Panasonic KX-TG2226SV 2.4GHz GigaRange Cordless Phone with Digital Answering Machine and Caller ID
Written: Jul 12 '05 (Updated Mar 27 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Low price, clear sound, hads-free included, caller ID and answering machine, well-build
Cons: No improvement in range over 900 MHz digital model
The Bottom Line: The Panasonic KX-TG2226SV is a very good phone/answering machine. With clear sound and features like caller ID, hands-free...
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| dkozin's Full Review: Panasonic KX-TG2226SV Cordless Phone (1199720) |
Upon seeing the Panasonic KX-TG2226SV 2.4 GHz phone on sale, I decided that I wanted to replace my previous 900 MHz Panasonic phone ( Panasonic KX-TC1733B) with it. I did it not because of the 2.4 GHz frequency the phone operates on, but rather because of the added functionality it provides.
About the Phone
The Panasonic KX-TG2226SV is a 2.4 GHz Giga-Range cordless phone with a digital answering machine, caller ID, call waiting and call-waiting caller ID, caller IQ (I am for sure not using this one), built-in handset speakerphone and intercom, splash resistant and shock-resistant handset design. It comes with a hands-free device and a belt clip as well as wall mounting hardware, phone cord and power adaptor.
In Operation
The phone uses a NiMH rechargeable battery (2.4V 1,500 mAh) that requires about 6 hours of initial charge (even though it was not completely discharged when I inserted it in the phone). The battery capacity is larger that that of my previous (900 MHz Digital Panasonic) phone battery, which used NiCd 3.6V 600-700 mAh batteries.
The battery is rated as delivering 5 hours of talk time or 11 days of standby without recharging.
The phone was easy to connect (to AC power and the phone line). The initial setup was easy and required no manual reading. In fact, I was able to use the phone without reading the manual at all and only needed to open it to figure out the remote operation (retrieving messages while being elsewhere by calling your own phone number).
The phone is very easy to use. It uses two soft keys, not unlike modern cell phones, as well as clearly marked Menu and Up and Down buttons.
You can see your choices on the backlit 3-line LCD screen, which is well-legible. You can adjust the LCD contrast. The buttons are also backlit, which is convenient in the dark.
The phone lets you select among 5 different ring tones, varying from subtle to loudly-annoying. You can also select several degrees of the ring volume, speaker volume, speakerphone volume and the answering machine volume.
The handset is well-balanced and the button have good tactile feel. You can easily scroll through the five last dialed numbers and redial them. The phone also stores 30 last caller ID entries and lets you save them or dial them with ease.
The handset features a phone book with manual entry or entry from the caller ID list.
I like the way the phone looks, although the scroll (up/down) button is a little too shiny for my taste.
Range
I was unable to confirm the claims that 2.4 GHz phones (or at least this particular one) produce greater range than 900 MHz phones did. My previous Panasonic digital 900 MHz (without digital spread spectrum - DSS) let me venture out to the mailbox while talking, but the reception at that distance was only borderline acceptable. The new phone at digital 2.4 GHz does not provide any significant range extention.
Sound Quality
The sound clarity is much improved, however. Previously, I liked the sound quality of my mother's analog 900 MHz Panasonic phone (Panasonic KX-TC1731B). My digital 900 MHz phone of the approximately same vintage sounded noticeable (but not excessively) worse (slight static and fuzziness). The new 2.4 GHz model provides excellent clarity, which is as close as I have heard to the corded phones.
I experienced no interference from wireless routers or other devices. But your mileage may vary.
Answering Machine
The built-in digital answering machine can store up to 15 minutes of messages and greetings. You can use the default greeting or record your own. I found the sound quality of the answering machine to be good and there is a Slow Talk feature that lets you listen to your messages at a slower than normal speed.
You can also listen to your messages using the handset or even remotely, by dialing your own number and then entering a secret code.
Durability
The phone seems to be very well built and its handset features splash-proof and shock-resistant design. Having accidentally dropped my previous Panasonic’s handset from the bathroom sink level onto the linoleum floor (it fell flat on its backside) and discovering no damage or ill effects, I have faith that the shock-resistant claim is true.
The replacement NiMH batteries are available online and in stores for about $10-15. I am not sure how long they will last, as it was my experience with NiCd batteries that those lasted about 1.5 years on average in my previous phone. The new phone uses NiMH batteries that should last longer. If this is the case, I will be able to save money in the long run by not having to buy rechargeable batteries so often. So far, after 3.5 years (as of 04/2009), the original battery is still going strong with no talk time decrease.
Hands-Free Operation
You get a belt clip that attaches to the phone and a hands-free device that plugs into a side of the phone. There is a mute button and a volume control on the cord. I find the device convenient for prolonged conversations.
Reliability
As of 03/2009, after 3.5 years of use (including operation in humid environment), the phone still works perfectly and on the original battery, which still holds enough charge for multiple hours of talk.
Bottom Line
The Panasonic KX-TG2226SV is a very good phone/answering machine. With clear sound and features like caller ID, hands-free device, handset speakerphone, splash-proof and shock-resistant design, combined with its easy of use, it is an excellent choice.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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 in Electronics |
 - Top 10 |
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Location: California
Reviews written: 841
Trusted by: 519 members
About Me:
I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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