5.8 GHz digital spread spectrum operation * 2-line operation * multi-handset operation (add up to 3 optional cordless handsets for a total of 4) * digital answering machine * black finish *
1 Very nice phone system
An incredible little phone system. We purchased a full compliment with 3 additional handsets a few months ago. So far it's been great. The default ring tone is nice but the other options are pretty annoying. The screen is easy to read and the menu system is very easy to navigate. The speakerphone is surprisingly clear. There has been no interference and our wireless computer network hub is only 10' away from the base. The Voice Enhance feature is pretty much worthless. It makes everyone sound like a Decepticon. The signal won't make it through our building's firewall about 200' away but I have yet to find a phone that will.
One point on caller ID: The handsets that do not answer a call will display "XX Missed Calls" but the caller ID data is still there. Hitting the up/down button will take you right to the numbers, just like on most cell phones. From the other reviews is sounded like Caller ID data would not be recorded on idle handsets.
This system replaces the hellish nightmare we had been using: the Siemens 2420 Gigaset. The Siemens phones had bad internal electrical connections that resulted in the earphone cutting out and non-functioning buttons. Those Siemens phones also had the worst menu system ever devised for a phone. Transferring a call was so complicated we got in the habit of physically handing the phones to the person the call was for. We're still getting used to being able to transfer calls!
2 Misleading product
I purchased this phone, specifically for the mailbox functionality claimed by Panasonic ("Up to 3 mailboxes").
Unlike their other products, this product DOES NOT support mailboxes. Only after several conversations with their technical support did I "help" them come to the conclusion that their web site and product specs are incorrect.
3 Very good phone but could use better user interface
I've owned several multi handset systems over the last 4 years beginning with the product the started it all off, the Siemens 2420. Don't even get me started on how bad the Siemens cordless handset reception is. Everyone who uses one knows they are pathetic. Other than the poor reception, the Siemens 2420 and 8825 still have the best menu system and setup of any multi handset system, Panasonic 6500/6502 included!
Just so everyone understands, Panasonic, Uniden and most companies (I believe Vtech/AT&T included) use the same chipsets from www.dspg.com. This is why the ergonomics of most of these systems are the same or similar. I'll list the advantages and disadvantages I see in the DSP Group implemenation as compared to Siemens way of doing things....
Advantages:
-Excellent handset reception (even the 2.4Ghz models are OK and do not experience much interference) 5.8 is very clear with no interference in my home.
-handset range is actually better than I suspected at 5.8Ghz (remember the higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength
and generally the shorter the range).
-Room/baby monitor
Disadvantages:
-no handset naming
-handsets show missed call even if the call is answered by another handset.
-no password lockout for settings (such as answering machine PIN). Can't lockout the kids from being nosey.
-only supports 2 digit answering machine PIN
-When remote checking answering machine it does not support reading of caller ID info for message (how many people say "call me" but you don't remember their #)?
-overly complex menu to manipulate answering machine from remote phone.
-does not set time by using caller ID info
-4 handsets only
-True Speech voice compression quality is horrible even if set to "enhanced" mode.
So, reception alone is enough to convince me to keep this system and toss my aged Siemens. Ergo-wise, I will definitely miss my Siemens. Unfortunately Siemens Corporate tells me they will not have a new phone system until the second half of 2005.
Sorry that this review turned into a comparison to Siemens, however I feel that DSP Group, Panasonic, Uniden, etc. who support them need to get of their rocker and begin to expand the feature-set of the chipsets to support features that people can really use!!!
4 VERY Satisfied with this phone
I purchased this phone with three additional handsets and I am extremely happy with it. The quality is excellent, compared to 2.4GHz phones, and it does not interfere with my wireless computer network. The range is excellent. All features are easy to use, clearly explained, and function perfectly. The phone has a great feel to it, and I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.
5 Not well executed
There are, at this time, exactly two 5.8 GHz 2-line expandable phone systems -- this Panasonic and the Uniden TRU8866 -- and I found it frustrating to research them because they're new and there's not much information out there. So my two cents, should it be helpful...I bought this Panasonic 6500B and three handsets, played with them for a week, and called today for an RMA number to return them. I'm now evaluating the Uniden system, which I think I'll end up keeping.
(For reference, I'm migrating from a Siemens gigaset 2420, 2-line 2.4GHz system, amazon item B00004R7R1. It's noted for a few quirks, but it's been solid for 6 years and I'd easily favor it over the Panasonic.)
Pros:
-- you only have two options at present, so this phone does deliver 2-line 5.8 GHz functionality
-- blinking antenna for ringing/message was a nice touch
-- all of the basic stuff you'd expect...intercom, speakerphone, Caller ID, etc.
Cons:
-- poor sound quality, even compared to my 2.4GHz system -- there was a constant hiss even when standing near the base, and it wasn't line noise. (There is a voice boost/voice enhancer function, though even the manual notes that it might amplify any existing line noise you may already have.)
-- one 'feature' that tilted me toward the panasonic was a 'shared' phone directory among the handsets and base. It actually works like the Siemens - you have to manually copy phonebook entries from one handset to another, so keeping them all in sync is a pain.
-- The handsets didn't behave like extensions of the same line; when you answer a call on one handset, all of the others display 'missed call', which you must then clear from EACH handset. So I always seemed to pick up a handset with a few missed calls, which were actually answered on a different handset.
-- Lack of an aux port so the phone can catch the distinctive ring and shuttle a call to the fax (btw, the Uniden doesn't have this either)
-- Misc. minor annoyances: Panasonic still uses a two-digit code for the answering machine, as it did ~15 years ago. Only eight ring tones (4 ring/4 melody), none of which were great.
-- basic interface is just crude compared to other modern phones/cell phones (I'm a techie with a UI/usability background, so I do have bias there).
Overall, I found this Panasonic to be a step down from the Siemens. I've only had the Uniden for a couple days, and I'd certainly say it's the better option of the two.
