This Black Beauty Bests Its Evil Twin
Written: Sep 04 '09 (Updated Sep 14 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Affordability. Stylishness. Extra-large, movable LCD is remarkably legible. Answerer sounds great, works correctly. Speakerphone's fine.
Cons: Extra-large LCD isn't backlit (doesn't need backlighting). No audible message indicator (but visual indicator's bright-and-conspicuous).
The Bottom Line: Having used this stylishly affordable black model for one year, I can happily report it's totally well behaved--unlike its "evil twin" (the white model 29586GE1 phone) that I previously reviewed.
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| henry_thoreau's Full Review: GE 29586FE1 Black Corded Phone |
Prefatory note #1: To behold an enlarged image of this phone, use the following URL:
http://www.home-electronics.net/ge/pc/catalog/29586FE1_L.jpg
Alternatively, to behold an enlarged image of this phone's "evil twin" (the white model 29586GE1), use the following URL:
http://www.home-electronics.net/ge/pc/catalog/29586GE1_L.jpg
Prefatory note #2: Don't confuse this product with any cheaper, outwardly similar GE speakerphone models lacking the "answering machine" feature or the extra-large, movable LCD display. [I'm especially alluding to the following two GE models: 29585FE1 (black) or 29585GE1 (white).]
This review encompasses the following eight major sections. Feel free to skip to any of the correspondingly numbered, boldface headings further below (and you can skip to the final section for a concise summary).
1. Preface
2. Why it could be important to own at least one corded phone
3. GE's affordable model 29586FE1: three devices in one pretty package
4. The corded telephone: noteworthy features & performance
5. The speakerphone: noteworthy features and performance
6. The digital answerer: noteworthy features and performance
7. Owner's manual
8. Miscellaneous points
9. Summary
1. Preface:
Last summer I owned and reviewed the highly similar "white" version (GE model 29586GE1) of this model 29586FE1 phone. Although I initially had many good things to say about that other model, eventually (within mere weeks) two successive specimens of that wicked white version began mischievously disconnecting incoming calls whenever I unsuspectingly lifted the handset from its cradle (or pressed the speakerphone key) to take a call. Moreover, with one of those impish white units the digital answerer occasionally labeled a saved message with the wrong day and time; furthermore, it once outrageously announced that I had over 30 new messages when I actually had only one. The final straw was when I noticed an incipient hairline crack near the upper-left corner of the plastic frame surrounding the LCD window (that crack was functionally insignificant but nonetheless irksome). [I suggest that you minimize the number of times you grasp and move the pivoting LCD display from its "flat" position. This should lessen the likelihood of any hairline crack(s) eventually appearing in the frame. Just settle on one optimal-viewing position, and henceforth leave it there.]
Thus it was with some skepticism that I subsequently purchased this brother to that "white black sheep" of GE's tiny family of surviving, non-cordless "phone/speakerphone/answerer" models. But after a year of faultless behavior, this black beauty has--so far--fully merited a "four out of five stars" rating. In fact, the primary reason I haven't rated it "five stars" is because its modest "phonebook" (directory) allows you to store only 13 name-and-number entries in its "speed-dial" memory. [However, that limitation seems more tolerable in light of this phone's relatively low cost.]
That said, the fact remains that the LCD display--unusually large and legible though it is--isn't backlit, which means that at least a modicum of ambient lighting is necessary for operating this phone. (But even those competing "corded-base-plus-cordless-handset" phones that do include backlit displays generally lack illuminated keypads, which means you'll still need some ambient lighting anyway.)
The bottom line is that--for a cheap, "bottom-end" model--this is a surprisingly satisfactory and satisfying phone. And for anyone wanting a strictly non-cordless phone/speakerphone/answerer product of this "integrated" ilk at such low cost, this GE 29586FE1 is pretty much the only currently available option that I can warmly recommend (unless, of course, you want to take your chances with certain discontinued, "refurbished" models, some of which I've reviewed in the past, and a few others of which I'll likely retrospectively review in the future).
2. Why it could be important to own at least one corded phone
In 2000 I bought what had seemed a likable Panasonic cordless phone. After about two years of occasional use, its battery expired, making it necessary to spend a surprisingly large chunk of money if I wanted to keep that phone going. That's when I acquired a renewed appreciation for "old-fashioned" corded models like the subject of this review (the GE model 29586FE1).
