5.8 GHz digital spread spectrum operation * multi-handset operation (add up to 3 optional cordless handsets for a total of 4) * digital answering machine * handset-to-base intercom * handset-to-handset intercom (additional handset required) * voice paging (make announcements to all handsets simultaneously) * Voice Enhancer Technology (adds lost frequencies back to voices)Panasonic's KX-TG5240M utilizes the 5.8 GHz band and digital frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for increased call security and range and for less interference. This system comes with one handset but can accommodate up to three more (for a total of four). Compatible with Caller ID/call waiting, the KX-TG5240M offers a 50-station caller ID memory and dialer, accessible through the handset's three-line backlit LCD. It also features talking caller ID, which audibly announces who's calling through the handset and base speakerphones. Rounding out the main features are an integrated digital answering system and a light-up antenna on the handset that flashes to alert you to new calls and messages. The handsets also offer a variety of ring tones and melodies to choose from.
The KX-TG5240M allows you to pre-program frequently called numbers, even for chain dialing (ideal for calling automated systems that require a series of numeric inputs). It's also Caller IQ compatible, a service provides updates on weather, sports, horoscopes, and more; the information is sent directly to your telephone and displayed on the handset screen. (Caller ID and call waiting require subscription through your phone company. Caller IQ is a fee based service that requires registration.)
What's in the Box
KX-TG5230M base unit, handset, AC power adapter, phone line cord, belt clip, NiMH battery pack, user guide, warranty information
1 About 3 months and problem free
I have had this system with one extension phone for about 3 months now and have had no problems with it. Great sound quality, no glitches in performance or operation.
2 Loved the features, hated the sound quality
I bought this unit because of other reviews I had read concerning wireless connections and cordless phones. Well, they were wrong. The extra handset was in the room with our wireless router for our computers. You had to leave the room to get a phone call. There was nothing but static on the phone.
The base unit had some problems too with sound. It would screech and whistle about 15-20 seconds into a call, and that was standing right in front of the base.
I really did like some of the features like the speaker phone/intercom. All the whistles and bells aren't worth anything if the phone doesn't work. I took this back and got an AT & T E5960. So far we are satisfied with that one.
3 One other feature is missing
My old Panasonic answering machine had the ability to call a pre-programmed number to notify that there is a message. They call it 'to page', but since the pagers have long gone - it just calls my cell phone and hangs up. That is the feature that I will miss a lot!
Also, I don't see it offered at Amazon, but Panasonic also has model KX-TG5243: same as this one but with three handsets. If you are planning to buy this and a handset - 5243 combination is cheaper
4 Great Phone
This is a great phone that has great features. Don't listen to the negative hype. There is usually a great rebate offer too. I got 20 bucks and I think they are up to 30 now.
This phone has seven different ringers (on the base unit KX-TG5240M), and can control all the base unit functions from the handset. It can also be used to monitor a room (like a baby monitor), check the voice mail, phone to phone conference, multiple (up to 5) conference, and many many more features. If you have multiple handsets, you can use it as a pager for each OR all handsets at a time.
I experience excellent clarity several hundred feet away from the house, and that is through three concrete walls. This model comes equipped with NiMH batteries, which beat the heck out of NiCd in both capacity and long (battery memory free) life, which is a huge bonus, considering how much replacement batteries cost nowadays.
My wife loves the talking caller ID so that see doesn't have to cross the room or even clean her hands while cooking to answer some annoying telemarketer.
Good quality, good clarity, and the longest lasting best batteries!
5 Thanks For Info Reviewers
I'm shopping for a portable home phone and almost bought this one. I'm glad I read reviews before purchasing! Wow, you are all really good at explaining things, and brought up things that I would not have even thought of looking for until it was too late. Thanks also to Matt from Chicago, IL for link to Class Action Lawsuit filed by consumers against this and similar models of Panasonic Phones. No wonder these phones are on sale everywhere you look. That did it for me. I'll be looking for another brand of portable phone.
