Ultra Cool Gadgets

Packed with contemporary features, the Panasonic KX-TG4322B 5.8 GHz Expandable Cordless Digital Answering Phone System includes handy call waiting and caller ID features, an all-digital answering machine with 12 minutes of recording time, a 50-station shared phonebook, and a digital handset speakerphone.
With the Panasonic answering system, you’ll never miss important calls, even when the ringer is off. The integrated light-up indicator featured at the base of the handset’s antenna will flash quickly when an incoming call is in progress, and will flash slowly to let you know you have a new message. Should you choose to expand the answering system to include additional handsets, each handset can be programmed to ring or simply flash at your discretion. The system is compatible with up to three additional handsets (for a total of four).
In addition to the standard call waiting feature, this system comes with call waiting caller ID2, a feature that allows you to see who’s calling you if you’re already taking a call. Other great features include a 50-station shared phonebook, a handy charge indicator, a backlit LCD display, and a convenient intercom feature. Providing up to five hours of cordless talk time, the handset’s rechargeable Ni-MH battery offers up to 11 days of uncharged standby battery life.

Technical Details:
Versatile and easy to use 5.8 GHz expandable digital cordless answering system
Call waiting; caller ID2; night mode with light-up indicator
All-digital answering machine; built-in clock with alarm on handset
50-station shared phonebook; digital handset speakerphone
Rechargeable Ni-MH handset battery for five hours of talk time with 11 days of standby time

Customer feedback:

1. I ordered this updated version of our previous Panasonic phones. The first phones were fabulous except that the numbers on the buttons wore away. This set of 2 phones works great so far, with some welcome improvements such as (1) you only need to type your phonebook info into one handset, not both as with our previous phones, (2)and the base unit rings as well as the handsets, therefore, if a handset is in another room or outside where you might not hear it ringing, you can hear the base unit ring. This is a great set of phones for the price.

2. I purchase this phone for it’s solid reviews and performance. Amber back light and answer machine and voice caller id and most important it’s Night mode. Night mode turns the ringer off while you sleep for a set period of time that you choose. The main issue is no backlight for keypad. It’s a standard feature with a majority of the phones out there but Panasonic didn’t think so. Why have a backlight LCD and light marker if you can’t see the pad to answer the phone. This to me is a fatal flaw for an otherwise great phone.

A 2.4 GHz digital cordless phone from Panasonic, the KX-TG2224W comes equipped with popular features, including an integrated digital answering system and caller ID with call waiting compatibility. It features 30 caller ID memory locations, as well as a built-in handset speakerphone for hands-free operation.
By utilizing the 2.4 GHz frequency and digital technology, the KX-TG2224W offers clear, intelligible reception even at a distance. The integrated one mailbox digital answering system has a record time of up to 15 minutes and features all/new message playback, skip, and repeat, as well as a SlowTalk message setting, while remote message check lets you stay in touch even while you are away. A time/date stamp lets you know when each message was received, and a 50 number phone directory lets you easily find and dial the most frequently used phone numbers.
The NiMH battery has a six-hour recharge time, while the low-battery indicator lets you know when to return the handset to its base. The two-way intercom lets you easily communicate with others in the home or office, and a page button on the base makes finding a lost handset quick and painless. Wall-mountable, freeing up valuable desktop space, the KX-TG2224W is headset compatible (a belt-clip is provided) saving your neck from the strain of cradling the phone. It also comes backed with a one-year limited warranty.

Features:

2.4 GHz digital operation
Caller ID with call waiting
Integrated digital answering system
50 speed dial presets
Voice Enhancer technology improves overall voice quality

Customer feedback:

1. Ive only had the phone a few weeks so time will tell, but so far Im happy. Horrible battery life and poor sound quality on both the recorded greeting and on the recorded message were the primary reasons for replacing the old phone.
The biggest complaint from other reviewers seems to be the battery, but for me the battery life is worth every penny of the purchase price. The first few charges have each lasted a full week before the battery indicator was down to “one bar”. During this week, there was probably only about hour of usage, but this is pretty typical for our household.
I haven’t recorded a greeting yet, but the quality of recorded messages is just as clear as is the sound during a call. The phone has some kind of voice enhancement capability, but it is turned off. I dont need the phone to have great range, but walked around the yard with it just to see what it could do. At 100-125 feet, there was no change in the sound quality so that was good enough for my use.

2. I can’t tell you how many phones I have looked at to finally find one that has all the bell’s and whistles at such a great price.

