Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra Handset
by Uniden
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Our Price: $152.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra Handset
Customer Review: Best ever cordless landline phone
Summary: 5 Stars
These are the best phones I have ever owned! I actually have TRU9485-4WR, it comes with a "submersible" handset as well, it is the same as TRU9485-2 plus the "submersible" handset and another handset (& chargers). As reviewed by others, it has the awesome ability of getting your messages at the handsets, and as some others left out, you actually have FULL answering machine control from all the handsets. Includes handy "call screening" option (read manual). Great sound, including the answering machine messages. Also mentioned by other reviewers: You can copy phone books (memory dialer) to other sets & base. But you can also copy just a single entry to other sets. A "copy to all" feature would have been nice, but it only takes a minute or less to copy to each one individually, and the intuitive menu system helps make the process easy.
Setup was quick and easy. I did read the manual, but not entirely, and I would not have to to learn most of the functions if I wanted just a simple basic setup without the phone book entries, and I would have been able to figure out how to program the date & time without the manual easily. I read it to understand some of the more complex settings, and how to open the phone book. You open the phone book by pressing the left 4-way button which is marked - by surface contour only, not colored - with an open book symbol. This may be the only thing you need to know from the manual! I liked all the default option selections that were active on the first powerup, except I changed the 1 minute max time per message to 4 - but I did change the two-digit answering machine security code.
One serious drawback on this system for some people might be it's answering machine limitations: 12 minutes maximum and either 1 (default) or 4 minutes per message limit. But I have not seen more than 15 minutes max total on a digital answering system & cordless handset package, so this is pretty much "on-par" with the rest at this date, I will not remove a star rating for this, but I would if it were 10 stars max.
Also, you probably don't want to wall-mount this system, the base must remain horizontal.
I had a hard time deciding on this purchase because I LOVE to use a headset a lot and want a "belt" clip on my handset, and many packages did not advertise the clip on the package. The 9400 series packages have the clips, but I only noticed it written on the bottom of the package, where I did not look the first time.
I replaced our AT&T 1256 system with this Uniden set. Our AT&T system made an annoying loud "beep" at irregular intervals on the other end, and we would miss just a syllable of the conversation at our end (we did not hear the beep). We did not notice until the warranty was expired. It took us years to finally afford to replace our cordless system. This Uniden set is sooo much better.
Pros:
Full answering machine control, with voice HELP features that tell you what to dial to do what, at all the handsets & call-ins (with code)!
Great sound quality of conversations.
Great sound volume.
Great sound quality of (digital) messages.
Wireless 5.8 GHz does not interfere with 802.11 a, b, g, etc. wireless networks.
Intuitive menus.
Lighted keyboards & LCD backlights help you in dark rooms.
Message waiting flashing LED visible at all handsets.
Entire base LCD flashes when there is a new message.
Great redial: Three-sets of last number dialed remain in memory for re-dial.
Can copy phone books & single phone book entrys to other units & base.
Can copy current number incoming to phone book*.
Room monitor - "Baby monitor" feature, and can set handset to private to disable.
Speakerphone: Other reviewers say it works great - I haven't tryed it.
Conference calling: Multiple handsets all on the group (call) conversation at once.
Headset jack & belt clip included.
Intercom & handset finder.
Intercom will operate without base, directly between handsets.
Instant record of conversations - but it uses message time and beeps at both ends (legally required).
Cons (all these are very minor, unless you need a lot of answering machine message time):
Only 12 minutes of answering machine message time, and only 1 or 4 minute per message limits possible.
Only two-digit answering machine security code.
Range might be a bit low for large houses, reported by other reviewers.
"Mute" label on the LCD ("softkey") is hard to read in a dark room, and the tiny print would be even harder to read for those with weak eyes, but eventually you remember where it is if you use it often.
Lighted keyboard & LCD could stay lit a bit longer.
Base needs button press before lights come on, but flashes LCD when new message.
Belt clips could be better.
*Some reviewers have complained about lack of a "1" prefix added to incoming numbers added to the phone book, but it is easy to insert a "1" there.
