Panasonic DECT 6.0-Series 3-Handset Cordless Phone System with Answering System (KX-TG1033S)
From Panasonic
Extended Talk Time and Reduce Interference. Panasonic introduces the latest in innovative solutions with its new line of low interference DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications) 6.0 cordless telephones systems. The major benefits of this new line of DECT phones include up to 17 hours of talk time, substantial handset expandability, and markedly reduced interference. What are the benefits of Panasonic DECT 6.0 Phones?Engineered to work in the 1.9 GHz frequency range, these phones will not conflict with other wireless devices such as 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi computer routers, wireless keyboards and mousse, microwave ovens, and other common household devices. And because it's digital, DECT 6.0 technology also provides long ranges, excellent clarity, and helps deter eavesdropping. Multiple voice paths are used to enable the entire series to provide up to 3-way conferencing, this allows for multiple handsets to be used at the same time and up to 2 handsets can join into a conversation with one outside caller. They also provide for Intercom between handsets and Phonebook Sharing. Additionally, these systems are extremely comfortable and easy to use, with the handsets featuring large keypads buttons that are almost twice the size of standard phone keypad buttons, and are designed top fit comfortably in both your hand as well as cradled on your neck. all models in the DECT 6.0 line include a base station-integrated digital answering machine with voice menu, digital handset speakerphones, handsets with a clock on the LCD with alarm function, three-line backlit LCD, and incoming call indicator lights.
- Color: Silver
- Brand: Panasonic
- Model: KX-TG1033S
- Released on: 2007-04-10
- Dimensions: 4.80" h x 7.90" w x 9.90" l, 5.00 pounds
Extended Talk Time and Reduce Interference
Panasonic introduces the latest in innovative solutions with its new line of low interference DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications) 6.0 cordless telephones systems. The major benefits of this new line of DECT phones include up to 17 hours of talk time, substantial handset expandability, and markedly reduced interference.
What are the benefits of Panasonic DECT 6.0 Phones?
Engineered to work in the 1.9 GHz frequency range, these phones will not conflict with other wireless devices such as 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi computer routers, wireless keyboards and mousse, microwave ovens, and other common household devices. And because it’s digital, DECT 6.0 technology also provides long ranges, excellent clarity, and helps deter eavesdropping.
Multiple voice paths are used to enable the entire series to provide up to 3-way conferencing, this allows for multiple handsets to be used at the same time and up to 2 handsets can join into a conversation with one outside caller. They also provide for Intercom between handsets and Phonebook Sharing.
Additionally, these systems are extremely comfortable and easy to use, with the handsets featuring large keypads buttons that are almost twice the size of standard phone keypad buttons, and are designed top fit comfortably in both your hand as well as cradled on your neck. all models in the DECT 6.0 line include a base station-integrated digital answering machine with voice menu, digital handset speakerphones, handsets with a clock on the LCD with alarm function, three-line backlit LCD, and incoming call indicator lights.
More about the Panasonic KX-TG1033S expandable digital cordless answering system with three handsets:
- Up to 17-hours of talk time
- Comfortable, easy-to-use, large-button handset
- DECT 6.0 technology means less interference
- Spanish LCD and voice prompt
- Expandable up to six handsets3
- Up to 3-Way conference capability3
- Wireless network friendly
- Phonebook sharing3
- Light-up indicator with ringer/message alert
- Built-in clock with alarm on handset
- Call waiting caller ID1
- 50-station phonebook and dialer
- 16-minute all-digital answering system
- Wall-mountable base unit
- Total of three handsets, one base and two chargers included
1. Requires subscription to name-and-number Caller ID, call waiting and/or voice mail services offered by certain local telephone companies for a fee.
2. Requires optional accessory handset sold seperatley
Finally! A really good cordless phone
I have gone through more than 15 types of cordless phones in the last several years. Some of them very good, but not perfect, others fairly awful. When I was doing my research this time for a new phone, I came across DECT 6.0 technology. It claims no interference with WiFi networks, greater range, clear transmission and extended battery life. Bottom line, it's pretty much true.
I've used this phone for a week and it is crystal clear, no interference with my WiFi network, no "hiccups" with a call, like static or audible digital artifacts. My 5.8 Ghz phone would let me talk with a range of maybe 100 feet outside of my house with the front door closed. This telephone lets me go to the end of my driveway, across the cul de sac, and into my neighbor's driveway without sound degradation. I'd guess that I'm getting about 3x the distance of my 5.8 Ghz phone in a real world situation.
The great thing about this phone is that the battery life is awesome. The phone claims up to 17 hours of talk time and several days of standby. I make a lot of conference calls from my home, and I'm on the phone about 6 hours per day. I'd have to switch cordless phones during the day with ANY 5.8Ghz phone, as they'd last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. I've made 2 days of calls, for a total of 11 hours, and the battery indicator still shows a full charge, without being placed back into the charger. I'm going to keep it out of the charger in standby and talk until the battery runs down, to accurately gauge the battery life, but it would appear that the 17 hours of talk time is a realistic estimate. By the way, the phone uses traditional AAA rechargeable batteries (x2), for each handset. My 5.8 Ghz phone used 3, and had a max talk time of about 5 hours.
The keys on this phone are bigger than other phones, another plus in my book. I'd always misdial a number with smaller buttons. I have yet to misdial with these keys. They're the perfect size.