A secondary advantage of a corded phone is that its most basic features remain functional during power outages. By contrast, cordless phones won't function when electrical power goes out; and a cell phone might not function, depending on whether cell towers are affected by the outage.
Yet another possible advantage of a corded phone is that (unlike a cordless or cell phone) you're obviously unlikely to temporarily misplace it and thereby miss an important incoming call.
Given modern society's collective penchant for highly portable communication, one's choices in a new, low-cost, corded "home" phone encompassing both a satisfactory speakerphone and a powerful digital answering system have noticeably diminished, making this type of product something of a dinosaur or endangered species. In fact, a year ago at Best Buy I noticed only one such product on the shelf: AT&T's model 1856 ($29.99). But this GE model, which I bought at my neighborhood Office Depot store, features a twice-as-large (and movable) LCD display, significantly larger numerical keys, and much clearer sound (not to mention still other superior--and more "user-friendly"--features).
Accordingly, I now deem this GE model 29586FE1 the best surviving exemplar of an endangered species: the affordable, "home" (non-business), single-line, corded, integrated telephone/speakerphone/answering machine.
3. GE's affordable model 29586FE1: three devices in one pretty package
First, the model 29586FE1 is, of course, a basic corded telephone, and a darned attractive one at that. Second, it's a satisfying speakerphone. Third, it's a feature-laden digital answering machine. You can find all three functions in competing models costing still less money; however, none of those models include such a sizable, legible LCD display, much less one that you can pivot upward and forward (from its normal position) to suit virtually any user's vantage point.
Moreover, competing models generally don't feature such a pleasing and logical layout of keys and buttons. Indeed, whoever designed this configuration merits kudos for their admirable grasp of ergonomics, not to mention artistic genius. This product is a superb example of "form following function."
I'll next consider the most salient aspects of this product as, respectively, (1) a "basic telephone;" (2) a "speakerphone;" and, not least, (3) a "digital answerer" (a.k.a. "answering machine").
4. Basic telephone (features and performance)
This phone agreeably resides in that "sweet spot" between too small and too large. It measures 7.88 x 7.25 x 3.55 inches and weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces. On the rear of the base are two jacks: a "line" jack for the included black telephone line cord (whose length is 6 feet); and a "POWER 9V DC jack" for one end of the included black, smallish AC adapter brick's cord (whose length is slightly over 8 feet).
But the first feature you're likely to notice is the pleasingly large-and-legible LCD display. Competing products in this marketplace niche generally force you to settle for a relatively hard-to-read, half-as-large display. Furthermore, no other phone in this niche sports a movable (five-position) display that you can pivot upward and forward from its usual "flat" position. I use the word flat in a relative sense; in actuality, when used in its standard, "desktop" mode [an included adapter allows alternative mounting on a wall], this phone's upper surface slopes sufficiently "downward-and-forward" such that the display is typically quite readable in its "ordinary" position. Nonetheless, it's nice having the option to pivot the screen forward for even better legibility and/or (depending on the user's viewing angle) decreased glare, and doubtless that will prove a key selling point for many consumers.
The LCD display's contrast is adjustable via the "menu" button (i.e., the bottommost button of the far-right column of keys--directly above the pleasingly traditional "GE" logo). I myself keep the contrast set either to "4" or "5" (maximum contrast), which provides eminently satisfactory, pleasing legibility (albeit the resolution's still not quite state-of-the-art). As with the most nearly analogous competing ("bottom-end") products I've seen, the display is not illuminated or backlit; therefore, for nighttime use you'll likely need to keep a small lamp nearby. [But, heck, I have to do likewise for my various other corded models whose displays are backlit, because those models (like this one) still lack illuminated keypads.]
Another selling point of this phone is its numerical keypad, which features not only gratifyingly sizable--and gently sculpted--keys but also large-and-legible printed characters. Even if your eyesight is perfect (and especially if it isn't), you'll surely appreciate the well-proportioned combination of this keypad and the LCD display.
Directly below the numerical keypad is a row comprising the following three buttons (from left to right): "redial," "flash/exit" and "dial." Obviously, "redial" spares you from having to reenter the most recently dialed phone number. The "flash/exit" button is continually handy for exiting (backing out of) various procedures, including reviewing saved messages or menu-setup options. And you can press "dial" after entering a phone number or selecting a previously stored "speed-dial" number (see next paragraph). [Note, however, that thusly pressing the "dial" key is actually quite unnecessary. For, after entering a phone number (or selecting a previously stored "speed-dial" number), you can simply pick up the handset (or press the speakerphone button), and dialing will automatically begin.]