6 This Phone Has Glitches!
Beware of the handset interference within a short distance of the base unit. The talking caller ID is absolutley laughable. And the battery life will deteriorate extremely fast. I had to return my unit for repair because the base unit started to produce severe static causing the answering machine playback and calls to be inaudible. They would not give a refund and have to wait until they receive my unit before sending me out a "refurbished" unit. Still waiting without a phone for 10 days. I think there are a lot of Amazon shoppers from Panasonic... Check out the class action lawsuit that is pending. http://www.sheller.com/Practice.asp?PracticeID=140
7 dont get close to the base
the phone is great just stay away from the base. when you get near the base people on the other end tell me it sounds like a chopped up cell phone. Living in New York City you are sometimes always near the base. Come on panasonic, for having good features, make the phone able to work near the base, and why was this not tested before release?????
8 Very Happy With Phone, Bad Speakerphone
I work out of my home so I wanted a phone that I can sit through endless conference calls and have everything I needed for my telecommunication needs. This phone just about had it all!!!
It is a nice feature to have 3 mail boxes. I don't use them (For accounting press 1, for marketing press 1, for sales press 1, if I owe you money this number has been disconnected....) but it is a nice feature to add if you have more than one person in the house and you don't trust others to take messages for you.
The handset is great!!! I usually just clip it to my hip and use a headset most of the day. The talking caller-ID is great, a feature I didn't know existed until I got my first call. It can really butcher some names, but after a while you get a general idea of who is calling.
The range on this is fantastic. I can get quite far from my house before things start breaking up or things become unclear. When I say quite far, I mean almost a block. That 5.8Ghz frequency broadcasts long and clear.
The 5.8 doesn't interfere with my wireless network. I don't use it much, but it is nice to know that my busy 2.4Ghz frequency isn't as busy anymore.
Since I play music (very loud) while I work I like the fact that the handset lights up when a call comes in. Very nice...
My only complaint (and this is big) is that the speakerphone doesn't work well. If I'm working with somebody on my desk it would be nice to have one that works well but everybody always says they can't hear me (and I've got a pretty loud voice). What I do instead is use a headset and that works fine. But the speakerphone was the biggest thing I wanted and if I could change one thing on this phone... that would be it.
Other than the speakerphone, two thumbs waaaay up!!!
9 Great features, poor sound quality
This phone has all the features I could ask for..... However, the sound quality and signal range are very poor. The voices sound very tinny and garbled at times. The signal would drop out at relatively short distances of about 50 feet away from the base.
I have a 6 yr old Sanyo 900 Mhz phone that beats this on distance and sound quality.
When is Panasonic going to make a good sounding phone ? We also have two of the 2.4 Ghz phones and they're only ok.
This 5.8 Ghz is a new low in sound quality and signal range.
I'm returning mine tomorrow. :-(
10 Lousy
Panasonic used to be one of the best electronics makers bar none. Now everything they make is extremely watered-down using the cheapest parts available and shoddy labor.
I bought two of these phones based on the best buy salesman's recommendation and sure enough it was pure junk.
The reception is terrible! People could not hear me whenever I got within 5 feet of the base. That is not something that should happen for $150 phone that is supposed to be "state of the art." My advice is buy the Uniden and you will be much happier.
11 Best phone I've ever used
I don't make empty claims. This is the best phone I've used. I've had it for 4 weeks. Wind storms, a new wireless network -- nothing has interfered with it. Crystal clear sound. Great handset speakerphone feature. Great remote answering system features. It's light weight and it's slim profile make it easy to hold. Love the expanable handsets. Pleasant ring tone.
I've been sick of modern phones for years. I've owned too many at home and business that fell short of real usability and comfort. This passes all tests in my book.
