When CompUSA was liquidating its local store here back in 2007, hubby and I purchased a Motorola 5.8 GHz 2-line digital cordless base and two handsets. About the same time the manufacturer’s warranty ran out, the phones started giving us trouble. Noise and static on the lines, weak incoming signal, poor sound quality, calls cutting in and out, even problems getting dial tone pretty much summarize our complaints.
Where do we go from here? For a while now, we have been considering upgrading so when AT&T offered me the opportunity to review its CL82209 Dual Handset Answering System with Caller ID/Call Waiting, I saw a light at the end of a tunnel. YES!
This phone is DECT 6.0 digital. For the last few weeks I have been using it and, simply put, it’s great. No noise, no static, strong signal, great sound, calls uninterrupted, and dial tone there when I pick up the telephone–I can count on these blessings. Also, the entire system works on just one phone jack so you don’t have to move furniture or put in additional jacks in your other rooms.
The telephone problems are gone. The phone even reduces noise and interference on line. I can hear all calls loud, crisp, and clear because hearing aids (I have hearing aids) and Cochlear implants are compatible with it. The base is fantastic. Besides having a 50 entry shared line directory on it, it has volume control, message repeat, delete, and skip features as well as an on/off option to shut the answering machine off. Best of all, it has call waiting and mute buttons. That means less calls missed and more chance to hear something good….
Its answering machine has a prerecorded announcement that can be individualized to a 90 second maximum personal one. It answers calls after two to six rings personal preference. It takes up to 99 messages in its fourteen minutes maximum recording time. It has remote access capability for when one is out of the house. It also has a message tone alert that beeps every ten seconds–hard to miss.
Handsets are lightweight but sturdy. With a bright LCD display, I can see and read the information on its approximate 1 .35″ x 1.15″ screen without even putting on my reading glasses–which I am ever losing. When using Caller ID, the name, telephone number, date, and time of call appear.
If I leave the handset somewhere, I can find it by using its handset locator feature which sends a page tone to it for sixty seconds. It is certainly easier than dialing my own telephone number and trying to find the source of the ringing.
Something extra: Now that I don’t have to shout for hubby anymore, the house is very quiet. AT&T has a built-in intercom between the handsets. I only have one wish; it is that the AT&T CL82209 came in a two-line model.
The AT&T CL82209 Digital Dual Handset Answering System with Caller ID/Call Waiting can expand to have up to twelve handsets. This starter set retails for $69.99 and comes with a one year limited warranty. It can be purchased on line at ATT.FactoryOutletStore.com if it isn’t in stock at your favorite local store.
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
This sounds like a great phone system. It seems to have all the bells and whistles included! How fabulous that it is compatible with hearing aides and Cochlear implants. Great job, AT & T!
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
thanks for the great info we are trying to get our son a phone for college so this info helps a lot
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Angie,
Sometimes cells wih the pproper package are another way to go.
Pat.
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 pm
In this house we can certainly use two phones like that Thanks Great review
on Aug 24th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Night Owl Mama,
I thiink b ack to a one-line party telephone and am amazed at how the telephone has taken over.
Pat.
on Sep 4th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Interesting review, thanks for pointing out all the available extras in a phone!
on Sep 4th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Janet,
Still wish it came in a 2-line model.
Pat.
on Jun 10th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
The telephone system we are using today still uses the legacy Tip and Ring -48 Volts line which is susceptible to noise.’-:
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 5:04 am
modern day telephone systems are quite reliable and offers more services:~’