Directly above the numerical keypad is a row of three "one-touch dialing" buttons. These are for dialing your most frequently used phone numbers, which you can save in the unit's memory via the "store" key. Additionally, all ten of the "number" keys (0 through 9) can be used in conjunction with the "store" key to quickly dial still more frequently used, saved numbers. This makes for a total of 13 "speed-dial" buttons to place calls almost effortlessly. You can press any one of those "speed-dial" keys after you've lifted the handset from the base, or you can first press a "speed-dial" key and then lift the handset from the base, at which point the call will be placed (and a handy "timer"--on the LCD screen--automatically begins displaying the duration of your call in hours/minutes/seconds). Either way, your dialing and connectivity progress will be clearly indicated on the eminently large display.
To the right of the main numerical keypad (whose keys are all hard, durable plastic), you'll notice various clearly labeled buttons arranged vertically to form a column (whose keys are slightly rubbery--nonetheless rather durable--plastic). At the very top of that column, the "mute" button prevents a caller from hearing what you say, while letting you continue hearing what they say. Whenever muting is activated, that button softly glows with an unmistakable red hue.
Likewise red when activated, the next lower "speakerphone" button is surrounded by four smaller buttons forming a circular perimeter. Two of those buttons (labeled "VOL +" and "VOL -") allow you to set the volume for various functions, including the handset's speaker and the agreeable (albeit synthetic) female voice that narrates the available options after you press the "menu" key (for setting the number of answer rings; incoming message length; recording quality; day, time, and date; dialing mode, i.e., "tone" or "pulse;" security code; LCD display contrast level; dialing mode; language, i.e., English, Spanish or French); etc. The other two buttons (among the four surrounding the speakerphone button) are labeled, respectively, "repeat" and "skip." Among other things, those two keys allow you quickly to navigate the various setup options after you press the "menu" key.
I've already mentioned the "store" key, which likewise has its place in the right-hand column of buttons. I'll discuss the other buttons in that stack at appropriate points in the below sections of this review.
I'd be remiss not to mention that the handset's own speaker and microphone work very satisfyingly, just as you'd expect. And, while listening to a caller via the handset, it's easy to adjust the volume. Just press the aforementioned "VOL +" or "VOL -" button on the keypad.
As for the volume of this phone's pleasingly pitched (pretty typical-sounding) ringer, there's an inconspicuously small, three-position sliding switch on the right edge of the base. Setting that switch to the first (leftmost) position shuts off (mutes) the ringer; setting it to the middle position activates a fairly soft ringing tone that might not be heard in the next room; and setting it to the rightmost position activates "maximum" volume (i.e., a somewhat louder ringing tone that should be heard in adjacent rooms by people with normal hearing). I keep mine set to "maximum," which is by no means objectionably or startlingly loud.
Additionally, of course, the oversized, movable LCD screen always legibly displays the current time, month and date in large, high-contrast characters (provided that you initially set it up at or near "maximum contrast" via the system menu), making this phone simultaneously a handy desktop (or wall-mountable) clock. And whenever I'm browsing through the "speed-dial" numbers (and associated names), or whenever I'm manually inputting a new name-and-number entry, that unusually large-and-legible display amounts to a continually handy monitor of my hands-on input.
5. Speakerphone (features and performance)
Like me, over the years you've likely encountered this or that bottom-end "speakerphone" product whose price was enticing but whose performance ranged from worthless to unsatisfying. Until I bought this GE model, I'd found that my only speakerphone to deliver fully satisfying performance was a 1996-vintage GE (model 2-9981B) whose list price was well over $100. Now, while I won't say that this latest "$34.99" GE encompasses a speakerphone 100% as sensitive, clear and dynamic as that of that still functional, "over $100" GE (which I continue to use in the unfinished half of my basement), I will say the clarity of this model 29586FE1 more than satisfies both me and my callers. In fact, this speakerphone sounds virtually 90% as good as what you'd expect from a top-of-the-line model, which is to say it's plenty good enough for most consumers' purposes. [Note: Like the majority of of affordable "home" (non-business) speakerphones, it's not a full-duplex speakerphone allowing both parties in a conversation simultaneously to speak and be heard. But, for most conversations, the average consumer should be quite satisfied--probably downright delighted--with this speakerphone's performance. Besides, for unusually "critical" conversations, you could always lift and use the corded, fully satisfactory handset and thus continue the conversation in "full-duplex" mode.]