12 5.8GHz Static Problems
I chose the 5.8GHz DSS because I needed a phone that wouldn't interfere with a wireless network. After a short time using the phone, my callers started complaining of static distorting my voice. I didn't hear it on my end, but people on the other end did. And this was before the wireless network was set up and even when I was right in front of the base station. Besides the static problems, the range is no better than 2.4GHz phones. I've also tried the Motorola MD681; also a cool phone; also the same static problems (actually worse) after short while in use. I thought the Digital Spread Spectrum cordless phones wouldn't have this problem - because they are all digital and don't use any analog frequencies. So disappointing. I still don't have a reliable, static free. My last good one was a Panasonic 2.4GHz phone but that one had short battery life.
13 Big numbers don't deliver better results
If you read the marketing hype it sounds as though the 5.8GHz frequency is better than all others, but this is not true! Actually 900GHz is the best for reception distance. I thought this will still have decent reception from the base set to the hand set, and the unit had other bells and whistles, so I bought it. The reception is very poor and you don't have to move very far at all from the base station before the signal starts fading. The signal booster and the voice enhancer don't help much. Actually the need for such functions indicates the weakness itself.
Buy it if you are only going to use it in a single story house and need an answering machine integrated with your phone. If you want to move around freely outside your home without losing signal quality, look elsewhere. Also the handset can only store 10 phone numbers.
14 Fantastic deal, feature-rich
We've used this phone/answering machine for four months now, and are so glad we chose it. We researched A LOT of systems and this was the only one that had every feature we wanted and an NiMH battery. The clarity is great, and the range has been impressive: No dead zones in our 2400 sq ft house, the basement, at the end of the 125 ft driveway through trees, or way in the back yard.
15 Under water transmission
Great phone if you are away from the base. If the base is located on a desk, nightstand etc., your voice will be "underwater" on the handset untill you move at least 3 feet away or more. Panasonic is aware of the problem and they will repair or replace the defective phone...if you send it to them.
16 Great reception, fair quality, horrible customer service
I purchased the immediate predecessor to this phone in December 2003. While the reception was outstanding -- that had been an issue with my previous telephone -- the handset stopped working after 9 months and the resulting customer service has been nightmarish. Here are the specifics:
In August, the microphone on my handset stopped working. I'd pick up the phone, say hello, and get nothing but dead air. I'd call the person back (using the magic of caller ID) and they'd tell me that the phone picked up but they couldn't hear anything. So I called my cell and had one of those ridiculous conversations with myself, one phone to each ear. Sure enough, the microphone wasn't working.
I then called customer service (on my cell, of course, since the handset wasn't working). This resulted in what I now look back on as some fairly rote fix attempts. First, they told me to go out and buy a new battery. This didn't work (the old battery seemed fine, although I found it interesting that they said the batteries have only a 1 year life span). Then, they had me use a certain key combination to reset the phone, then wait 12 hours before trying it. I did this, but the phone still didn't work.
On my third call to customer service, they agreed that it sounded like the phone needed repair, and said I could send the handset into a place in Texas for a refurbished replacement. The problem is that they insisted I send THE ENTIRE PHONE IN, base unit included. I explained that the base unit was working fine, and that I could use the speakerphone in the interim. They said no, that was the policy. I then asked to speak to a supervisor.
The supervisor was very nice, but said that that was simply their policy -- to send the entire phone in. I explained that that would mean I'd be without my home phone for what sounds like two weeks, unless I went out and bought another one. She said, "I'm sorry if that causes you any inconvenience." Any inconvenience? To be without a phone for two weeks? Having to use a speakerphone for two weeks is an inconvenience; being without a phone entirely is nutty. It's as if the water department said, "I'm sorry, you won't be able to flush the toilet for take a shower for two weeks... hope that doesn't bother you any."
I very calmly asked to escalate this, but she said she was the highest escalation point. After I expressed some surprise that the CEO of Panasonic would be taking calls like this, she gave me a number in New Jersey. It turns out the call center, by the way, was in the Philippines. That explained why she was so nice, and made me feel a little guilty about my sarcastic you-must-be-the-CEO crack. [But it also illustrated one of the downsides of outsourcing, and it struck me as curious that they don't offer 24 hour support, since that is supposedly one of the advantages of farming out these things to a place that's 15 hours ahead of you.]
