Look ma, no hands!
Written: Jun 29 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Hands-free comfortable phone use, great battery efficiency
Cons: interference while roaming, flimsy belt clip
The Bottom Line: Great idea for frequent phone users who wish to double-task or rest their arms...but recognize a compromise in sound quality.
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| dequebec's Full Review: GE 2-9917 900MHz Cordless Phone |
In our home office, the General Electric 2-9917 cordless headset phone sits next to our computer, which sits next to our television, which rests upon a multi-unit desk. Yes, we are double-taskers. I am guilty of chatting with pals while typing my epinions and watching Nick at Nite.
Of course, a wireless phone makes this type-A behavior a little easier!
Design
The headpiece is a surprisingly comfortable attachment which allows for talking without constant awareness that something is on top of your head. Despite it's low weight, the phone is by no means flimsy and remains securely in position when you move around. The earpiece is well-padded, as is the terminal piece of plastic on the contralateral side. The arch is adjustable to fit all head sizes.
The microphone prodrudes from the lateral side of the earpiece. It is adjustable in the sagittal plane, which allow the earpiece to be positioned on either the left or the right ear. The elastic properties of the microphone shaft permit adjustments in all three dimensions for ideal microphone placement. Like the arch, the microphone stays in place throughout the duration of your calls.
The headpiece is attached via a cord to the energy source. The cord is long enough for distal placement yet short enough to prevent tangling. The energy box itself is a sturdy rectangular device with a hook that can allow placement on your belt or pants loop. Unfortunately, the hook allows 180 degrees of movement, and the box fumbles around when you are walking.
Functions
The answering button, labeled phone, is on the top of the energy box. Below this button is a mute button, which protects your privacy; unfortunately, there is no "hold" button which would serve the same purpose. Volume buttons in the form of up and down arrows. A handy redial button is in the lower right-hand corner, with a ringer adjust button in the lower left-hand corner. There are channel, memory, pause, and flash buttons, but to be honest, I have no idea what these functions are or how well they work.
Display/Holder
This phone comes with a very handy display/holder, with a rack for the headpiece. When the energy box is placed in its holder, the battery automatically recharges. Better yet, the phone comes with an extra battery that is always recharging. Thus, you should never be without a functioning battery! A 3 inch antenna protrudes from the back of the holder; next to the antenna is a ringer on/off button.
Quality and Efficiency
The quality of the transmission is very good when you are within a reasonable distance from the antenna. Generally, I can walk around the second floor without static. In fact, there is very little difference between the quality of this phone's sound and a non-portable. Of course, when roaming away from the antenna, say, downstairs or into the backyard, interference comes into the picture. No surprise to wireless phone owners.
One annoying feature of the phone is that you cannot answer the phone quickly. You see, you must first position the headpiece on yourself, and then reach for the power box and press "phone". This time lapse may result in your answering machine activating, or your caller may hang up. Of course, with practice, you will become more efficient at this task. Still, this phone is better intended for folks making rather than receiving calls.
Folks who spend a good amount of time on the phone will benefit from this arm- and shoulder-saver. How nice it is to sit comfortably while chatting. And how time-saving it is to sit here on hold with (fill in the blank) while writing yet another epinion!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dequebec
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Member: Jennifer
Location: los angeles, CA
Reviews written: 131
Trusted by: 118 members
About Me:
No longer an editor, thanks a bunch Nirav.
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