Customer Review: Best ever cordless landline phone
Summary: 5 Stars
These are the best phones I have ever owned! I actually have TRU9485-4WR, it comes with a "submersible" handset as well, it is the same as TRU9485-2 plus the "submersible" handset and another handset (& chargers). As reviewed by others, it has the awesome ability of getting your messages at the handsets, and as some others left out, you actually have FULL answering machine control from all the handsets. Includes handy "call screening" option (read manual). Great sound, including the answering machine messages. Also mentioned by other reviewers: You can copy phone books (memory dialer) to other sets & base. But you can also copy just a single entry to other sets. A "copy to all" feature would have been nice, but it only takes a minute or less to copy to each one individually, and the intuitive menu system helps make the process easy.
Setup was quick and easy. I did read the manual, but not entirely, and I would not have to to learn most of the functions if I wanted just a simple basic setup without the phone book entries, and I would have been able to figure out how to program the date & time without the manual easily. I read it to understand some of the more complex settings, and how to open the phone book. You open the phone book by pressing the left 4-way button which is marked - by surface contour only, not colored - with an open book symbol. This may be the only thing you need to know from the manual! I liked all the default option selections that were active on the first powerup, except I changed the 1 minute max time per message to 4 - but I did change the two-digit answering machine security code.
One serious drawback on this system for some people might be it's answering machine limitations: 12 minutes maximum and either 1 (default) or 4 minutes per message limit. But I have not seen more than 15 minutes max total on a digital answering system & cordless handset package, so this is pretty much "on-par" with the rest at this date, I will not remove a star rating for this, but I would if it were 10 stars max.
Also, you probably don't want to wall-mount this system, the base must remain horizontal.
I had a hard time deciding on this purchase because I LOVE to use a headset a lot and want a "belt" clip on my handset, and many packages did not advertise the clip on the package. The 9400 series packages have the clips, but I only noticed it written on the bottom of the package, where I did not look the first time.
I replaced our AT&T 1256 system with this Uniden set. Our AT&T system made an annoying loud "beep" at irregular intervals on the other end, and we would miss just a syllable of the conversation at our end (we did not hear the beep). We did not notice until the warranty was expired. It took us years to finally afford to replace our cordless system. This Uniden set is sooo much better.
Pros:
Full answering machine control, with voice HELP features that tell you what to dial to do what, at all the handsets & call-ins (with code)!
Great sound quality of conversations.
Great sound volume.
Great sound quality of (digital) messages.
Wireless 5.8 GHz does not interfere with 802.11 a, b, g, etc. wireless networks.
Intuitive menus.
Lighted keyboards & LCD backlights help you in dark rooms.
Message waiting flashing LED visible at all handsets.
Entire base LCD flashes when there is a new message.
Great redial: Three-sets of last number dialed remain in memory for re-dial.
Can copy phone books & single phone book entrys to other units & base.
Can copy current number incoming to phone book*.
Room monitor - "Baby monitor" feature, and can set handset to private to disable.
Speakerphone: Other reviewers say it works great - I haven't tryed it.
Conference calling: Multiple handsets all on the group (call) conversation at once.
Headset jack & belt clip included.
Intercom & handset finder.
Intercom will operate without base, directly between handsets.
Instant record of conversations - but it uses message time and beeps at both ends (legally required).
Cons (all these are very minor, unless you need a lot of answering machine message time):
Only 12 minutes of answering machine message time, and only 1 or 4 minute per message limits possible.
Only two-digit answering machine security code.
Range might be a bit low for large houses, reported by other reviewers.
"Mute" label on the LCD ("softkey") is hard to read in a dark room, and the tiny print would be even harder to read for those with weak eyes, but eventually you remember where it is if you use it often.
Lighted keyboard & LCD could stay lit a bit longer.
Base needs button press before lights come on, but flashes LCD when new message.
Belt clips could be better.
*Some reviewers have complained about lack of a "1" prefix added to incoming numbers added to the phone book, but it is easy to insert a "1" there.
Customer Review: Superb, extensible 5.8 GHz cordless phone system
Summary: 5 Stars
The introduction of 2.4GHz-based 802.11b/g wireless computer networks will spell the end of many 2.4GHz-based cordless phone systems. Though one can continue to use the phones, the interference they cause with wireless computer networks is a nagging problem. The solution is to either upgrade your cordless phones or your wireless computer network to 5.8GHz. For most, upgrading the phone will be simpler and cheaper than upgrading the network.