Wireless network-friendly phone systems take communication to a higher level for incredible sound clarity. The KX-TG5432M 5.8 GHz GigaRange system uses frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology and operates on a different wavelength with much less traffic than 2.4 GHz phones to give enhanced range, security, and clarity. The multi-handset cordless phone system is ideal for large families and home offices.

Features:

- 5.8 GHz frequency-hopping digital spread spectrum technology (FHSS) for minimal interference, clear sound, and all the advantages of digital
- One additional handset and remote charger stand
- Caller IQ compatible
- Chain dialing
- Call waiting/caller ID to see the name and phone number of incoming calls even while talking on another call
- 50-station caller ID memory and dialer
- 50-station phone books that are sharable among handsets
- Large multifunction three-line LCD display on handset (see each caller’s complete caller ID information without additional scrolling)
- Backlighting on the handset LCD greatly aids visibility especially in low light
- All-digital answering system with voice menu & time/day stamp, 2-Digit LCD call counter on base, remote control from handset and outside lines
- Voice enhancer technology
- Easy operation (menu driven)
- Three ringer patterns and four melody rings
- Lighted handset keypad
- Each handset includes headphone jack and belt clip

Customer feedback:

1. Needed a phone system that wouldn’t conflict with my wireless-g network. This one worked flawlessly. Excellent range can use outside the house. Crystal clear. Transferable phonebook between handsets. Works great with Vonage. It does everything I was looking for.

2. I am very surprised at some of the reviews for this phone, and am glad I did not see them before I purchased mine about 6 months ago. The phone has been flawless for us. We have the base downstairs in the kitchen and the satellite handheld on the 2nd floor in the master bedroom, quite a distance from the base. We use the intercom every so often without any problem. I have roamed the entire house and have had crystal clear reception each time. I have not tried venturing out into the yard very far with it.
The answering machine does everything it is supposed to. I love the feature of erasing some messages and keeping others. My old machine made you erase all or none.
I had a lot of family visiting with their laptops over Thanksgiving and the phones did not interfere with our wireless network. My sister complained that her 2.4 gHz cordless interferes with her wireless network all the time.

With a complete set of high performance features and expandable functionality, the Uniden TRU9485-2 offers a full set of convenient options for busy homes. Call Waiting Caller ID includes a 100-station memory (with subscription to local service) that allows names and numbers to be transferred between handsets or moved into the permanent 100-station speed dial. DirectLink two-way radio communication is built into each handset, allowing them to function as an in-home intercom system or baby monitor. Redial any of the last three numbers at the touch of a button, activate three-way calls or just enjoy the consistent, clear 5.8 GHz digital signal transmission.
This set includes two handsets; the system is expandable to a total of ten. You can transfer incoming calls between each handset, and make use of the convenient hands-free design by using the included belt clip and built-in headset jack (headsets available separately). Easily adjust handset and ringer volume levels to your comfort, and set the handset LCD menu to one of three menu languages (English, French, or Spanish). A page button lets you quickly locate the handset if it’s strayed under the couch cushions.
A digital answering system is built into the base; call screening and recording are available from the handset as well. The base is wall mountable or sits sturdily on a countertop, giving you plenty of display options, and a total of 20 different ring tones (10 tones, 10 melodies) give you a variety of choices.

Technical Details
5.8 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum cordless system
Call Waiting Caller ID with 100-station memory
IntegriSound digital answering system with memo recording
DirectLink 2-way radio; 10 programmable ring tones
Package includes two handsets

Customer feedback:

1. 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.

2. est features I love are:
1. Monitor any room you want in a flash
2. Privacy option prevents your guests monitoring you
3. Do not disturb button keeps all units quiet.
4. Global settings. Awesome - you set the settings in base, it applies automatically to all other units.
5. you can label each handset.
6. registering the handset to the base was a dream, put the handset in the base for 5 sec & you are done.
7. walkie-talkie feature
8. check messages from any handset.
9. all handsets have a red blinking light if there is a message. so, no need to run to base to check messages.
10. you can record a conversation.
11. you can enter your local area code, so when you dial local #s, no need to dial area code.

With a complete set of high performance features and expandable functionality, the Uniden DCT758-2 offers a full set of convenient options for busy homes. Call Waiting Caller ID includes a 100-station memory (with subscription to local service) that allows names and numbers to be transferred between handsets or moved into the permanent 10-station speed dial. DirectLink two-way radio communication is built into each handset, allowing them to function as an in-home intercom system or baby monitor. Redial any of the last three numbers at the touch of a button, activate three-way calls or just enjoy the consistent, clear 2.4 GHz digital signal transmission.
The system is expandable with up to four handsets; two are included in the package. You can transfer incoming calls between each handset and speakerphone on the base, and make use of the convenient hands-free design by using the included belt clip and built-in headset jack (headsets available separately). Easily adjust handset and ringer volume levels to your comfort, and set the handset LCD menu to one of three menu languages (English, French, or Spanish). A page button lets you quickly locate the handset if it’s strayed under the couch cushions.
A digital answering system is built into the base; call screening and recording are available from the handset as well. The base and charger are wall mountable, or each can sit sturdily on a countertop, giving you plenty of display options, and a total of 20 different ring tones (10 tones, 10 melodies) give you a variety of choices.

