itdood's Full Review: Vtech VT-2651 2.4 GHz - Cordless Phone
After going through 3 different Panasonic cordless phones in the last 6 years, all with very disappointing outcomes, I decided to try a new manufacturer. Last on my list was Vetch when I started doing research.
By the time I was finished evaluating features and price, I became very interested in the Vtech models for two reasons: Competitive price and feature sets very comparable to my needs. Quality was certainly a consideration, but after suffering through 3 failed very pricey Panasonics, I decided that perhaps cordless phones are disposable, so I might as well go for the cheapest model with the features I need.
I bought the 2651 for my home office. I do not use it heavily.
Here are the features I was looking for in a cordless phone:
2.4 GHz w/ DSS for security
Single Line Operation
Expandable for more handsets if I needed them
Caller ID / Call Waiting
Base Speakerphone w/ Keypad, mute, flash, redial, and volume control.
Handset Speakerphone w/ mute, flash, redial, and volume control.
Caller ID Memory
Phonebook Directory
Backlit Keypad / Display
Page / Intercom
Programmable Ringer Types
Headset jack
Belt Clip
Dialing from Caller ID
Place calls on hold
Other more standard features such as redial and flash.
The vetch 2651 has all these features. When looking at other phones I kept finding incomplete feature sets, such as:
-: Speaker phone on base, but no keypad (only good for answering).
-: No mute on handset and/or the base.
When it comes to features, I've found it very difficult to find one that has everything on my wish list, the Vtech 2651 came very close, but here are the features that would have made this phone perfect for me:
Dedicated buttons on side of handset for in-call volume control: As it is, you have to pull the handset away from your ear and press a button (which is clearly labeled) to access volume control then other buttons (which are clearly labeled) to increase or decrease. You have to ask your caller to please stand by while you do this.
Better handset battery: This phone comes with a Nickel-Cadmium battery rated at 3.6 volts and 600 mAh. mAh, or milli-amp hours is a measure of capacity, how long it can deliver a certain amount of energy. A higher mAh rating means longer runtime. Given the rating, the phone's battery is about the equivalent of 2 AA batteries. That's not very much if you are a heavy user. It's been just fine for my use. The phone has lasted 4 days on standby out of the cradle. My longest conversations, about 20 minutes, have negligible impact on the battery indicator.
Another drawback to the battery is its composition. Ni-Cad batteries usually need to be replaced sooner than Ni-Mh or Li-Ion batteries. A battery replacement will cost about $25.00.
Build Quality / Style:
There are two weaknesses I've found in build quality:
1. The belt clip is flimsy. It's nice in that it can be pushed into the phone to tuck it away. However, it seems so flimsy that I refuse to use it.
2. Painted plastics. My Panasonics were painted plastic and it always wore off and looked horrible. I can tell this phone has painted plastic but I've yet to see any wear after 6 months of light use.
The handset is light and fits well to my head. The antenna is small and adequate for the range I use it. The handset has a wide base for standing up. This thoughtful design really comes in handy when using the speakerphone function on the handset.
Functionality:
The handset backlight is green and well lit. The display has 2 lines of text for caller ID and 4 lines (smaller font) for menu functions. The handset display also has a battery indicator and menu choices which change depending on what you are doing (in-call functions or standby functions). Caller ID comes up on two lines with the number and the associated number's name. It also supports caller ID for call waiting which is an incredibly useful feature which requires service from the phone company.
You can store a number from caller ID to the handset's memory and I've found this feature to be intuitive. You can also manually store numbers with names.
The handset has 3 range modes that basically let you conserve battery power. There's an auto mode, which I use, that will automatically boost its power for longer distance reception. You can turn this off to conserve power or turn it on if you will be far from the base. Running with the range extender on all the time will drain the battery faster.
The handset speakerphone has been adequate for my needs. There is separate volume control for this which is very useful. The caller can always hear me and I can hear them from about 3-4 feet. The base speakerphone is better than the handset speakerphone. I find that I can relax in my chair when I use it. Volume and my reception has never been an issue.
You can customize ringer volume or ringer melody. There are 6 different melodies which are simple variations of ringer tones. There are no complicated songs you might find on a cell phone.
There is a range tone to let you know when the signal is getting weak, usually from being to far from the base. There is also a low battery tone.
This phone will also accommodate a standard headset. I use a Plantronics headset with this phone and it works well. I was pleasantly surprised to find that volume for the headset is separate from all others, adjusting for the headset does not change the setting for the speakerphone or regular use.
I've found all features and display menu systems to be very intuitive. I personally feel that I should not have to read instructions to get around a menu system. My wife feels this is a testosterone induced need. I feel I have a good reason for this: I don't want to have to refer to instructions every time I want to change something or access information. If that's the case, I simply won't use it. The Vtech 2651 menu system and feature sets are all very intuitive and I was able to get around to all features without reading instructions.
Here are the menu choices:
When you first look at the menus in stand-by mode, you can press dedicated buttons for "Redial | Menu | Memory". Redial will automatically redial the last number you dialed. The memory button will take you to you stored number w/ names, browsing is intuitive along with edit functions.
Following is the menu system:
Calls Log
--Caller ID info + more functions to store number and browser the log
Handset settings
--Ringer Volume
--Ringer Melody
--Low Battery Tone
--Range Tone
--Keypad Tone
--Contrast (screen)
--Language (English, Spanish, or French)
Range Extender
--Off, on or Auto
Tone/Pulse
When on a call, the menu buttons change to "Volume | Hold | Mute". Pressing volume brings up a bar graph and give you 4 levels of volume from low to high. I have this set at 75% of max. The hold feature is most useful if you employ other handsets and wish to transfer a call to another.
This model also supports up to 4 handsets. I don't use this feature with this model but I do have another Vtech in our home with 3 handsets, and I feel it works very well. You can intercom between handsets, transfer a call, and also be able to see if the line is in use from the other extensions.
On Reception and clarity:
I have a 3,000 sq ft home and have never had a reception problem with the phone. I'm very satisfied with range. I've asked callers how I sound and they've all said it was perfect. Sound clarity on the handset is on par with all other cordless phones I've used. I would consider reception and clarity on this phone to be average.
On Durability:
I've used my Vtech 2651 for 6 months now and it still works like new. My use has been light, I'm the only user and it sits in my study away from pets and children.
Bottom line:
I tried using cordless phones that I thought would last a lifetime and paid the extra price. Their reliability turned out to be horrible and I finally decided to make my purchase decisions based on features and lowest price. The Vtech 2651 fits the bill. The features are implemented very well, the phone works well, and the price is right.
I can't really evaluate durability of the pone because my use has been light (about 2 hours of talk time per week). If you decide on a 2651, I hope you have as-good an experience I've had with it!!
I paid $75 at http://www.101phones.com
Update: 1-1-2008: Still going strong, love this phone. The original battery gave out about 2 years after it went into service. I replaced with a Ni-Mh battery. It's an Energizer ER-P240 rated at 1000 mAh. I paid $10 for it. About 75% longer run time than the original.
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