But selecting a new cordless phone is no simple proposition. There are dozens of variables to consider, and a wide range of brands, models and prices. Rather than searching primarily by price, many will find it easier to search by the specifics of their functional needs, narrow the results by reviews and brand reputation, and then narrow further by price.
My search began with these technical requirements:
· 5.8GHz in both directions (some manufacturers extend handset battery by using 5.8Ghz base-to-handset, and 2.4GHz handset-to-base).
· Digital handset-to-base transmission, and with some form of frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for security.
· System extendable to at least three cordless handsets.
· Handsets must include headphone jack and speakerphone.
· Base unit must include digital answering machine.
· Excellent audio (listening and speaking from handset and headphone jacks.
· Useable audio (listening and speaking) from speakerphone.
· Ergonomic handset with positive-touch buttons of reasonable size.
I'm particularly uninterested in cordless phones that attempt to mimic the size, weight and ergonomics of cellular handsets. I do not carry my cordless phone in my pocket, and I have no need to trade ergonomics for portability.
Items that do not concern me include:
· Caller ID.
· Phone book.
· Cordless range longer than 25-feet.
With that, I researched dozens of products that met some or all of my basic criteria, including models from Motorola, AT&T, Uniden, Panasonic, VTech and several others. All but the Uniden TRU9485 (which is available in the base single-handset package, as well as 2- and 3-handset packages) failed one or more criteria -- typically ergonomics. The TCX905 handset (supplied with the TRU9485 system) could still use slightly larger number buttons, but compared to all the other models I inspected in person, it was the easiest to dial.
The TRU9485 has all the basics I listed above, plus many extras that are very handy:
· Two handsets can participate in a call simultaneously.
· Room/baby monitoring that allows any handset to monitor any other handset.
· Handset-to-handset communication, either as an intercom, or directly without engaging the base.
· System time and date set from any handset.
· Single touch "do not disturb" button on base unit silences all ringers.
· Phonebook entries can be sent from any station to any other station.
· Remote answering machine control from any handset.
· 3 number redial list.
· 100 number caller ID list.
· Separate mute and hold functions.
· Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.
And lots more. The system is compatible with a number of Uniden handsets, including TCX805, TCX400, TCX440, TWX977, ELX 500) and the TCX905 included with base. Everything you need is included, including batteries, belt clips, and even a phone line for the base unit.
The TX905 handset has a nice weight, and the buttons have a positive feel that lets you know when they've been pressed. The display is easy to read, and the internalized antenna is a plus.
There are very few things I dislike about this system, all of which are drawbacks with nearly every cordless system out there:
· Limited ring tones/tunes.
· Only three ring volume levels (off, low, high).
· Short answering machine record time (12 minutes).
· Answering machine security code is only 2 digits.
· Always-on lights on handset base units waste power.
Overall this system is a terrific improvement over the 2.4 GHz system that it replaced, and other than the typical cheesy, electronic ringtones, there's really no major improvements I could think of. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]
Customer Review: Solid value and great performance
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this phone after returning an AT&T 5.8 GHz cordless set. I was a little wary because of the poor quality of the AT&T phone, but the reviews on Amazon gave me the confidence to try this Uniden model.
The reviews here are spot-on. The phone has excellent range and voice quality, and its minor detractors are just that--minor. Here are my observations:
PROs:
- This system is expandable to 10 handsets (including the handset on the base). This gives maximum flexibility in deploying in your home or small office. DON'T BE CONFUSED. Get the TCX905 handset ($29.99 MSRP). This is the one that is recommended for/provided with this phone--I believe Amazon recommends some other handset.
- Very good voice quality. Clear signal, no interference. This was a major detractor for the AT&T phone.
- 20 ring tones (10 musical, 10 ringers). You also have the ability to set personal ringtones for people in your address book. You can set different ring tones on each handset.
- Up to 100 numbers in your address book. HOWEVER, the phone book and CID system share memory, so it's a TOTAL of 100 numbers. Hm. But each phone book entry can have 2 numbers--so you don't have to have multiple name entries for person (e.g. Mom home, Mom work). However, the multiple entries are not delimited by text, so you have to remember which is home and which is work.
- DirectLink "walkie talkie" mode. You can set two phones into direct mode and do a walkie talkie system. However, you also have an intercom capability as well.
- Multiple handset "conference" call capabilities. If you pick up a call on one handset, someone else can join in just by turning on a second handset. Dropping off is easy...just turn off the phone. There's also a privacy mode in each handset that enables you to turn off this function.
