Hello? How are you? Panasonic KX-TG1032 Cordless Phone

The trouble with today's cordless phones is that they don't last like the old phones used to.  Russell Crowe wouldn't waste his time trying to hit someone with a cordless. My old AT&T phone broke one day when I dropped it on the kitchen floor, so I had to search for a replacement.

My Requirements

Cordless
2 Handsets
Digital Answering Machine
Under $100.00

Panasonic Fits the Bill

The Panasonic KX-TG1032s met all my requirements. At Circuit Cities Liquidation Sale I was able to get this phone set for less than $70.00. I believe they cost about $80.00 regular retail.  Even though the phones are 1.9 GHz, the new DECT technology seems to eliminate call intereference that I used to get with phones that were only 2.4 GHz.  This Panasonic set came with one base unit that needs to be plugged in to an electric outlet and a phone jack. The second handset cradle has to be plugged in, but doesn't require a phone jack.  Panasonic also offers models that come with 3, 4, 5 and 6 handsets. You may also expand if you start with the two, adding up to four additional handsets.  This would be handy if you had six different rooms you wanted the phone in, or if you frequently lose phone handsets.

Set Up

Set up was easy, you take the phones out, put 2AAA rechargeable batteries into each handset. These are INCLUDED with the purchase and they are also standard batteries. Many cordless phones have propreitary battery packs.  Plug the base in, connect the phone jack, and plug the second handset cradle, and place the phones into each.

The downside? Seven Hours to charge the phones! If you had planned on making any calls on these shortly after purchase, you better have your cell phone handy! 

The Phones

These phones are easy to hold, but seem pretty lightweight. They have a plastic construction and I doubt these will hold up for the long run. Nevertheless, the keys are easily laid out and easy to read. The screen on each phone is small with a black readout against a yellow light up screen. I had no problem reading it, but I also have perfect vision.  The base unit is small, and has a few basic buttons for operating the answering machine. (on/off, play, rewind, ff) as well as the all important locator button described below.) The phones don't look terribly impressive, they have a cheap silver looking plastic front with black and white buttons and a black plastic back.

Using the Phone

Dial your number, press talk! The phones are clear, it is easy to hear and be heard. The clarity on these phones is fine.  I've been using the phone for about two weeks now, and there isn't any static or interference when talking on the phone. These phones do require electricity however. One night, there was a power failure due to New England's wonderful weather. Although the phones are battery operated, the base must be plugged in. Unlike my Mom's old phone, these need electricity to run.  If you temporarily need to mute the phone, there is a mute button. Now the party can't hear you. It's Fred. Are you home, or should I say you moved to Europe and will never return?

Using the Digital Answering Machine

At first, the answering machine answers the phone in its best Stephen Hawking impersonation. However, using the easy to understand instruction manual, you can leave your own message.  The answering machine may be on or off. This phone only has ONE mailbox. My office system for comparison has 3.  4 if you count, Press the hangup button if you are selling something.   The answering machine message sounds clear when you call the phone, and messages may be heard by simply pressing the big messages button. They are also quite clear.  However, once the messages are deleted, the handsets still insist on displaying a message that says you have a new voice mail.

Features

Each handset has a phone book built in, and you can store up to 50 numbers. After you enter the local pizza shops and Chinese takeouts, that leaves plenty of numbers for friends, family or emergency numbers. If you have Caller ID from your phone company, you can not only see who is calling, but the last 50 people who called.  That can be handy for quickly locating a number to return a call.

The phone also has a clear speaker phone option. So long as you don't have music or a movie blaring, the speaker phone works well. I found out that it doesn't work well if you are watching American Idol and talking on the speaker phone. Something about bad singers interferes wih the call clarity.  You can also use a button to transfer the call to the other handset(s) or use it as an intercom.

The phone is also ADD enabled. If you have Attention Deficit Disorder, or just act like you do, losing the telephone handsets can be a major problem. The base unit has a button named LOCATOR. Press it, and the phone handsets emit a distinct sound allowing you to find the phone where ever it has gone to. (behind the couch, under the pillow etc.). This has saved me a few headaches already.

Manual

With todays cordless phones, there are too many features to set up intuitively. Although basic features like placing a call can be done without reading, advanced features like setting up your outgoing message or entering numbers into the phone book require the manual. The manual is clearly laid out, easy to read and easy to understand. I was able to set up and use the features I wanted withe the included Panasonic manual.

Summary

The phones do everything I want, and are easy to use. The handset Locator button should be included on EVERY cordless phone, and I appreciate this feature a lot. Overall, I found the phone construction to be rather flimsy and the looks rather plain.  I gave the Panasonic phones four stars. Although I don't think they are excellent, they get the job done and have features that I need and use.