front of the microwave while it's running (a given); otherwise, reception is crystal clear on every single call. I especially appreciate the red light at the top of the handset that blinks during incoming calls and when I have voicemail messages (even though the unit itself does not include an onboard digital recorder). The only drawback I've seen with it is the fact that you cannot use the handset in speakerphone mode while it sits on the base... Other than that, this phone is one of my favorites!

Features you don't normally find in a basic cordless w-Caller ID. I would definately give it 5 stars if priced less. The speakerphone was my biggest sell and works very well (even hour-long conf calls). Selectable ring-tones, last-5#-redial, sharp lcd display, lighted keys, voice enhancer, multiple setup options, etc. Also includes belt clip + simple shoulder rest attachment.

I have looked all around to find a good cordless... I recently had a Panasonic and I loved it. Then I got a Motorla which was staticy and wasn't a good phone. I grew up with Panasonic Cordlesses and I bought this one in blue and I love it. I can store all the names I need, I can adjust the ring and its volume. Plus if the phone rings and i cant find it the two red flashing lights make it easier. Even with the lighted keypad and screen it makes dialing much easier in the dark. With the caller ID and Caller ID waiting is really cool. I'm only 11 so if I'm on the phone with my friend and someone calls I can just say "Wait hold on my dad's calling" I have 5 phones in my house 1 is standard and the other 4 are panasonic cordlesses. I give this phone a 5 star reccommedation. If I were you I would buy this phone, You wont be disapponited!

I had to exchange this product 3 times because I have received defective one, refurbished one, and 2750s instead. I noticed the price went up after that so I guess Amazon.com found better supplier.

Good: customizable ring tones for both handset and corded phone, intercom function, 3 different mail boxes for each family member, good reception, voice mail check and speaker phone function from handset

Bad: no distinctive ring function, horribly low volume, time stamp after each message as another user described.

I have used the headset with my Motorola cell phone headphone because the volume is too low. I have used Panasonic headset in the past with another Panasonic phone. It even lowered the volume and it was easily broke so I do not use it any more.

Over all, I think this product is ok except low volume but it is very pricey, considering all the facts.

Update: After using this only for 3 months, the battery runs out after about 5-10 minutes of talk time, even after over 12 hours of full charge. I am contacting Panasonic.

We got this phone system so my husband and I could use the intercom feature to talk to each other from opposite sides of the house. Works great for this purpose. However, on the cordless handset, the caller ID doesn't show up until after 3 rings, then you have to hurry & answer it before the answering system kicks in. My husband ended up having two different cordless phones on his desk; one for the intercom and another one so he can see the Caller ID display. What a pain in the neck!! I e-mailed customer support at Panasonic a couple of weeks ago and have heard NOTHING from them.
UPDATE: 3/17/04 - We still had no reply to our e-mail, so we called the toll free customer service number. They guided us through the steps to change the "Line Mode" from the factory setting of B to A. This solved the caller ID problem. They still should have responded to my e-mail, but I'm changing my rating from 3 stars to 4. I'm pretty satisfied with the phone now.

I bought this phone a few months ago. It's fantastic. I havent had any problems with it. All the functions work perfectly and it does things, like allowing you to easily check messages from the extention phone, that go beyond anything you would likely need. Caller id shows up after one or two rings, as is typical. Phone sound is good. Battery finally ran out on extention phone after about a week of not being charged. Really great phone. Highly recommended.

Well, we've had pretty good luck with Panasonic cordless phones. Our first one was the best lasted for years clearest reception then we got a 900mhz one about a year and a half ago. The audio quality wasn't as good as the older one that wasn't even 900mhz, but it was acceptable. But recently the 900mhz has had problems. So we thought this would be a good simple choice, and should be better quality, and this one has the NimH battery so it should last longer(more charges), those Ni-Cd ones get expensive.
but NO, this thing is horrid, first the battery doesn't last long at all, so much for that as a plus. But the audio quality was horrible, it's like a bad cell phone, with drop outs and all kinds of digital garbling. It was useless. maybe someone in our area has a wireless router at the same frequency??? I don't know this was unusable. And yes, the microwave makes it even worse. Never had problems like this with any of our OLDER Panasonic phones but the new ones seem to be junk. It's too bad, they are all so cheap now, but no one seems to make a quality one. Still looking.

Awful awful sound quality, worse than the $20 Bell Northern phone with which I replaced it. Also the battery dies so fast that if you don't check the phone every six hours it dies before you can notice the "recharge" indicator blinking. Just being away at work for 8 hours is all the chance it needs for the battery to die even if when you left for work the recharge indicator wasn't lit..
Also the ring volume is very low, so if you happen to be watching a movie or listening to music when it rings it's easy to miss.

I did not buy this for the speaker phone but I was amazed on the quality of sound of it. This phone lets you turn off the ringer ... which was important so it did not wake the baby ( the base lights-up when it rings). It could have had more options for the price, but it meets my needs well. Now, I wish I could turn off the handset locator buzzer since my child plays with it!

I too have to disagree with the other reviewers. I think the phone is great. I have had the phone for the past three months and have had no problems with it. I've owned other phones but the Panasonic is by far the easiest and one of the clearest. I have tried other people's 2.4 Ghz phones and they don't sound much better than this one. For a phone that offers caller ID and an answering machine this would be a great buy at $70.

I cannot disagree more with the other reviews of this phone. I have had this for about a month and it works great. The sound quality is excellent and the reception is clear even at a great distance from the base unit. I have owned Panasonic phones in the past and they have all been excellent.

I owned many phones and this is buy far the best one I have owned. I have had it for approx 2 years now and have not had one problem. I used to buy the more expensive phones and they never would last. If this phone ever dies I will buy the same one.