Uniden TRU9485-3 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and 2 Extra Handsets
by Uniden
|
List Price: Our Price: $101.07 You Save: $28.92 (22%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
|---|
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Uniden TRU9485-3 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and 2 Extra Handsets
Customer Review: Superb, extensible 5.8 GHz cordless phone system
Summary: 5 Stars
The introduction of 2.4GHz-based 802.11b/g wireless computer networks will spell the end of many 2.4GHz-based cordless phone systems. Though one can continue to use the phones, the interference they cause with wireless computer networks is a nagging problem. The solution is to either upgrade your cordless phones or your wireless computer network to 5.8GHz. For most, upgrading the phone will be simpler and cheaper than upgrading the network.
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 2- and 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]
Customer Review: Close to the perfect phone
Summary: 4 Stars
Having purchased and used the horrid Motorola MD7161 for about a year (see my review and others', if you feel any inclination on buying that product. But don't - buy it, that is) I promised myself and my family a good phone some day. Well, the Uniden is it. Despite some minor stumbles, the TRU9485, along with the four extra extensions I bought, has been doing yeoman duty around our busy household. You can read about all the features that this phone offers, so I won't go into too much detail about them. They all work as advertised and we do use them (walkie-talkie mode, baby monitor, etc.)
One nice little detail is the ability to name each set. When I told my daughter this, she said, "Cool! Can we name them Harry, Louise....?" and I had to point out that - although less poetic - it would be more useful to name them "Kitchen", "Basement", "Bedroom", "Sunporch" and "Study". These names are displayed on their screens and, indeed, this has eliminated the confusing, frustrating and sometimes accusatory Q&A that starts, "Is this the basement phone? Who left it upstairs?" (The reason it matters, BTW, is because when you're upstairs or outside and you use the intercom to call the basement, it's nice to know that the basement phone is actually down there for someone to answer).
It is gratifying to note that Uniden designs in the features that the Motorola designed _out_ when they "upgraded" their MD line: a blinking light to let you know there's a message, the ability to mute all the phones' ringers at once (from the base) when someone is taking a nap, and a phone book that gets automatically transmitted to all the other sets in the house. We use these and appreciated them in the Uniden.
Of course, no phone is perfect, so the Uniden doesn't quite get the perfect rating. A minor complaint involves the phone book. First, the max number of names is 99. But it shares memory with the caller ID entries, so that the total of both can be only 99. Beyond that, you lose any new caller ID's for recent calls. The solution is to remember to delete the caller ID log regularly. In my household, that means once or twice a week. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind. Also, when you assign a special ring tone to a number in the phone book (my wife's cell phone is "Let me call you Sweetheart". C'mon, these folks at Uniden know a thing or two) it does not, however, transmit that particular piece of info to the other phones. So you have to do that manually at each phone. Again, not a big deal - but enough to keep the mantle of "perfect phone" unclaimed.
This is our fourth cordless phone and, all things considered, I can say it's by far the best we've ever had. Highly recommended.
Customer Review: Love this Phone!
Summary: 5 Stars
Even if this was the first Uniden I'd ever bought, I'd never buy another brand again. The sound is crystal clear inside and outside of my home, the range is fantastic. The ability to set phones around the house without the need of a land line makes it a perfect phone for any home.
On to some of the features:
Room Monitor: Wonderful, especially when you have a sleeping baby in the other room.
Phonebook Entries: Can be made on one phone and transferred to any other phone that you have registered with your base, without having to be near the base or the other phone. Up to two seperate numbers can be added for one person. Only downside I've found is when transferring to another handset, any entry that has more than one number is created in seperate entries, but it's a small price to pay.
Caller ID/Caller ID Deluxe: Caller ID is always nice but if you receive a call while you're on the line, you can push one button and have the incoming call transferred to your answering machine or hung up on.
Call Screening: Any call that your answering machine answers can be heard from the speaker at the base and can be monitored from any phone registered to your base. From the handset you can push a button to screen the call and hear it just like you were standing next to the answering machine.
