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Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra Handset by Uniden
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Uniden Model: TRU9485-2 Color: Silver and Black Product features: - 5.8 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum cordless system
- Call Waiting Caller ID with 100-station memory
- IntegriSound digital answering system with memo recording
- DirectLink 2-way radio; 10 programmable ring tones
- Package includes two handsets; One-year warranty
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra HandsetCustomer Review: Finally it's my turn to comment on this phone set! Yea! Summary: 5 Stars
1) Why I bought what I bought
We had a 900MHz cordless Panasonic with voice recorder for about 8 years. We also have had a very simple 900MHz Sony cordless for about 12 years. Both actually worked well but each had issues.
The Panasonic had to be disassembled every three months so we could clean the keypad contacts with alcohol as they had some kind of oily liquid that interfered with the contact. The Panasonic also had a bit of a strange user interface. For example one had to click down then right on the "joystick" button to select the directory before selecting a name to dial. The handset operation of the voice recorder was so cryptic that we always used the base.
The Sony worked quite well except the listening volume, with only two settings, was too low so we only used that phone to answer when in the bedroom. If we had to make a call we would use the Panasonic so we would have good volume.
My sister recently bought a Uniden TRU9485-2 and loves it so I started doing some research. I checked Amazon user comments on a lot of cordless phones, including a number of Uniden models, and it was clear that this particular model had the highest user rating so I dug in to learn more. Then made the decision to buy.
Amazon's free shipping is something I always pay attention to and wanted to take advantage of it this time. Strange though that the TRU9485-2 (indicating TWO handsets) is not sold and shipped by Amazon. However the TRU9485 with one handset IS sold and shipped by Amazon as is the TRU9485-3 with three handsets. So I bought a TRU9485 plus an extra handset TCX905 and the total of the two was just $3 more than this two handset model but with free shipping! I even called Amazon about the strange situation that they don't sell and ship the two handset model but they could only give me a standard answer.
I also bought a TWX977 waterproof, floating handset which I will review.
2) My observations
First I really like to read the least flattering comments of users to see what they don't like. Two things stood out. 1) The range isn't as good as they hoped. 2) The volume isn't loud enough (a big concern for me as our Sony is almost useless because of low listening volume). So the first thing I checked was the range and volume.
We live in a standard California tract home of somthing less than 1/4 acre. I walked the phone to every corner of our lot including to the far corner of the garage which has a tent trailer and boat so there is pleanty of metal to block a signal. The phones performed flawlessly to the extend of my property.
The volume is adequate on the earpiece, and loud on the speakerphone in the handset. On a scale of 1-10, where 1 is silent, 10 is too loud and 8 is what I would hope for, I would rate the volume a 6-7. It is fine in a normal home noise environment but if there were more noise it may be hard to hear. Not bad enough to send it back though. The sound quality is tip-top.
Features: When I read through the feature set before the purchase I thought it was a bit overloaded, but you can always ignore features you don't need. The thing that impresses me is how good the user interface is which makes all of the features pretty easy to use. My wife is not a techno person but in this case I think she will use the handset to listen to voice messages because it is very straight forward. There is even a vocal help message available on the handset to walk you through the keys required to operate the voice recorder from the handset. Cool. The orange backlight display and keypad add to the ease of use.
One feature that doesn't seem too useful for us is the phone-to-phone DirectLink option. You must first negotiate with both people holding the handsets that you will go into DirectLink mode before you can use this feature. It just seemed like the intercom would be much more useful. So we will simply ignore that feature.
The speakerphone in the handsets is very functional and already has been used and useful. I was on a 1/2 hour call this morning (just got the phones last night) and was able to switch to speakerphone so I could accomplish a couple of small tasks while listening, then switched back to the regular mode. The speakerphone is clear and loud; very handy to have it on every handset. I also tried the headset from my Panasonic and it worked perfectly on the Uniden.
The backlighted handset keys have a nice sold feel. The layout of the soft keys at the top, and the 4 way rocker switch is logical. The base keys are also backlight and have a logical layout.