The tiny microphone port is located at the front, right-hand corner/edge of the phone, virtually on the underside. For general speakerphone (or "memo"-recording) use, I noticed little difference in the overall effectiveness of that mike when I lifted the phone's front edge upward (to speak directly into the mike port) versus when I simply spoke from a normal angle (seated with my head at a typical distance above the phone). I asked my brother (on the other end of a phone conversation) if my voice via this speakerphone sounded about as clear as ever to him (he had heard me many times via my much costlier, highest quality speakerphone), and he promptly replied it sounded fine. Nor have any of my other callers voiced or evidenced any difficulty in hearing or understanding me whenever I've used this speakerphone.
Therefore, I conclude that this affordable speakerphone amounts to a winner, albeit not precisely a "state-of-the-art" performer. It's fully as good as, if not better than, what you'd reasonably expect from such a multifaceted model (encompassing a digital answering machine) at this price level.
Activating "speakerphone mode" prior to dialing a number is simple. Just press the conspicuous "speakerphone" button (located near the top of the right-hand column of keys); that button then glows with a soft, pleasing red hue, and you'll simultaneously hear a dial tone via the speaker. You can then dial a phone number (or just press any of the "speed-dial" buttons that you've previously set).
Alternatively, you can first dial a number (or press any previously set "speed-dial" button) and then press the "speakerphone" button.
During a conversation, you can instantly switch from using the handset to using the speakerphone mode. Just press the "speakerphone" button and then hang up the receiver. Conversely, you can instantly switch from speakerphone mode to handset mode. Just pick up the handset (speakerphone mode is thereby deactivated).
6. Digital answerer (features and performance)
This phone's digital "answering machine" (a.k.a. "answerer") component is powerful and easy-to-use. You activate the answerer by pressing the "ans on/off" button within the rightmost column of keys. Whenever the answerer is deactivated, the lower-left portion of the LCD display conspicuously reads, "ANS OFF." [Also, whenever you press the "ans on/off" button, the synthetic female voice announces, "Answer off" (or "Answer on").]
The included "User's Guide" (booklet) states "when a call comes in, the unit will ring the number of times set, play the greeting, and record the incoming call." Let's consider those three functions in turn.
You set the "number of rings before the system answers" by first pressing the "menu" key ("ring number" is the very first menu-setup option displayed). You then use either the "repeat" or the "skip" button to set the number of rings (from 2 to 8).
To record (or re-record) your "greeting" (a.k.a. "announcement") that callers will hear before leaving messages, press and hold the "announce" button (within the rightmost column of keys). The female voice will prompt you to begin recording (speaking). Maximum allowable announcement length is 30 seconds. Once your announcement is recorded, you can hear it any time you like by pressing the "announce" button.
Note that there is no "announce-only" mode to allow callers to hear your announcement while preventing them from leaving messages. (Such a mode could be useful if you want to notify callers that you'll be away for an extended period and that they can call back after a specific time or date.) Though I myself would seldom, if ever, use such an announcement mode, I can imagine that a small but noteworthy minority of consumers might frequently use or even require it.
While initially recording and playing my announcement, I noticed that this relatively low-cost model's microphone and speaker (and/or the "sampling rate" used during digital recording) aren't quite 100% as sensitive or powerful as their counterparts in my 1996-vintage GE (model 2-9981B) machine; to be fair, however, the latter high-end product originally cost well over $100. And, bottom line, the perceived sonic difference is rather trivial. In order to maximize the clarity of my "announcement" with this model "29586FE1," I had to take slightly more care to speak nearly directly into the microphone, which is located beneath the lower (front) right-hand corner of the unit; moreover, it was necessary to speak at just the right volume and to enunciate certain consonants extra carefully in order to obtain "perfection." For example, you must be careful with your enunciation of "n," such that the word tone (in the clause "leave your message after the tone") doesn't end up sounding like toe. After about three initial experiments, I finally recorded an announcement that sounds virtually, if not fully, as clear and dynamic as what you'd expect from a top-of-the-line answering machine. That's pretty impressive (and altogether satisfactory) porformance, considering the relatively low cost of this unit and given that you'll likely only need to record your "announcement" message once (that message is "permanently" stored in memory unless you choose to re-record it).