Technical Details:
2.4 GHz analog expandable cordless phone system
Call Waiting Caller ID with 100-station memory
IntegriSound digital answering system with memo recording
10 speed dial locations; 20 programmable ring tones
Package includes two handsets; One-year warranty

Customer feedback:

1. For the price, we couldn’t find a better phone. The extra handset is nice, as well as the room monitoring feature. Great buy!

2. Bought this to replace a larger system after lightening struck the base of the old one. The extra handsets from the old set were easily programmed to expand this system (but only to a total of 4 handsets.) This has lots of features, good reception, clarity and hearing volume. Shipped quickly by Amazon without problems.

With the VOIP 321 you can make free Skype calls as well as normal landline calls. You can make and take calls on both networks from one single handset, and you can see who is on-line without going to the PC, just by looking at the display.

Features

* Free calls worldwide via Skype to any other Skype users: With Skype you can enjoy making free calls all over the world to any other Skype users. Skype, SkypeOut are trademarks of Skype Limited. Windows XP/2000 through Broadband. PC should be switched on and Skype connected.
* Direct Skype key to access your contacts list: With a single press on the Skype key, you can directly access your Skype contacts list. The list of the users currently logged on to Skype is displayed and you can see their online status. This Skype key also enables you to take the line (once the contact selected) and to make a Skype call (Skype & SkypeOut).
* Skype conference calls with several friends
* Make or take calls via Skype
* Make or take calls via landline
* Low rate call cost on standard phone numbers via SkypeOut
* Skype contacts list accessible anywhere at home
* As easy to use as a standard cordless phone

Customer feedback:

1. Great sound quality and even better range this phone works much better than I imagined. The phone has a feel of quality. The only thing wrong with this phone is that the computer needs to be on for it to run Skype and there are phones out there than run independent of the computer but their not for me because they make Skype the default connection over the landline phone.

2. I’ve had this phone for about 2 months and use it daily as my substitute for a phone. I only have a pay-as-you-go phone for a ‘real phone’ so I spend about 15-120 minutes daily on this VOIP phone using Skype. It has been spectacular. After the brief installation, it was set to go. I simply activate the software each time I boot up my computer (double-click on the icon I placed on the desktop), let the software and Skype start up for about 15-30 seconds, and then I’m off to call whomever I want with SkypeOut. [For reference, I’m running on Windows XP SP2.]
Sound quality has been excellent on both my ends, which has been my main issue with hardware with Skype. I have had 3 different microphones and one USB Skype phone for over a year prior to getting this phone and they offered a range of sound quality with the most notable differences on the other end (could they understand me or not? I could always understand them). With this phone, there haven’t been sound issues. It isn’t the best but it is at the higher end of the spectrum of what I’ve used.

The Philips VOIP841 is the first completely independent DECT cordless phone that lets you make Skype calls without a PC. And with the added flexibility of letting you connect your land line, this phone can take care of all your calling needs. The Philips VOIP841 is a self-contained unit that requires no installation of software or connection to a computer; simply plug the base into any power outlet in your house, connect it to your broadband connection, and you can start making free Skype telephone calls right away. (To make Skype calls, you must open a Skype account. A Skype account is not included with this phone.)
And by simply plugging your home telephone line into the VOIP841, this phone can double as your everyday landline, giving you the ultimate in convenience.

Technical Details

* Stand-alone cordless phone lets you make Skype phone calls without a computer
* Can also be used as a traditional phone with a landline for extra convenience
* Full-color display and 4-way directional pad makes navigation simple
* Handset can store up to 500 Skype phonebook entries
* Phone has up to 12 hours of talk time and 120 hours of standby on single charge

Customer feedback:

1. If you hate paying the phone company a ton of money for calls you probably aren’t going to make, Skype is a great service. You can make unlimited phone calls within the U.S. and Canada for just under $30. Out of country calls are extremely cheap. For example, I can call the U.K. for a bit over 2 cents per minute. So having a telephone you can count on to make reasonably good calls is critical. The Philips VOIP841 is not a perfect solution. The sound quality is somewhere between a cell phone and a land line. It’s a bit better than the former and not nearly as good as the latter.
But for making and receiving calls from family and friends, it’s great. And it will pay for itself quickly and save you a ton of money on your phone bill. I even use mine for business calls overseas and many times within the U.S. With Skype, you can make conference calls. So business users will find this of interest. Although the phone allows you to make Skype or land line calls, the land line is no better or worse than the Skype line. In fact, I believe the Skype calls may be somewhat better on this phone.