Programming the handset phone book is easy, and you can transfer the phone book entries to the other phones either by transfering ALL or the SELECTED number. However it does not transfer the speed dial settings. Also if you enter JACK CELL and transfer it then decide to rename it to just JACK and transfer it to another handset you'll see the second handset now has two entries one named JACK CELL and the other just JACK. It apparently matches up the name and isn't smart enough to delete the old one and replace it with the new one. These handset-to-handset copy irritations could have been done better but certainly not enough to reject the set. I suppose some would find the ability to have different setups on each handset to be a positive feature. For our house it seems best if every phone works exactly the same way. A "Copy Exact" feature would have been nice.
We also purchased the TWX977 waterproof, floating handset for use outside by the pool and spa. I will keep this one in the garage so I can use it with dirty or wet hands, then move to the back yard when needed. We filled the sink and sure enough it floats. It has all the same features as the other handsets except it does not have a headset phone jack. It's built quite well, looks and feels sturdy, floats and can go to 9 foot depth so will be safe around our 8' deep pool. I have a Uniden VHF radio for my Personal Watercraft and the VHF has had a lot of salt water baths and it is still working fine so I think Uniden knows how to design waterproof equipment.
My wife and I were on a 1/2 hour conference call this morning, each with a handset so we could roam the house independently. We were able to be in the same room for the first time because the conversation was "in sync." Previously we used the Sony and Panasonic and there was a noticable delay between the two phones so if we were in the same room it was like hearing double when my wife was speaking - one voice direct from her mouth and the second delayed voice coming through the phone.
All in all I am very pleased with this Uniden TRU9485. Oh yea it looks better than our older phones, and not having an antenna sticking out helps too. I put the belt clip on all three phones and it helps when I jam the phone between my cheek and shoulder for a few moments to have both hands free.
I'm glad my sister recommended this phone. If you are looking at Uniden models this one seems to have a higher user acceptance than the other Uniden models so don't apply my comments to any other than the TRU9485.
Description of Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra Handset5.8 Ghz Digital Expandable Cordless System Call Waiting Caller Id Includes Extra Handset & Charger Expandable Up To 10 Handsets Integrisound Life-Like Audio Answering System 100-Name Phonebook And Caller Id Memory Handset Speakerphone Headset Compatible 4-Way Conferencing Intercom Between Handsets Transfer Phonebook Memory Between Handsets New Message Led Indicator Time & Date Stamp Call & Memo Recording Room Monitor Directlink 2-Way Radio Feature Animated Backlit Dual Caller Id & Clock Display Bilingual Menu 20 Ring Tone Options & Personal Ring Feature Do Not Disturb Feature Lighted Keypad Last 3 Number Redial Mute/Hold Features Voicemail Waiting Indicator Desk/Wall-Mountable Includes Belt Clip With a complete set of high performance features and expandable functionality, the Uniden TRU9485-2 offers a full set of convenient options for busy homes. Call Waiting Caller ID includes a 100-station memory (with subscription to local service) that allows names and numbers to be transferred between handsets or moved into the permanent 100-station speed dial. DirectLink two-way radio communication is built into each handset, allowing them to function as an in-home intercom system or baby monitor. Redial any of the last three numbers at the touch of a button, activate three-way calls or just enjoy the consistent, clear 5.8 GHz digital signal transmission. This set includes two handsets; the system is expandable to a total of ten. You can transfer incoming calls between each handset, and make use of the convenient hands-free design by using the included belt clip and built-in headset jack (headsets available separately). Easily adjust handset and ringer volume levels to your comfort, and set the handset LCD menu to one of three menu languages (English, French, or Spanish). A page button lets you quickly locate the handset if it's strayed under the couch cushions. A digital answering system is built into the base; call screening and recording are available from the handset as well. The base is wall mountable or sits sturdily on a countertop, giving you plenty of display options, and a total of 20 different ring tones (10 tones, 10 melodies) give you a variety of choices. Uniden provides a one-year warranty covering parts and service. What's in the Box: Two cordless handsets, base, handset charger, two belt clips, two batteries, two AC adapters, telephone line cord, user's manual, warranty card
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