- Do Not Disturb function: Can be set on the base--it will turn off all the ringers on all the handsets.
- Advanced Caller ID. Capable of normal caller ID, plus Call Waiting caller ID.
- Caller ID to phone book. Can store a caller's info into the directory.
- Room/baby monitor. Can listen to the sounds from any room that has a base/handset.
- Speakerphone on base and handsets. Nice!
- Customizable handset banners. Name them for the room where they belong!
- Remote access. Standard stuff. Only a two-digit security code, though.
- One key speed dial. Set up to 10 speed dial numbers. Press the speed dial number and hold, and it will bring up the corresponding speed dial entry. It doesn't dial until you're ready, just in case you picked the wrong speed dial.
- Normal answering machine features. Call screen, toll saver, etc. I wish it had a dial-out notification.
CONs:
- No dial in/remote room monitoring. This would be nice, to dial into the system and hear what's going on.
- Phone books and CID shared, but not synchronized. You have to copy the phone books from one handset to another instead of it being sync'd across all handsets. You also have to delete CID from each individual handset.
- Base display is a little convoluted and confusing. The only way you can see if the answering machine is on/off is when it's actually off (an icon appears). This was a little confusing. Most machines have a little glow light/button that turns the machine on or off. You have to do this through the UI.
- Shorter answering machine record time. Only 12 minutes, up to 59 messages.
All in all, this is an excellent choice and value.
Customer Review: Superb Features Matched by Superb Performance
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this set after owning the Uniden TRU-448 2.4gHz system with dual handsets - which was the best cordless phone set I ever owned. When shopping for a new set, I based my research on this older system. What I came up with was the Uniden TRU-9485 5.8 gHz system which pretty much features everything that older system did and then some.
I have owned the TRU-9485 for 6 months now and it is a solid performer across the board. Even the speakerphone mode works really well, which is often not the case - words don't get cut off and it's very intelligible. The programming abilities may be a bit deep for some folks but for me, the level of user customization is superb given the fact that this set costs under $100. Here's a rundown of what I found to be good (and bad):
What's Cool:
Nice Display and Backlighting - even with 10 levels of contrast control. Very easy to see and read when using phone.
Speakerphone in handsets.
2 numbers per phonebook entry.
Each handset can have a custom name - no more guessing of which handset goes where.
Allows for 4-way conferencing.
Backwards compatibility with some older Uniden handsets.
Can copy entire phonebook directories from one handset to another.
Six levels of audio volume - on everything.
Up to 10 handsets can be used in this system.
Can make calls from base.
Assignable ring tones for callers.
Can update global settings from any station - for the entire system.
Soft keys for more flexible onscreen programmability.
Can make calls from Caller ID list.
Handsets can stand upright on tables, etc.
Battery power indicator.
Handsets light up fully when a call comes in, making it easy to notice, even when the ringer is muted.
Superb audio and respectable speakerphone cutoff.
Virtually noise free, even in bad transmission conditions, and also secure as this system operates in digital spread spectrum mode.
No interference (RFI) from or to a 2.4gHz wireless network.
Base set's display lights up and stays lit up when there is a new message waiting - and it's easily noticeable from clear across the room.
All handsets also have a red blinking LED indicator when there is a new message waiting.
Good signal range - even when I'm in the garage (which is clear over on the other side of the house) or outside, it works flawlessly.
What's Lame:
No ability to change frequencies (channels) manually while on phone calls.
Power outages render the entire system unusable - including the base.
The circular "shuttle" button that has the caller ID, phonebook and up/down arrow keys is somewhat flimsy and unresponsive to keystrokes, especially on the base.
Answering machine time is pretty skimpy and has limited choices for maximum length of message.
Remote access to answering machine only has 2-digit security code protection.
Yearnings:
Multiple mailboxes.
Signal strength indicator.
Battery power left displayed in percentages rather than an arbitrary icon.
Selectable backlight colors.
The Bottom Line:
The TRU-9485 simply rocks. The expandability and programmability this system offers is not only cool, but also useful. Given the price, there's not much I can fault this system for. The audio is clean and so is the signal - quite possibly the most noise free cordless phone system I've used yet. In light of its over all performance and features - it gets a solid 5 stars.