Cell Phone like Options in a Home Phone!

**Update 6/13/05**
After months of use, I do now have one complaint! Ghosting! I am assuming my wireless 802.11b network is somehow interefering. A quick turn off and turn on gets another channel, but if I don't I get a ghosting type sound or even a horrendous feedback like squeal. I am lowering my overall score to "average" because of this.
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The basic description of this phone would be that it's a 5.8GHz Expandable cordless system with full color screen and dual display caller ID (color screen is only on the handset not the base unit). I also purchased the i5807 additional handset that is compatible with the i5857 and i5867 (similar but with an answering machine).

The i5857 is currently more difficult to find, but I didn't want the i5867 with answering machine since my telephone company provides voicemail.

Features
-5.8 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum

This feature proved to be nice as now I no longer have interference with my wireless computer network as I did with my 2.4 ghz phone.

-Caller ID/call waiting

I suppose I expect this feature in today's phone, but what is nice is that the base also displays the same info. In addition you can take a caller from the CID (CallerID) list then add it to the phone book AND give it a customized ring and color image when that number rings the phone! The down side is that those settings are unique to that handset, so additional handsets must be programmed seperately and the Base station ring cannot be customized at all.

-Expandable system; expands up to 8 phones

I only need 2, but it's nice to know it can take plenty more! The security feature used to match the handsets to the base is a 16 digit code, so I feel pretty secure with this unit!

-50 Name and number caller ID memory
-50 Name and number phonebook directory

-802.11 Friendly – Will work with wireless networks

I am not 100% for sure what they mean by this other than the phone doesn't cause static with the network. It doesn't have any 802 features built in. All connectivity to the computer is through a USB cable or stereo mini plug (both included).

-Downloadable images for wallpaper or picture caller ID

The software comes with the phone for uploading wallpapers and caller id images. The image size must be 101 X 62 at 256 colors.-Use provided software and USB cord

-Headset compatible (2.5 mm)

I have no plans of using a headset, but one does NOT come with the phone. I did however use the 2.5mm jack for uploading custom ringtones! A cable is supplied for this and connects directly to your sound card.

-Large color handset display with picture caller ID

Neat feature, but having only 256 colors is apparent compared to fancy cell phones of today.

-MULTI-VIBE™ Vibrating handset ringer

If you wear the phone that might be a neat feature, but I personally have no use for it. Some ringtones are very quite and the vibrate alert would be nice if you would like to wear the handset or need an alert system in silence.

-Recordable ringer – Record directly from your PC or stereo equipment

I have to admit this is one COOL feature! It seems to take either WAV or MP3 file formats. You are however limited to 10 sec. sound clips. You cannot upload the clips via the USB. You have to use the 2.5 mm mini jack and essentially "record" the clip to the phone. You get the phone "ready" to record and then hit record as you play the file on your computer. Then stop recording after the file is done playing. Seems kinda old school technology, but it does allow you to record your own voice or any theoretically "any" sound.

-SOUND SELECT™ for enhanced audio performance

Your choices here are Bass Boost, Mid Boost, Treble Boost, & Natural Audio. As you decide which one to select you get a screen that imitates the look of a Graphic Equalizer.

-Spare battery charger with power backup

This is nice for a setup of "always charged" backups, but even more the phone will still operate even if the power goes out! The saleperson told me this is one of the only cordless phones on the market that will still work during a power outage. I would also like to note the handsets come with rechargeable AA batteries.

-Visual Message Waiting Indicator (VMWI)

I am assuming they mean the amber flashing light on both the base unit and the handset (near the antenna). Makes it nice to now if you missed a called by glancing at either unit. If you see an amber flash you know someone called!

-“Hands-Free” speakerphone in handset and base

Nice cell phone like feature! The base speakerphone is also a nice means for using the phone the first day you get it while the handsets are charging!


Some additional features are that the handset screen indicates which unit you have in hand. For instance handset 1 will have a 1 in the upper left hand corner. It also hase a battery indicator on the handset as well as one on the base unit for the spare batteries it charges.

Overall form factor is slightly larger than I would like, but the feature rich phone makes up for that. I like the smaller compact size of the unidens, but the features offered with this phone are what I wanted.

The included image software allows you to do some simple editing such as Zoom In/Out, Rotate Left/Right, Adjust Brightness & Contrast, & Adjust Color. No cropping feature. Again the image size used is 101 X 62 at 256 colors.