2. When I first got this phone, I had both a land line and Skype. I have since dropped the land line because I’m more than happy with the Skype service, especially due to how much $$ it’s saving me (a ton, by the way). As Skype will tell you, they recommend you keep a land line, because Skype does not work with 911. I have a cell phone which works with 911, so I’m less worried about that and I live in a condo with lots of people around me. If 911 service is of a concern, then you might want to keep the land line. When you place a call the phone will ask you if you want it to go through the land line or Skype. FYI, someone wrote that they were still asked that even though they didn’t have a land line, but I was able to change the settings and now the phone always uses Skype.

The GE28310EE1 phone comes with Skype P2P (peer-to-peer) software on a computer processor chip built into the base of the phone, enabling the system to function without connecting to a PC.The GE28310EE1 delivers full Skype support, sending and receiving Skype/VoIP calls as well as standard PSTN calls, while permitting conferencing of up to four VoIP users. The phone features DECT 6.0 (Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology), which delivers calls of exceptional voice quality without the static, pops, hiss and buzz which severely hinder the performance of most wireless home and small office telephones.The GE28310EE1 telephone has many enhanced features, which serve both traditional phone line and Skype calling. These include polyphonic + midi melody ringtones for custom ID of incoming callers as well as a 200-entry phone address book that can sync up with the consumer’s computer.

Technical Details

* Call Waiting/CallerID
* No PC rquired - Handset speakerphone
* Expandable up to 4 handsets
* Color LCD - Melody ringtones
* WiFi Friendly - Make standard & internet calls

Customer feedback:

1. I have owned this phone for about 3 weeks now, and my review is based on my experience with it in that time. First off, the setup was a snap. It took less than five minutes to get the phone up and running (and perhaps another 20 to complete the optional firmware update). Setup consists of connecting the base station to your internet router and to an electrical outlet, then configuring the hand unit for your Skype account. Additional tinkering was necessary to customize the features to my liking, but I found the interface fairly user friendly and this process was also easy.
While user friendly, the interface is definitely the weakest aspect of the phone. It is slow and a bit clunky. There are noticeable pauses while switching between screens and especially when scrolling through contacts. The refresh rate on the color LCD screen is slow enough that when it scrolls a long contact name across the screen, the letters become significantly blurred and almost impossible to read. Additionally, it requires several clicks to view missed calls and access voicemails (e.g. Menu -> History -> Voicemail -> Options -> Play).

2. We got this phone to get rid of our landline. Installataion was very easy. Speaker function works well! We love it! We don’t have to use our computer to talk people.

The Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype is part of the iPhone family of products that use the Internet to enhance the way you communicate. The CIT400 is a full-featured cordless phone that provides an easy way to take advantage of Skype Internet calling as well as place calls over your normal phone line (PSTN) from a single device. No PC required! Just sign into your Skype account from the handset, and your contacts and their availability are displayed on your color screen. Advanced DECT cordless technology won’t interfere with 802.11 wireless networks. Dual-Mode capability lets you choose whether to make calls over a standard telephone line or with Skype. Just select who you want to talk to from your contact list on your handset and get ready to talk.
The Linksys CIT400 also allows you to choose to make calls to other Skype users or over your existing standard telephone line. You’ll get the convenience of a cordless phone and all its features, plus the high-quality voice reception integrated right into your Skype handset–no computer is required.

# Model: CIT400
# Handset frequency bands: 1920-1930 MHz
# Standards: DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication Standard)
# Speech coding: 32Kbps ADPCM
# Distance range: 300 meters outdoor, 50 meters indoor
# Number of channels: 5 channels
# Standby/talktime: 120 hours/6 hours
# Display: 4K color LCD with 128 x 128 pixels
# Power: 2 x AA 750mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries
# Base station ports: Ethernet 10/100 (RJ45), Line (RJ11)

Customer feedback:

1. I always wanted to have the stand alone Skype phone, and the reason I waited and did not jump on the “mobile-like ones” was the battery factor and the issues aabout logging on other networks when you were away from home…
Now this one is just THE ONE !! plain and simple..
Installation could not be more simple. Take out of the box, plug at your cable modem (or a router like I do) and plug the power. Turn the phone on, input your skype account and password (or create a new one) and that is IT !
Ready to go…
It is quite light, has a plastic feel, but nothing that would take any credit out of it ! It is in fact quite “modern looking” phone. Better in my opinion to be a bulkier cordless phone like the ones everyone is used to nowadays. Sound got better (as if it have anything to improve from the CIT 200) in reality.. It is just like a regular phone !! All the time…

2. We’ve been using it for about a week and so far it’s really good. The best part is that with skype built in, it just plugs into my wireless router and I don’t have to have the computer on all the time. We keep the handset on it’s charger most of the time so I can’t comment on battery life. The sound is great; so far no complaints from us or from anyone we’re talking to (I’ve had a few people say it sounds better than when I call on my cell phone!). The user interface is simple and the phone looks nice too. You can add people to your contact list on the phone and it will update your skype contact list online as well, and vice-versa, if you update your contact list on your computer the handset will update too (I think it updates at night, but was able to have it update when I wanted by logging the handset off and back on. I have a skype-in phone number which came with voicemail and that works seamlessly with the phone. You can easily change your coicemail greeting on the phone. When someone calls and leaves a message a red light blinks on the top of the phone notifying you and checking messages is a cinch too.

Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone is a phone with a wired USB connection to the PC and an integration with Skype. It features ClearVoice providing face to face conversation quality with the convenience of a classic phone.

# Model Number: VOIP080
# Handset keys: Line, Dialing keypad, Skype, Mute
# User interface: Skype-call LED
# Other convenience: Cable management
# Handset Volume Control: 8-level earpiece
# Number of melodies: 10
# Softphone compatibility: Direct call from contacts list
# Fully integrated with Skype: Yes
# PC functionality: All functions of the PC to establish your phone calls
# USB compatibility: USB 1.1
# System requirements: Windows 2000/XP; Pentium based PC with 400 MHz CPU or better; 128 MB RAM; 30 MB or more Hard disc space; 33.6 kbps or faster Internet connection (broadband preferred); available USB port; CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
# Power supply: USB powered

Customer feedback:

1. Pro
- Even though the handset is NOT plug-and-play directly out of the box, but after the one-time setup process that involves the installation of a “VOIP080″ program, the handset works reliably there after.
- When the VOIP080 is executed, it will kick start Skype, load the driver for 080, and configure the audio in/out for Skepe on the handset. This is normally a single-click operation.
- The voice quality is VERY good. Provided your internet connection is reliable, the voice quality on this handset is definitely comparable to normal landline phones. There is no echo, no distortion, or any other audible artifacts.
- You can dial numbers directly on the handset. However, when you punch the numbers in, they actually appear in the Skepe window that’s running on your COMPUTER, as the handset itself does not have any display.
- Incoming calls will ring the handset, with several ringer choices.

Cons
- The fact that this thing is not plug-and-play is rather inconvenient. You can only use it on the computer that already has the VOIP080 program installed. If you’re traveling and using a shared computer somewhere, you’re out of luck.
- Sometimes, not always, the normal audio on the computer is being routed to the handset. Per design, only the Skepe audio should be routed to the handset. For whatever reason, this doesn’t always work, which is annoying.
- The handset is rather cheaply constructed. The USB cable, in particular, is problematic. Because you need to wrap the cable around the grove on the sides of the handset every time you “travel”, the ultra thin USB cable will simply snap in time. I’m already on my second one. The base shown in the picture is a useless piece of light plastic.
- Because the VOIP080 program actually hooks into the Skepe application itself, I suspect there will be potential compatibility when Skype rolls out new versions in the future.

2. This phone has excellent sound quality compare to other Skype phones I’ve tested. So far, the voice quality for all the Wi-Fi Skype phones from Belkin, Linksys, and Netgear are mediocre. The dual mode models (ones that won’t need a PC) offer better quality but still on the pricey side. This USB phone hits the perfect spot in terms of having great sound quality and low price.

Currently it only supports XP/2000 with a newly released Vista driver. No MAC support. Also, buyers beware of the VOIP0801B driver software and Skype version compatibility issue. I installed older version of Skype v2.5.0.122 with VOIP080 Phone Driver v3.1.0.0 that came with the CD. Those are guaranteed to work with each other by Philips. On their support page, they mentioned the latest driver VOIP0801B v3.5.4.0 for XP currently only supports up to Skype v3.6.0.xxx. So check for compatibility status before you decide to upgrade your Skype software or phone driver.