The first time I called the New Jersey number, they forwarded me back to the Phillipines. The second time I called, they gave me a different number, which turned out to be a slightly different phone tree (giving me hope), but sending me back to the Philippines nonetheless. The third time I called, they put me on hold. After five minutes of hold (all these calls are off my cell), I started writing this review. It's now 26 minutes into my hold. I'll give them another five minutes before giving up. In the meantime, I thought you should know the kinds of hoops Panasonic makes you jump through to resolve a product defect of their own making.
17 Great features, poor sound quality
I purchased the Panasonic KX-TG5240M phone/answering machine and an additional handset (KX-TGA520M) after reading several glowing reviews (and one bad one) here and a couple of other places. The one bad review indicated that when using one of these phones, the person on the other end often complained of having difficulty hearing them. A follow-up review from another person scoffed and said they never had any problems, so I dismissed the bad experience as an isolated incident and bought the phone anyway. I should have heeded the warning of that one reviewer. Both my wife and I are completely fed up with these phones. We're pleased with the features of these phones, but sick and tired of having callers complain they can't hear us. It has happened to both my wife and I, and we avoid using these phones whenever possible. I unfortunately can't take the phones back, because I ordered them online (not through amazon.com) from a company that offered only a 15-day return policy. $200 out the window. My advice - if you really are interested in these phones, buy them from somewhere with a more reasonable return policy. Be sure to test how well your callers can hear you. If your experience is anything like mine, you'll need to take them back.
18 It didn't let me disappointed!
Bought this phone 2 week ago. I like it. IMO, it is the best one on the market (you can see this by it's price, it is still selling at 279.99can$ in Canada!, most expensive 5.8GHZ cordless phone).
I don't understand why some people complain aout this phone and give it 1 star rating. It doesn't make any sense!
One thing I want mention: this phone have a super-long range. I am living in a condo, It still works even I bring the handset up to 3 floors higher!!!
19 Steer clear...
I bought the base station (KX-TG5240M) and a second handset (KX-TGA520M) and both failed within 2 months. The second handset could no longer find the base station and the other handset only half worked - I could hear whover called, but they couldn't here me!
(Comapred to my last Panasonic 900MHz phone that lasted 8+ years and counting...)
The features on this phone are great and worth 5 stars (programmable phone book, room-to-room monitor, multiple voicemail inboxes) but a great phone that doesn't work is worthless
20 Best range 5.8ghz multihandset
Save yourself the time and trouble - over the past month (August 2004) I have tried the latest models of just about every major brand that offers 5.8 ghz multi-handset cordless phones - Uniden, V-Tech, AT&T (made by V-Tech), Motorola, and Panasonic. Each of these phones is nice in its own way, but only the Panasonic had enough range to receive and send clearly from one end of the house to the other. Granted my house is a little large (3,600 square feet, all one one level), but the other brands maxed out about 2/3rds of the way through the house. I have a WiFi network in the house, and had no interference issues from that with any of these brands. I do wish the Panasonic could expand to a total of more than just 4 handsets, but that is a minor issue. Those big honking twin antennae on the base unit seem to actually work. Please note that I got the version without the answering machine, so I can't offer any opinions on that part of this.
21 Great Phone
I just purchased this phone about one week ago and love it so far. This phone is very clear with good volume and it is very easy to use. The talking caller ID feature is the best and it's very convenient. The only minor problem that I have found is the screen on the base is fairly small and doesn't display a caller ID number. This actually isn't a big deal because of the talking caller ID feature.I do highly recommend purchasing this phone, a little pricey but look for the deals like I did.