I don't use the answering machine, as I have telephone company voicemail. The only downside to this phone is that the message waiting indicator for telephone voicemail, doesn't work. I've set it to "on", on every phone, and my 5.8Ghz phone will flash the voicemail alert, but these handsets aren't flashing. I've had this problem with other phones, especially VTech, so I'm thinking that most phones work, there must be something about the connection into my house that doesn't get the call message alert to the phone. I have DSL and filters in the house. Maybe this is the cause?
Anyway, overall, this is a really good set of phones, they work great, have great sound, and the battery life is stellar. I'm really happy with this purchase. You should probably consider DECT 6.0 going forward. It's MUCH better than 5.8Ghz technology, in my opinion.
UPDATE:
As an update to my review, the phone is now in it's 16th hour of talk time, with 5 days of standby (no charging) and it's still working on the last bar of the battery indicator. I'd say that the 17 hours of talk time is a conservative number. As stated previously, the battery life is the best that I've ever experienced with a cordless phone. Actually, incredible by today's standards.
"Busy..."
I have had this exact phone system for 6 months and loved it so much during the first month I had it I convinced a friend to buy it too. However, I am now leaving a "long-term" review which I appreciate more than those who review products they have had for only days... (although it is nice to see immediate reactions when products first come out)
First with the negatives:
- Both myself, and the friend who I talked into buying the phone are both getting the same error and it is increasingly becoming worse. After dialing a number and hitting either the "talk" or "speaker phone" button a "Busy" is often displayed on the screen and the phone refuses to dial. This went from happening once or twice a week to everyday.
- Since day one there has been a bit of a hollow tinny noise on both of our phones but the clarity and lack of "fuzz" was fantastic so I was willing to overlook this.
- Certain display functions come and go. Luckily none of them are important... yet. For example, the lines that make up the outline of the battery on the display of the phone come and go as they please. This has happened to the [] that surrounds the number of the phone.
- Not enough room for contacts. I am not a phonebook person and love to store tons of numbers on the phone. Not enough for me but your needs may be different.
- I know this is nitpicky and no stars were lost for this but I miss the alarm "snooze button" feature on my last phone so that the phone by my bed was my alarm clock as well. Made the bedside table less cluttered. No snooze button here.
Positives:
- That is one loud or quiet ringer depending on the setting... wonderful!
- The speaker phone function is the best I have had on a phone thus far.
- The charge lasts forever. For once a company is not exaggerating their claim about how long the batteries last.. in fact I think they last longer than Panasonic claims. A downside to this, I no longer put the phones on the charger at night (or during the day) and can never seem to find them. (Again, no stars lost for my laziness).
- The range on this phone is fabulous. My last phone worked at the neighbors house with much "fuzz." I can go over to my neighbors and it works in every room of their house with no interference or noise.
- This phone does not freak out when I use my microwave. Most phones I have used do. Yeahhhhhh!!!!
- Although I don't use it (because it is creepy)I like the call screening function on the phone. I live in a small house and hearing my friends and family leave messages from three phones in surround sound is too much. If I was in a two story home I would be obsessed with this. Also could be great for when you are in the shower to hear the message being left. If it is the cable company finally calling you back after weeks of phone tag it would be worth jumping out and grabbing it.
All-in-all I have been extremely pleased with the phone and, until the recent errors, would have given the phone four stars because of the battery life, speakerphone quality, and range. These frequent errors (and the fact that someone I know is having this problem too) knocks off a star as a warning to others out there that a non-isolated problem does exist on this fairly fabulous phone.
Outstanding call clarity + software...but no visual display on answering machine
For those who think all cordless phones are alike, au contraire. I've struggled with crackly 900 mhz lemons, 1.8ghz with non-existent range, 2.8ghz housed in faulty answering machine units, and 5.8ghz paperweights where every call was a lesson in hearing impaired.
The KX-TG1033S, however, is a refreshingly great wireless phone system that finally gets it right. Extremely intelligent software plays messages through every unit when call screening, likewise playback of the answering machine is available from each handset. Related, the LCD display is very sharp, ring (and tones) very customizable. (If you're so inclined, each of the 3 units can play a different tone upon ring.) Love the detailed status information when the phone is not in use.
Most importantly, call clarity is outstanding. Standard and speaker are both surprisingly strong, crystal clear over digital phone service. There is no disparity across any of the 3 units based on physical location and/or being housed in the base answering machine. (A common flaw in other expandable wireless phone systems.) I've likewise encountered no range difficulties even when fielding calls in the front/back yards. Not a hiss, signal loss, nothing. The ability to transfer calls, intercom to other units is nothing short of awesome.
A couple of minor glitches worth noting: The Panasonic Menu IS as complicated as advertised. There is a learning curve -- albeit small -- in how to navigate them before features can truly be maximized. You will be reading the instruction manual, unfortunately. Moreover, the initial charge/battery calibration takes FOREVER. ((Be prepared for a half a day (or more) without your new phones.)) Battery life, however, seems infinite following this early lesson in patience.
Second, there is no graphical display on the answering machine. Thus, number of missed calls/messages becomes unfortunate guesswork. Arguably the greatest tradeoff of a system this high in quality.
These misgivings aside, the KX-TG1033S comes very highly recommended, at a very attractive price point to boot. Sister, high quality expandable systems can cost upwards of a hundred dollars more.
FYI: You might find yourself unable to pull caller ID up on your phones if attached to a fax machine. This is easily remedied via a cheap splitter (despite contradictory info from Panasonic tech support).