Whenever an incoming call (caller's message) is recorded, the prominent "PLAY/STOP" button (within the upper portion of the rightmost column of keys) blinks with a beckoning, conspicuously red hue. To hear the most recently recorded ("new") message(s), press that "PLAY/STOP" key. The synthetic female voice reports, "You have [number] new messages," and then each message is played in the order received. The synthetic voice briefly identifies (prefaces/labels) each respective message (as "Message One," "Message Two," "Message Three," etc.) and states the day and time when each message was left. Rather than listening to all messages in their entirety, you can press the "skip" (or "repeat") button to jump ahead (or backward) to any particular message.
While listening to any message, you can press the "delete" button (located two buttons down from the "PLAY/STOP" button) to instantly erase that particular message. Alternatively, whenever the unit is in ready-to-answer mode, you can press and hold the "delete" button to erase all "old" messages. (The unit will then announce, "Messages erased.")
While listening to playback of messages, you can press the "message speed" button (directly below the "PLAY/STOP" button) to hear that message at a much slower speed (somewhat less than 50% normal speed). Press that button once, and the LCD displays the words "SLOW PLAY;" press it again, and normal playback speed resumes (the words "MESSAGE PLAY" appear on the screen).
After you've played all the "new" messages (any of which you can instantly delete during initial playback), the "PLAY/STOP" button is no longer illuminated, and those "no-longer-new" messages are automatically appended to your collection of previously stored "old" messages (if any). You can always press the "PLAY/STOP" button to replay all (or any) of your accumulated "old" messages; or you can use the "delete" key to erase any (or all) of those messages.
While listening to callers' messages, you can always exit (back out of) that mode by pressing either the "PLAY/STOP" button or the "flash/exit" button.
Regarding the "recording quality" (of incoming messages), via the "menu" key you can select either "standard" (best recording quality) or "long" (next best recording quality). According to the User's Guide, "Long play will give more recording time than standard." However (and curiously), the User's Guide per se provides no information regarding maximum recording time or capacity for the totality of accumulated messages stored in the unit's memory. However, GE's on-line "product-specifications" page states that recording time is 30 minutes in "Standard" mode. That suggests that selecting the "Long-play" menu setting would provide at least twice as much recording time, which seems unlikely, given that even much costlier phones generally only provide up to about 15 minutes of total recording time. Incidentally, at my local Office Depot store (where I bought my specimen) I read printed documentation stating that "total recording time" is only "12 minutes." But it remains unclear to me whether that documentation was referring to "standard" (versus "long") recording mode. Moreover, that printed card's information might have simply been incorrect. [Note: I did finally attempt to get a definitive answer directly from GE/Thomson's "technical support" phone number. But, aside from the fact that I had to spend my own nickel for an initial long-distance call (there was no toll-free number for that department); and aside from the fact that the young man put me on hold for over ten minutes before informing me that he'd need to "research" my question and phone me back (which only happened after several ensuing days); the (evidently Indian) lady who thereafter contacted me had such a frustratingly thick accent and (more to the point) seemed so altogether tentative with her seemingly glib and illogical replies (she initially likewise said she'd need to "research" my question but then she called me again a few moments later) that she failed to persuade me that she even remotely knew what she was talking about. (Accordingly, I must disappointedly report that GE/Thomson's "technical support" department thoroughly "sucks"! Don't waste your money phoning them.)]
In any case, if you anticipate receiving an unusually large number of relatively lengthy messages, you might consider setting the maximum message length to only one or two minutes ("four minutes" being the maximum available option). Via the "menu" key, you can set the "maximum recording time" (1, 2, 3 or 4 minutes) for incoming messages.
The User's Guide states: "When the unit's memory is full, it answers after 10 rings and announces, 'Memory is full.'"
Before leaving the general topic of "memory," I should mention that, although the User's Guide does explain how to disconnect the unit and move it from one location to another without losing any stored data (e.g., your announcement, messages, speed-dial numbers, or menu selections), no mention is made of how long the unit can thusly be disconnected from power. In any case, I've verified that it does reliably retain all stored information for at least several minutes. However, on one occasion when power was disconnected for several hours, stored data was, alas, lost. This suggests that typically brief power outages will likely cause no subsequent inconvenience; but very protracted outages could cause the unit's memory to be erased.