22 The better option out there
I finally found a cordless phone that I am content with. Having had the Siemens multi-handset option, as well as the ATT 5.8 GHz set which I returned for this Panasonic, I can finally rest easy. It's worth mentioning that the phone isn't perfect (I'll address my wish list of upgrades in a bit), but it confidently handles most of my basis needs including: good reception, good answering machine, good form factor.
The reception, contrary to what others in this forum have written, is superb. It is better than all of the cordless phones I have used in the past, including other Panasonics.
The answering machine is good. While I will admit that the outgoing message quality could be improved a bit (I refuse to use the enhanced voice clarity and be stuck with 8 minutes of messages), it is functional and the message replay system works as it should....in straightforward fashion.
The form factor is great. The base station is small and inconspicuous. While some users would prefer an LCD screen, I argue that the handsets function perfectly in that regard, even going so far as to be able to program the base station itself. Moreover, they are small. Although I worried that the orange light would not be as pleasing as the blue light on some other models, I am pleased to admit that the orange light is actually preferable in a darker environment in that it is easier on the eyes. However, it is still very legible in the daytime.
Basically, the system is essentially what I wanted. Okay, as I mentioned, it would be nice if it had the following upgrades: longer recording time for the answering machine and better sound quality for the outgoing message. But, these are pretty minor. I am just content that my system with 2 handsets works as advertised.
23 Good features, Bad performance
I have always used Panasonic phones. I just loved the feel and look of this phone the moment I saw it. There are so many new features and I was upgrading from a 900 MHZ, so was excited on starting to use it. The features were so easy to set up - then, I started talking - only my friends could not hear me ! Frustrated, they had to call me on my cell phone or asked me to call them on my cell phone. Finally, got tired of using cell phone for local calls too. Tried calling Panasonic who put me on hold for half an hour. Though I loved the 'Pause' feature to enter the long winded calling card numbers and their pins and my 2 year old loved to change the ringer tune every few minutes, we had to return the phone after seeing our cell phone bill ... We were surprised to find many 'Open Box' items for this model in Best Buy - maybe an indication ????
24 Good, but so easily could have been great
This is my third 5.8Ghz phone in 3 months. I tried the VTech, Uniden and now Panasonic, and this one I will keep. I needed a speakerphone, answering machine and multi-handset unit, so my choices in the 5.8Ghz range were limited. Of the three I tried, the Panasonic KX-TG5240M was the only one that worked well and had the above key features.
Outside of the features, things that are good on this phone -
1: Clear, static-free conversation
2: Button placement and design (on the Uniden and VTech phones, every time I put the phone in my pocket, the "TALK" button would become depressed, thus opening the line. Not a good thing on the other phones. Panasonic is the only phone that has well designed and slightly recessed "TALK" and "OFF" buttons.
3: Easy to use screen prompts, reducing need to memorize functions.
That said, Panasonic could have so easily made this phone great by addressing the following short-comings:
1: Handset speakerphone volume is not quite high enough. I can't place the phone on a table in the room and walk around having a conversation b/c the speaker is simply too quiet. Even on its highest volume, one can describe the handset speakerphone as good enough to put on the desk in front of you while seated there, not anything more.
2: Answering machine has 16 minutes of recording time on the lower quality (half that in higher quality mode). While lower quality is okay - somewhat difficult to understand but acceptable - the higher quality mode would be far better to use, but 8 minutes of recording time doesn't cut it for anyone who travels and expects to want to save messages. Memory is so cheap. Panasonic could have tripled that number without an appreciable increase in cost. NOTE: The Uniden TRU-8885 has an excellent quality digital answering machine (as good as any tape-type analog) and plenty of recording time.
3: Handset phone book does not allow for numerically-assigned speed-dials. You can easily search by name in the phone book, but if you call your office voice mail three times a day, it would have been really nice to be able to assign that phone book entry to, say, speed dial #1, thus avoiding the need to always search. Not a huge deal, but note that Panasonic uses this technique on the base (since there is no base-station alpha-display). Why couldn't they have just added this same feature to the handsets?
