Background
I have just replaced my VTECH VT20-2481 2 line cordless system with this system. The VTECH and its 5 handsets were still working well.
Cost
I paid $250 at Frys for the KX-TG6702 system which includes a base unit and cordless handset and a second cordless handset and charging cradle. Each additional handset is from 69 to 109 dollars depending on distributor. There is another model of this system without the second handset (the KX-TG6700) for about $160.
Overview
As before I needed a two line cordless unit with a built-in digital answering machine. This model has a recording capacity of up to 60 minutes in standard mode and 30 minutes in enhanced quality mode. Each line can be set to answer separately on a different number of rings
I was also looking to upgrade from 2.4 Ghz to 5.8 - not because the sound quality was a problem, but - because I have WiFi which also operates in 2.4 Ghz. I suspect the VTECH 2.4 Ghz phones were interfering with the quality of my Wifi - could also be the neighbor's Wifi!
So far I have found the usability and voice quality to be quite good. Things work as I expect them to work. The 71 page manual is a help in several ways. For example a table near the center of the book lists the default settings along with short cut keys to get to the settings.
Feature Summary
* 2-line operation
* base station can participate in a call
* station-to-station intercom
* room monitoring (silently listen to one of the stations)
* Conference calling using two lines
* Speaker phone mode (the only possible mode on base station)
* Volume control - phone volume
* Ringing tone selection & ringer volume
* Some interesting ringing tones/melodies
* Temporary ringer off - press off to stop the ringer
* Mute, Hold, Flash, Transfer to another extension
* Caller ID support
* Call waiting support
* Call privacy - prevent another extension from joining your call
* 50 entry phone book. Can store incoming Caller ID number in the phone book easily AND edit them to remove the 1+areacode prefix.
* Phonebook copy to another extension
* Speed dial (on base unit)
* Caller log
* Voicemail retrieval from any handset/base
* Remote playout of messages (with security code)
Set up and Configuration
There is rather more to set than might be expected. For example you must enable "monitor" mode individually for each of the handsets and the base station. While this makes sense from a privacy standpoint, it is rather a pain to have to do
it for each device. You must also separately set the ring volume and ring tones for each of the (2) lines on each of the phones and the base station. While it does makes sense to set the ring volume separately (we have the volume to zero in our bedroom) it seems to me that you would always want the same ring tone/melody for a line regardless of which device it is on.
The High Points
Excellent sound quality. Good ergonomics: it is relatively easy to hold and operate and there is no huge antenna sticking out of the top like the older models. The amber back-lit display is easy to read - although it does seem to turn off a little too quickly (6 seconds with no key press).
The Not So Good
One problem I notice right away is the proliferation of similar (but incompatible!) model numbers. Only one handset is compatible even though there are 4 different designations for the expansion phone: KX-TGA670, KX-TGA670A, and KX-TGA670B. I have also seen it listed as "KX6700 Series Extra Handset". I think the "B" means black.
I have noticed the following problems - minor, but they may be significant to you:
! There appears to be no battery backup [my VTECH had this feature and it came in handy once]. If you lose electrical power, you will be unable to place or receive calls unless you use a corded phone.
! A significant force is required to open the battery case. I broke my thumbnail on the first one I opened and learned to be careful!
! Must manually copy phone book entries between phones [Uniden model had a central, common phone book]
! Phone book is not accessible on the base station
! Almost all "settings" are done under the menu item "Initial Settings". It is not so obvious where to look. The rocker left and right buttons do not always do what I would expect either.
! Can not access the call logs from the "menu" button - have to use the large rocker switch (up or down).
! There does not appear to be a way to configure some of the base station settings (e.g. monitor enable) via the base station alone - you must use a handset.
! The VTECH had a feature that allowed you to "name" the handset - then you would know when you used the intercom feature, what phone you were ringing or when you found a phone in the garage where it should be returned. The Panasonic just uses numbers 1 through 9 while the base station is extension 0.
Battery Life
The manual claims a 5 hour talk time and a 12 hour "stand by" time. After an overnight charge I left the phone off the charger for almost *5* days (104 hours) before the "recharging needed" message appeared. The battery indicator was on the lowest position after 54 hours or so, but the phone continued to work even when the indicator came on. During those 104 hours I talked (active mode) for about 3 total hours. Given this result, I think the documentation is quite conservative and the battery life is better than written! [I will update this section after 3 months and a year]. My VTECH system ate batteries over time and I replaced 3 or four as the off-cradle time continued to diminish.
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