In order for the unit's "auto-disconnect" feature to work reliably (such that the answerer will stop playing your recorded announcement if you pick up an extension phone), the User's Guide advises to "wait about two seconds after the system answers before picking up a phone."
If you subscribe to your telephone company's "Caller ID" service, you'll love this phone's digital answerer in conjunction with its large-and-legible LCD display. This unit makes receiving, identifying and storing (and otherwise manipulating) incoming calls a pleasure. It can store up to 60 CID memories for later review. Once the caller ID memory is full, a new call automatically replaces the oldest call in memory. "NEW" appears in the LCD display for calls received that haven't yet been reviewed. "REPT" appears in the display for calls received more than once and that haven't been reviewed.
If you subscribe to your telephone company's "call waiting" Caller ID service and you receive a new incoming call while you're already on the phone, an audible beep will indicate the presence of a Call Waiting call on the line. When you hear that beep in the handset receiver (or through the speakerphone's speaker), press the "flash/exit" button to put the current call on hold and answer the incoming call. Just press "flash/exit" again to return to the original call.
However, I myself was initially most curious to discover how much usable information the LCD screen would actually display for users who (like me) do not subscribe to "caller ID" (or "call waiting") service. I wasn't disappointed. For, although I obviously can't monitor any "caller ID" (or "call waiting") information on the display, I nonetheless am always able to glance at the screen to monitor the number of new (or old) recorded messages. [Of course, to know the day and time for a given message, I must press the "PLAY/STOP" ("messages") key to hear the unit's pleasing female (synthetic) voice convey that information. After doing so, I can optionally press the "skip" key now and again to "scan" (at least the initial portions of) the messages more rapidly.]
Many users will appreciate this answerer's "remote-access" capability. In other words, wherever on earth you might roam, you can always easily access this phone's answerer by entering a three-digit "security code." [Note that the "remote-access" feature won't be accessible if you're dialing in via a "pulse" ("rotary") phone.] The default security code is "123;" you can change that by repeatedly pressing the "menu" key till a pertinent screen is displayed.
To remotely access this phone's digital answerer:
1. Call your telephone number.
2. After you hear the "beep" following the answerer's "greeting" (announcement), enter your three-digit security code. The unit will then confirm your input with another beep. [To bypass hearing the answerer's entire "announcement," enter your security code at any time after the announcement has begun playing.] The unit then plays a menu of "remote-access options" (and waits up to 20 seconds thereafter for you to enter one of them).[Menu selections can be made while the menu is playing.] The available remote-access commands are:
Play messages: "2"
Repeat messages (during message playback): "1"
Skip to next message (during message playback): "3"
Erase message (during message playback): "0"
Stop playback (during message playback): "2"
Turn answerer On/Off: "4"
Review menu again: "7"
Note that if (via the "menu" button) you previously set the "number or rings" to the "Toll Saver" option (instead of "1," "2," "3" or "4"), you can thereafter use "remote access" to find out if the answerer has received any "new" messages, and you needn't incur any long-distance (or pay-phone) fees in the event that no new messages have been received.
Here's how "Toll Saver" mode works:
If the system has received any new messages, it answers after the third ring; but if there are no new messages, the system answers after the fifth ring. You can hang up after the third ring and thereby spare yourself any pay-phone or long-distance charges. Neat!
Recording "memos"
The User's Guide states that you can "use the memo button to record a specific message for others who have access to the unit" and "the unit treats the memo as a message, as the display shows." I wonder how many consumers will actually avail themselves of this feature, but it could be useful for some. For example, if a close relative or friend dials your phone number and is privy to your security code for accessing this unit's (above-discussed) "remote access" feature, they could thereby hear any special "status" message you've recently recorded via the "memo" function.
7. Owner's manual
The sparsely illustrated "User's Guide" booklet is divided into analogous English and Spanish sections (each section comprises 43 pages). Generally, the manual is pretty straightforward and helpful. However, I could wish for more detail regarding maximum memory capacity (in minutes) for the totality of recorded messages. Essentially no information is provided in that regard, other than the aforementioned fact that setting the "recording quality" menu option to "long" (instead of "standard") maximizes the total recording time.
A sufficiently thorough table of contents (not to mention a less-than-comprehensive index at the back of the booklet) is provided. The "troubleshooting" and "general product care" sections are reasonably thorough.