---
My overall take is that this is the best of the three phones I tried. The most compelling two reasons I moved from the other phones to this phone were (1) the "TALK" button problem, which is a big deal since I like to keep the phone in my pocket while walking around the house and (2) range in my 1934 plaster-wall house. I didn't bring this point up above, but neither VTech nor Uniden had any range inside or around my house or surrounding 1/3-acre property. Something was clearly interfering with the signal. With respect to range, the Panasonic is better (not great - I can't walk more than 200 or so feet from the base, whether inside or outside), but at least I can get signal in all rooms of my house. I figure there must be something in my walls that is retarding the signal.
If you're willing to spend the money, this is a good phone. I wish my old Panasonic 900 Mhz was still working. That was better than all of the above in every respect!
25 Great features poor reception
I tried this phone twice. The first one had a bad battery/display and it would show it was completely charged and then I attempt to call and the display would show nothing. I could continue talking but without the soft buttons, you could not do much in terms of muting or the other advanced features.
I got the second one and it was fine until the first time we used it. I had the phone placed in the middle of our house away from any walls or electrical components. The phone worked fine for the most part far away from the base unit. The big problem was when we got to within 10 or 15 feet of the unit, EVERYONE who we called and tested it with would complain that we sounded garbled and broken up. We could hear them fine though. I attempted multiple tests with different people and even different placements. No luck. It seems like it does not get good reception when the handset is close to the base. I had to return it because it was just not operating correctly. It was a shame too. It is a nice phone with many well integrated features...I just can't have a phone that does not work well. I am probably going for a Uniden TRU8885 since it seems to have much better reviews and I have checked them out in the store. The Motorola phones are nice and one of my friends has it but the style, "non-integrated" phone book, and other annoying features turned me off of that one.
26 Are Techs from Uniden writing bad reviews here?
My brother owns this phone. I'm the one who gets to listen to this Panasonic transmit the voice. I don't understand some reviews that state the sound quality is bad. It's just the opposite. The phone sounds very much like a good corded phone...on both talk AND receive. No noise, just clear good sound.
I write this because I recently purchased Uniden's newest 5.8 phone. I read so many glowing reports about it's sound quality. After all, once you finally stop "playing" with these phones..it's the sound quality and comfort that really matters...at least to me.
The new Unidens on the receiver end DO sound great and plenty loud. BUT if you have voice mail at work or even on your cell phone...just leave yourself a message with the Uniden. You'll see the transmit quality is HORRIBLE...dark, muffled, like a cheap cell phone. Back to the 5200 series Panasonics...they sound GREAT on both send and receive. Don't buy HALF a phone...like the new Unidens. Mine went back to Staples! Make sure you listen to both send AND receive on your new phone. If you buy a Panasonic 5200 series...you'll have about the best sounding cordless out there...
27 Great Phone
This is a great phone with features that are easy to set up and use. If you haven't experienced the joy of talking caller ID yet - this is a fine way to start. I don't know why all phones don't have it.
28 Your friends will hate you
Everbody I talked to hated this phone, they wanted to know what the problem was, even when I was right next to the base unit! I took it back for a refund. I saw another reviewer had the exact same experience, so ask your callers about the quality of the sound within your return period.
A couple of other things I didn't like:
* only 2 digits for remote access code.
* No message waiting indicator for central station voicemail. I have voicemail as a backup and would like an indicator for this.
29 Good, but a little upset!
Before I start my review, let me point out that I've been using Panasonic phones for years, and I'm quite familiar with their phones. And every time buying a new phone, another feature is missing. So to date, I have so many features missing, I wish I could get back to my old phone from 8 years ago. And let me explain.
