Pros: multi-line, sound quality and handset construction, easy to set up, caller ID
Cons: can't interrupt answering machine, poor paging, hard to transfer calls to other handsets
The Bottom Line: Probably the best option for multiple line/handset use in business. If you're using it at home you'll be frustrated some basic scenarios don't work well.
I purchased this phone system for use in my home. Though it is probably the best option for people who want multiple lines and cordless handsets, it is really designed for small business use and as such doesn't support particular home-use scenarios very well. Examples:
HOME-USE SCENARIOS THAT DON'T WORK WELL
(1) A call comes in. You screen the call via the answering machine and decide you want to pick it up. You can't just pick up the handset and start talking. To pick up the call you must go to the base unit and press a few buttons to transfer it to your specific handset.
(2) A call comes in. It is for your spouse or child, and you want them to pick it up. You must first physically find them in your house, because there is no way to page every phone from a handset - you can only page specific handsets. Once you find them, you need to ask them which handset number they are using and then press a few buttons to transfer the call.
(3) A call comes in and you want to know who it is before answering. If you pick up the handset from its power cradle to view the caller ID, the phone answers automatically. So you must bend over to view the caller ID without picking up the phone.
(4) You answer a call at the base unit and want to take a message for your spouse or child. Ideally you could press a "memo" button on the base unit to record a message for them. Unfortunately there is no way to do this from the base unit - you must do it via some awkward voice prompts from any handset.
(5) You want to use the multiple mailbox feature so callers will hear something like "To leave a message for Bob, press 1. To leave a message for Sue, press 2." The problem is that Bob can then only pick up his messages from his particular handset, and Sue can only pick up her messages from her particular handset. Since these cordless handsets are likely to roam around your house, this doesn't work well.
(6) You want to program a bunch of speed dial names into the phone. You have to do this on EVERY handset - there is no way for the system to share an address book.
(7) You listen to a message and realize it isn't for you - it is for your spouse. You want to mark the message as "unread" so the voicemail light is still flashing when your spouse comes home. There is no way to do this. NOTE: This problem exists because scenario (5) doesn't work well in a home with roaming handsets.
(8) You receive faxes and voice calls on line 2. There is no way to prevent incoming faxes from ringing throughout your house without also turning off ringing from voice calls.
In general I bought this phone system expecting to be able to perform the scenarios above well, and was frustrated to discover how awkward they are. These problems stem from the fact that this is a business-oriented system and apparently little thought has gone into optimizing it for home-use.
REASONS TO BUY THIS PHONE SYSTEM
(1) Good quality sound, even with multiple people on the same line and in close proximity.
(2) Nice quality handset construction.
(3) Supports 2 phone lines
(4) No need for a lot of wiring - only the main unit needs to be hooked up to a phone line.
(5) Decent voice-prompt answering machine (though multiple mailbox feature is awkward for home use)
(6) Probably supports small business needs pretty well.
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