You can view the entire User's Guide online (in English) via the following URL:
http://www.home-electronics.net/ge/pc/IB/29586GE1_IB.pdf
8. Miscellaneous points
An initial, irritating quirk. Imagine that you've just brought this phone home from the store, and you connect it to power for the very first time, whereupon the system's synthetic female voice audibly greets you by advising you to press the "menu" button to select system options... but, hey, she's "shouting" at you (i.e., the system volume is set intolerably high)! Don't fret. For mysterious reasons, the phone comes from the factory that way, and there's no instantaneous fix via the "VOL -" button. But here's something you can do to (pretty quickly) reset system volume to a lower level. Press and hold the "memo" button to record (speak) a brief message (which you'll be able to delete later). When you're finished speaking, release the memo button, and you'll see the "PLAY/STOP" button flashing red. Press "PLAY/STOP" to play your memo, and, while listening to it, press the "VOL -" button to reduce its (and, simultaneously, the system's) volume. Thereafter, there'll be no further "shouting" from the synthetic lady.
Like countless other consumer electronics products nowadays, this phone is "made in China." Nothing about its outward construction strikes me as the least bit flimsy or substandard. I hope and expect it will last for many years. [If any significant problem should ever arise with my present unit, I'll conspicuously "update" this review accordingly.]
This product's "limited warranty" is for one year, from date of purchase. In the event of defects in material or workmanship, a new (replacement) unit will be provided. To obtain it, you'll need to properly pack your unit (preferably using its original packing materials and carton) and provide "proof of purchase" in the form of the original bill of sale or receipted invoice; and you'll need to ship the unit to the following address:
Thomson Inc.
11721 B Alameda Ave.
Socorro, TX 79927
As the above address suggests, this phone is manufactured (for General Electric) by:
Thomson Inc.
101 West 103rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290-1102
Like most low-cost digital answering machines nowadays, this unit lacks any "phone-record" button; in other words, there's no way to record a live phone conversation between yourself and a caller. I frankly miss that useful feature, which my otherwise comparable GE model 2-9981B speakerphone/answering machine includes (and which has served me well since I bought it as a refurbished unit in 1996). Mind, that mid-nineties unit uses microcassette tapes, which often aren't as convenient as digitally recorded messages. For example, digitally recorded messages can be instantly "skipped" or deleted. That's obviously not the case with messages recorded on analog tapes. [Note: If you'd prefer a (significantly costlier) corded phone that does include the capability to digitally (and unobtrusively) record two-way conversations, consider the Panasonic KX-TS4300B.]
9. Summary
If $34.99 can procure a corded phone/speakerphone/answerer superior to this GE model, I'm not aware of it. Competing products lack this unit's conspicuously large-and-legible (not to mention movable) LCD display [which, however, is not backlit]. Moreover, the numerical keypad features laudably large, legibly labeled, stylishly sculpted keys, making dialing simple.
As a conventional corded phone, this commendable product makes good use of its LCD display when dialing numbers--perchance via the three "one-touch" or the ten "speed-dial" keys. [In all, you can store, alas, only a modest 13 frequently used phone numbers in permanent memory.]
As a speakerphone for typical, non-business conversations, this unit should gratify you and your callers. [Somewhat more sensitive and dynamic corded speakerphones exist (a few of which, unlike this one, are "full-duplex"), but they'll entail much steeper prices.]
And as a digital answerer, this feature-laden product delivers virtually all the performance--and then some--that you'd expect at this (or perhaps even a considerably higher) price level. [However, unlike most costlier, competing products, this answerer includes only a brightly flashing visual (and not a supplementary, audibly beeping) new-message indicator.]
As my foregoing discussion evinces, I keenly appreciate the well-conceived layout of primary keys and ancillary buttons making this versatile product easy to understand and operate in any of its modes. All in all, GE's model 29586FE1 strikes me as a splendid example of form following function.
Though many consumers will regard this (or any) strictly corded phone as something of a dinosaur, its affordability and simplicity appeal to my frugal, Thoreauvian nature. Not only will this unit's most basic features remain functional during power outages, but also it dispenses with something I've long resented having periodically to replace in your average cordless phone: the battery.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
henry_thoreau
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 in Music, Home and Garden, Books |
 in Electronics |
 - Top 500 |
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Member: Mike
Location: Olathe, KS USA
Reviews written: 222
Trusted by: 256 members
About Me:
I expect to return to "full-time" reading/rating by January. (Currently hindered by MAJOR home-improvement project!)
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