The TG-5240 Is replacing my TG-2257. I'm not crazy about the new hot orange color on the handsets LCD and keys. I would like blue better. Voice quality is clear and good. No problems so far. But the new missing feature is: on all my phones until now, whenever I playback a message and the handset is on the base, the caller ID shows while the message is playing. NO MORE! The handset just doesn't care I'm listening to my messages, it just shows me a freaking 'CHARGING...' message. So I have to figure out who is the voice talking on the message. I really miss that feature. (actually, according to the user manual, it supposed to work with the caller ID showing, but for some reason it's not working on my phone. I will contact Panasonic for that).
The talking caller ID is really weird. It reads the names very funny, and "out of the area" calls it always saying 'unavailable' and bla bla bla... I just hate it. Fortunately, you can turn it OFF (as I did). You can have this feature on or off independent on the base or the handset.
The recording in the answering machine has 2 modes. Standard, and Enhanced recording (for better sound quality), which reduces recording time in half (from 16 minutes to 8 minutes).
Another good feature (copied from cell phones) that if somebody is calling you and you don't want to pickup the phone, and you want to turn off the ringer now (for this call only), you could press the 'Off' button (which is as the 'end' key in a cell phone), and the ringer will turn off. The call will be transferred to the answering machine, of course.
There are many things more similar to cell phones in this phones. A few examples: A selection of many ringer tones with some musical ringers; When you come home you don't see any more on the handset LCD '5 new calls' or (like my previous TG-2257) 'new calls received', but you see '5 missed calls'.
A new feature on this phone, that on the top of the antenna of the handset there is an indicator lamp (which is flashing while the phone is ringing), and you have an option to set that if you have a new message, the lamp will flash, even the handset is off the base. So you don't have to go to your base to check for new messages. You just see the indicator lamp flashing slowly on the handset, and you press the soft button 'play', and you hear the messages on the handset speaker. Smart!
I also like that lately in Panasonic phones you have a redial list of the last 5 outgoing calls (Although some others have a list of the last 10 calls).
Let's go over some things Panasonic used to offer on their previous phones and now you can't get it any more, and I really missed them all.
1) LCD on the base to show Caller ID and other info. (even on the older models that do have it, it was never backlit).
2) In the good old days, the answering system had a 'fast talk' feature on message playback, so if somebody is talking too slowly, you can make it play faster by about 30%. And you was also able to rewind it fast (also about 30% faster than 1X the speed). (much like your CD players rewind and fast forward functions, when you press the forward button and hold it, it plays faster and while pressing and holding the rewind button it's rewinding but you can hear it. This was very useful for me in many situations, for example: you have a long message from your friend, with a return phone number at the end of the message, and I just wanted to re-listen to the phone number, I was able to rewind as many times as I wanted to listen to that phone number. Or restart the message from the beginning and fast forward it to the point you want to listen (you know, we're always in a hurry...)
In the newer Panasonic phones (last 4-5 years or so), if you press rewind - even if you keep holding it, it will return to the beginning of the message or to the previous message, same as forward will move it to the next message. Also, the last few years they have a new useless feature called 'Slow talk', so you can play the message about 30% slower than usual! I never used that feature. But for you people who did used it, be advised that this feature has been eliminated from this phone. No more slow or fast talk - just regular speed.
Now, let me describe some features Panasonic never had, but other competitors do have them, and would be nice to see them in upcoming Panasonic telephones (I hope Panasonic is reading the reviews).
1) Show the time (and date) on the handset when not in use.
2) Automatically adjust time when a caller calls in (with caller ID). In Panasonic phones you have to set it first manually, and caller ID will adjust the time if the time is incorrect. But if the date & time have not been previously set, caller ID information will not adjust the date & time.
Sorry for my long review. I hope you'll find some useful information.
30 Best phone ever
I guess I got a good one too because I have had nothing but great sound clarity from this phone. I bought an additional handset for my basement family room since I did't have a phone jack in it and it has been flawless. This phone has every feature I could ask for including the ability to use both handsets at the same time (unlike a lot of other phones such as Uniden). The one feature I though would be useless but ended up being my favorite is the talking caller ID. Now I don't even have to run to the phone to see who is calling! Talk about adding to my laziness!! Whenever I hear "Unknown Caller", I know I don't have to waste any energy getting up to grab the phone! Great feature!