Hold/Transfer: You can place a call on hold at any time.
If you have multiple handsets you can then transfer the call to the handset of your choice.(Example: If you are in the kitchen and answer the phone but the call is for your significant other, you can transfer the call to the phone/base in whatever room that person is in.)
Record: You can record a call at any time. Recorded calls are recorded onto the answering machine.
Intercom: Using intercom you can call any other registered handset/base in your home.
This phone has many other options such as personalized ringtones, changing the names (Banner) of individual phones, auto talk and any key answer just to name a few. I've owned this phone for 2 months now and I'm sorry I didn't buy it sooner. Another great phone from Uniden.
Customer Review: Good... but not the best
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm the type of guy who will spend hours of study time finding the right product, and then spending just as much time looking for the best price. Well, Amazon had the right price, but the phone came up short on me.
We live in a three bedroom split house with three stories. The phone base is located in the middle level with the two remote phones being on the other two floors (downstairs and upstairs). We live in fairly new housing, so I'm pretty sure that this review will give people some insight.
To start, I've owned the same 900Mhz phone for over 8 years, and decided it was time to upgrade. The Uniden seemed like a good choice due to its digital spread spectrum and small/unobtrusive design. It is also a very easy to use phone with bigger buttons for the on/off as well as a lit up keypad. I'm also sure the caller ID works just as described, but I'm too cheap to get that service.
Anyhow, here's the pros':
1. Great size
2. Great price (something like $100 for three phones when I bought em')
3. DSS (Digital Spread Spectrum on the 5.8Ghz band)
4. Easy to use answering machine and good volume control (I don't really care that there is only a three volume switch - off/low/high)
5. Good sounding voice on both ends (I've asked others I'm talking too.)
Cons:
1. Poor reception compared to my 900Mhz phone (the distance is VERY limited, even in the lower rooms where I do work with no to little intereference devices).
2. Poor sound quality when the distance is pushed to the end. I've found I can reach the end of my driveway (not a long one mind you), and it is VERY broken... too difficult to understand the other guy.
That's about it. Just complaints on the quality of range, and when the range gets pushed - it is a very poor quality.
I'd give it another star, but that range thing really hits me hard. My 900Mhz was much better in that area (of course with 900 compated to 5800, you can understand that the range will be bigger due to the frequency), so I shouldn't complain too much. I would probably wait for a better one knowing what I know now.
Customer Review: Very disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
Don't get me wrong, the phone works, you can send and receive calls with it, but heck, you can receive and send calls even with a phone that cost $10 bucks from Wall-Mart. I'm looking for features here, and let me tell you what made me sad with this phone...
1- Speaker sound is weak and leave much to be desired.
2- Stored names won't show up with the caller ID, let say you saved (Mark's) number, next time he calls you won't get his name up in the screen, instead you will only get his 10 digits number. So picture this with 60 people on your phone book, I doubt you will identify who is calling, so its a worthless feature..
3-Missed calls don't show the times these calls took place, like with a cell phone
4- Phone only redials the latest (3) numbers, I mean wouldn't you expect at least a 20 numbers of dialed calls (just like your cell)
5- Sound quality on the handset itself leaves much to be desired.
6- Sound was cutting off as I was going to other rooms in my small apt.
And finally the customer service is so bad, I had to wait for about 30 minutes to reach them, and they really offered no help whatsoever..
I've done a lot of research and was disappointed with most of the phones out there, as non of them have even 10% of a today's cell phone features. Like 20 incoming, outgoing and missed calls, PC sync, large phone books etc...
All in all, I think it was a bad investment, and the money I paid to upgrade my 4 years old Panasonic were worthless... I mean thats too sad, a brand new phone, has no features more than a 4 years old lousy phone...
And for the people who are happy with call waiting, and message recorder, let me tell you, go and buy 10 dollars phone and it still do the same for you....People in Europe do video callings, and we can't get our home phones to display the stored numbers when they call...what a shame