Virtually Flawless Phone System
Written: Apr 08 '02
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Multiple handsets, lightweight, good looks
Cons: No accessory jack, no keypad backlighting
The Bottom Line: If you seek functional art in the world of home telephones, the BeoCom 6000 can't be beat.
|
|
|
| joeysf's Full Review: Bang and Olufsen BeoCom 6000 2.4GHz Cordless Phone |
My Background
I've been using the BeoCom 6000 for several months, with three handsets and one primary base. I required a wireless telephone system that allowed multiple handsets off a single base unit. I manage computer technology for a living, so I had quite a few "shopping points" to hit when making my brand selection:
2.4Ghz for maximum range and clarity.
Batteries that don't have the "memory" effect.
No "channel switching" like the rickety Sony models.
Shared phonebook resources.
Multi-handset capability (the BeoCom 6000 can have up to six units).
Beauty. I didn't want to buy along the usual two lines of phone design: either they look like something from World War II, or they stand out like something from a 50's sci-fi movie.
At B&O, the design always stands out, but in an unobtrusive way.
First off, the handset itself is remarkable in the simplicity of its form. Instead of looking like every other phone ever made, this handset is comfortable for left- or right-handed people. Instead of a rectangle that is uncomfortable to all, it has a gentle curve on one side that makes it very ergo for everyone. My home has lefties and righties, and each person claims the phone was specifically designed for them.
The lack of an external antenna chew toy keeps the form factor minimal, and it is exceptionally lightweight. This is very important due to a design shortcoming (more on that later).
To share or not to share?
The phone book is replicated to all handsets automatically, although a private phonebook is available for each unit. Caller ID information and redial data is also replicated, so no matter what phone you pick up, it shows all activity.
The phone has a "quiet period" setting so that the recharge warning won't disturb your slumber (although a "quiet period" for incoming calls would be more useful). The units also have a flashing light that accomplishes several tasks, the most important of which is indicating when someone is using one of the phones.
Each unit also quickly shows a useful graph of charge time remaining, and how many phone book entries are available. All the usual stuff like caller ID and call waiting ID are there, along with a handy mute button. The "switch hook" feature requires two buttons -- a little bit of an annoyance.
Fewer cords are necessary when the system is expanded to multiple handsets. Plug the charging station into the wall and that's it. Technically, you don't even need the additional charging station. All phone activity is routed to the primary base station, supporting up to six handsets (each of which can be named -- i.e. "Office", "Bedroom", "Big Red", etc.).
I use the handset-to-handset intercom feature far more than I expected.
What's missing?
Well, the biggest surprise is what was left out of this otherwise superb design:
- No keypad backlighting. With so few actual buttons it's not hard to dial in the dark I guess (most activity is handled through the simple wheel input device). Illuminated keys would have been nicer, though. After a couple of weeks of building up the phone book, I rarely dial anymore anyway. Instead, I use the redial, phonebook, and wheel control.
- No accessory jack. Although a belt clip is included, there is no way to attach an external headset. Here's where the light weight comes in handy -- it's so light that one doesn't tire out during long conversations of holding the handset and chatting away the day.
- The Audio/Video volume buttons only control B&O equipment.
- The BeoTalk 1400 answering machine cannot be controlled or accessed by any in-house phone (not even the BeoCom 6000 system). You'd think you could retrieve your voice messages from another room with the BeoCom 6000/BeoTalk 1400 combination. No dice, baby.
- The extra charging station for additional handsets is not user changeable between wall mount and desktop configurations. You make the choice in the store.
- Color choices are permanent, too. You can't buy new covers and change your selection later.
- The primary base station is an elegant, pyramid-like holder. Even without the phone in it, it's attractive. How many charging stations can you say THAT about? The secondary charging stations are pyramid-like, but require what looks like half of an enormous paper-clip to keep the handset in place. You can't see it when the handset is charging, thank goodness. You'd think the extra charging stations for additional handsets would look the same as the base station -- clean and elegant instead of just elegant.
- The date and time must be set manually. This is odd since date and time data are sent with each phone call in the U.S., which automatically sets the date and time on nearly all caller ID devices.
Cost vs. The Value of Artistic Beauty
With 2.4Ghz, super lightweight design, no battery "memory", and all the shared integration features, one still would consider the BeoCom 6000 primarily functional "art" instead of a sturdy, fabulous phone. But the wealth of features and allure of it's beauty overwhelm any minor technical missives.
It all comes at a price. A three-phone, two charger, one base unit/charger collection will run just under $1,000. As someone who has spent far more than that on inferior wireless phones over the years, the price actually seems like a long-term bargain. After all, I doubt if I'll replace this system anytime soon. There are more expensive multi-handset systems, but none are as elegant, easy to use, and simple to set up.
BeoCom 6000 vs. Other Multi-Handset Systems
Siemens equipment cut my ear during an in-store evaluation, and the other manufacturers had heavy, bulky handsets and these bizarre, huge "primary" boxes.
The B&O system is featherweight, small, and fits into any decor with a selection of Euro-colors. The phones themselves can even stand upright on their narrow end (just don't bump whatever they are standing on). They really are beautiful without sacrificing keypad layout or other aspects of telephone familiarity (unlike the BeoCom 2 that is just two columns of buttons).
It's truly a remarkable phone. Odd how something so small and simple can generate so much conversation -- even when it's not being used.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
joeysf
|
|
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.