I have always loved Panasonic phones but the last one I owned became a nightmare due to its using NICD batteries. I swear, those things would last about 3 months before they would start losing charge after 20 minutes of usage.
I was going to try another brand since the older model phone that uses the NICD batteries is what seems to be pushed by Amazon but after a quick visit to Panasonic's site, I learned about this newer model that finally uses NIMH batteries. I had to do a search for it by model number on Amazon (don't know why it wouldn't just show up under 5.8gh phones) and decided to buy it.
So far the battery life has been improved considerably and I don't have to wait until it drains down completely before I recharge it.
The price is somewhat steep for a cordless phone but so far it has been worth it. If it is within your budget, I highly recommend trying this phone.
31 Outstanding!
I have this phone system, and have had nothing but good luck with it! The clarity of this phone is wonderful, and the person on the other side has no problem hearing me at all, as a matter of fact they seem to be able to hear everything... for example I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and asked if he could hear me ok? He said not only could he hear me just fine, but he could hear everything I was doing, from turning the pages on a magazine, to my wife in the other room talking to my son.
So to end, I don't know if I just got a good one or what but I really like this phone it has worked flawlessly for me.
32 The very bad kills the very good!
First the good: The features are extensive and relatively easy to use. The user-interface is clean. It does not interfere with WiFi, and it perfect for almost everyone.
Now the bad: The sound quality experienced by the CALLER is dreadful. Syllables are garbled, eaten, and mashed with a meat cleaver. Received sound is fine.
I loved the unit, but all my friends (callers) hated it with a passion, and I returned it for a full refund because it was within the 30 Day period. Forget the 1 year warrantee, which forces you to deal with Panasonic. You will get a refurbished unit with the same design flaws.
33 horrible sound quality
A friend spent a long time deciding what new cordless system to purchase to replace his older Siemens 2.4Ghz system. He excitedly ordered this phone from Amazon when it was available and set it up right away without any issues. Then he started making phone calls. He must have called me about a dozen times one day to test out the sound quality. Every time he called me it sounded horrible. It sounded as though he was on an old bad quality cell phone. He was garbled and hard to understand. And that's sitting in the same room as the base station. He called Panasonic support and they recommended that he move the base station further away from other electronics, like the computer. He did this and still no improvement. So he is now returning the Panasonic phone and buying the Uniden TRU8885. Will have to see if that one is any better.
34 Better than the 5100 series
The 5240 series improves on the excellent 5110M ( the previous generation). Things that are better :
1. Smaller handset design.
2. Better battery.
3. Backlighting better, and display sharper.
4. Talking caller ID is neat.
5. Ability to download contacts form Outlook to the phone (through a paid service).
6. Call quality about the same as the 5110 series (I strongly recomend that you check out those reviews as well).
Negatives :
1. No LCD on the base. However, talking caller id helps.
2. The voice enhancer can make people sound funny. Then again, turning it off is a metter of pressing one button.
Bottom Like :
This is the best 5.8Ghz set you can buy.
35 Poor sound quality
I have used this phone for 1 week now. Here are what I have experienced:
The good:
1.Very easy to use menu system
2.Speaker phone on both base and handset
3.No interference with wireless computer network
4.NM-Hi battery
The bad:
1.Poor sound quality, a lot of background static noise. My 6-year old 900MHz phone has far better sound quality. Really surprised and disappointed by this.
2.Tried two headphones, none worked well. The GE brand one didn't work at all. The Panasonic one worked better but the other party still complained couldn't hear well.
3. No caller ID panel on the base station. The little panel on the base is only for message box etc.
4. No ringer on/off switch on the handset.
Overall, it's not worth the money. The sound quality is just too bad.
