Panasonic KX-TC Line Phones: ABOVE ALL!
Jan 07 '00 (Updated Jan 10 '00)
I'm here to reiterate that Panasonic's line of KX-TCxxxx 900Mhz cordless phones are the greatest set out there (above Sony and VTech) and worth every cent.
I reviewed my model which is a 1-line 900Mhz cordless with caller ID, call-waiting caller ID, caller ID pager call, a digital answerer, and speakerphone. That's as many options as you'll get on a Panasonic 900Mhz, but whether or not you're in the market for a bare-bones model for your garage, or a higher-end model for a second line or office, Panasonic's consistency is evident.
They are consistent with their design, their quality, and overall appearance. The Panasonic model line's ergonomics are great. From low-end to most-expensive, the handsets fit well in a user's hand, fit well against any user's ear, and are not bulky.
In addition to my top-line KX-TC phone, I have several others that sport fewer features, but there isn't anything negative to say about any of them.
The only discrepancy, which Panasonic doesn't address with any of its packaging, is that of their phones' origins. Identical models can be made in either Japan or Malaysia. Malaysian-made phones use different battery packs from those manufactured in Japan. The phones I use, which are from Japan, use a hard-case battery pack that looks more like a module with positive and negative terminals (looks more trustworthy and expensive). While, the phones I've seen that are from Malaysia use a battery pack that consists of what looks like 3 AA-size batteries shrink-wrapped in black plastic with two wires attached to serve as the power terminals.
By itself, the battery differences aren't a huge problem. However, if the hard-cased battery pack is of a better design (similarly how cars insulate batteries from heat to lengthen life and to hold better charges), and the shrink-wrapped design might end up allowing shorter talk times, or even a shorter life altogether, then that's the difference when spending (in the higher-end models) upwards of $180 for a home telephone.
The whole Japan vs. other countries question is moot if all a user wants is a dependable phone and a trustworthy make; however, the fact that Panasonic has started emblazening packaging for their VCRs and other electronics with huge "bursts" noting "Made in Japan" seems to me that there's a perception of better quality and in the case of these phone's batteries, might be worth the extra effort to dig in the stack to find one from Japan.
Bottomline: Panasonic 900Mhz phones are WORTH IT.
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Epinions.com ID:
dkmashino
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Location: Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 2 members
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