Customer Reviews

Ooma Telo DECT 6.0 Cordless Handset (100-0200-301)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(21)
1 star:		(45)

 

 

I got this phone as a bonus freebie with a paid one-year Premium subscription on the ooma Telo. I chose the handset because you must have at least one ooma Telo handset to use the second line feature (available with Premium subscription) of the Telo, and I liked the idea of being able to access my Telo voicemails from the handset. But, when the handset arrived, I was a bit disappointed (see below the feature lists for Positives/Negatives and comparison).

Notable Handset Features:
DECT 6.0 technology
Intercom between handsets
Online phonebook
Caller ID
One-touch voicemail access
Speakerphone
Call log

Premier-enabled Handset Features:
Instant 2nd line
Do not disturb
Send to voicemail
Personal number
Private voicemail
Call screening

Phone Menu Features:
Do not disturb mode
Call Forwarding mode
Auto Answer
Auto Hangup
Voicemail speaker mode
Call screening (you can remotely listen to voicemails as they are left, and pick up in the middle)
Incoming call ring
Ringer volume
Earpiece volume
Speaker volume
Handset software update feature (must place phone in charger base)

NOTE: At the time the handset was released, the Telo base only supported ONE handset. Ooma plans to release a future firmware around 12/4/2009 that will enable more than one handset.

Battery pack note: The handset uses a NiMH battery pack, model HB1001.

Positives:
1. You can turn on "Do not disturb", to prevent ringing.

2. Apparently, you can set Call Forwarding, though I haven't done so.

3. You can screen calls from the handset, when away from the Telo base unit.

4. You can retrieve voicemails from the Telo without being at the base unit.

5. Even when someone else is using the primary Telo phone line (with Premium service), you can make outgoing calls on "line 2". That's handy when you have others trying to use the phone a the same time. You can't access the "second line" of the Telo base unless you use the Telo handset.

6. Using the handset, you can send a call to voicemail by pressing a button. That is handy if someone has something that you want to write down but don't have a pen and paper handy. You can pick it back up using the call screening feature.

7. You can get a second phone number and assign it as a private line to a particular handset, with its own voice mail.

Negatives:
1. It has no headset jack, doesn't seem to support a wireless headset. It does have a speakerphone feature, but I prefer a headset for privacy.

2. I'm not a fan of how it is shaped. The back of the phone is smooth and round, but where the face meets the outer edge, the phone has a sharp edge. My personal preference is for rounded corners because it just feels better.

3. The contrast of the handset's LCD is not very good. Even on maximum, it looks a bit faint to me, regardless of the angle of viewing, in a normally lit room. Also, the typeset used on the LCD is tiny, which might be hard on older eyes.

4. The charging base has a very bright blue LED on the front (similar to the Telo base's blue backlighting but brighter). If it is put anywhere in visual range, it is very distracting, especially in a dark room. Taping over that LED might help.

5. The Telo handset is supposed to have HD call quality, but I haven't noticed better call quality than that of my Panasonic KX-TG6445. In fact, it sounds a bit more tinny and metallic than my Panasonic, with a slight hiss in the background. That sound quality comparison is when comparing the Panasonic connected to the telephone input on the Telo base.

Comparison to Panasonic KX-TG6445 Panasonic Dect 6.0 Titanium Black Cordless Phone with Answering Machine (KX-TG6445T):
I bought the Panasonic set specifically to go with the Telo base unit since I could put the base in my closet (with my Telo base unit and Internet router), and then have cordless access around the house. I bought the Panasonic set because the Telo handsets weren't available at the time I bought my Telo base. The Panasonic phone has a headset jack, and a belt clip. The Panasonic also has larger type on the LCD than the Telo handset, with better contrast. The LCD quality, features, call quality, and feel in my hand are all superior to the ooma Telo handset. Also, the Panasonic uses generic AA-size NiMH rechargable batteries, which can be cheaply replaced when they wear out.

I realize this is ooma's first handset, but I wish they had done a better job. If they had used the Panasonic as a benchmark, they would have put out a much better phone. Unless you plan on using the second line or other special features of the ooma Telo, you don't need the handset. The voicemail and call screening features are available from the Telo base unit.

I was hesitant to purchase this product because of some of the prior reviews, but the people who had trouble seem to have the first handset version and also purchased before the firmware upgrades, which have significantly improved user experience. Upgrades have been frequent, and they are very easy to access from the menu on the handset. Simply select "handset setup" then "HS SW update" and you are directed to place the handset into the cradle while the update downloads. Simple, and achieves all the promised features some have said they couldn't access.

What we like best about this is that it has the feel of a quality handset. It is just the right weight and size in your hand, neither flimsy nor too bulky and is very pleasant to hold. I like the streamlined look and feel. It fits in the hand and next to the face perfectly. The velvety keys are soft against the face and you don't feel as though you are being jabbed by buttons, nor is there heat emitted like some handsets. The so-called "sharp" edges are not sharp at all, but merely angular and don't come into contact with the face. There is no danger of cutting your face or hands with them. Instead, they serve as a grip for the phone, so that it does not slide out of your hand despite having so many smooth, curved surfaces.

It syncs well with the Ooma Telo system, (which you need to purchase so it will function,) so that you can enter your phonebook items online, then easy download them to the handset with one click. You can screen your calls, as you can set it to function like an answering machine, to broadcast the caller's message in order to decide whether to answer or not - the advantage being that it is portable. You can use the unit to retrieve your voice mail from anywhere in your home. If you purchase the Premier Service for $9.95 a month, you can customize ringtones and assign virtual numbers so that each person in the household will get a personalized ring from his/her callers. The first virtual number is free; after that there is a charge for additional numbers.

The light up keypad is easy to read and mostly easy to use. The most difficult part about it is one needs to get used to where to push the navigation ring in order to access different features. It's also a bit difficult to compress the menu key because of its position and size. It has a "recall" feature which will bring up many previously dialed numbers - rather like the "redial" key but you can see each of the numbers before you dial, and storage goes far beyond just one number or even one day's worth of calls. If the number you've called is in your Telo phonebook, the label you've used will also appear on the recall list, such as "Mom cell."

It took me a little while to "get" how to search the phonebook, as it seemed to come up with unrelated numbers, but you can enter more than just the first letter of the name, and the more letters you enter, the narrower and more on target the search becomes.

The worst part of the set is the screen. It is not too bright and not that easy to read. It's not impossible for these older eyes, either. Just a bit more dated than one would expect. Also it is not white on black as pictured, which would have been great. That's the only inaccuracy in the picture and I can't figure out why they did that. The only other difference in appearance is there is no Ooma symbol on the headset, and it just says, "Ooma."

Others have mentioned the battery life, but I have found if you give it a few hours in the base every day, it seems to stay charged well. With features like "instant second line" which, if you purchase the Premier service, allows you to pick up the phone and get a dial tone even if your resident phone hog is already on the line, the conveniences far outweigh the drawbacks. The handset also will display the name and number of the person that phone hog is talking to, and gives you an option to join the conversation or use the virtual second line.

If you purchase Premier service, you can assign an actual number to the virtual second line. It can be in any area code in the country, so if most of your family lives in a different area code, you can choose one local to them to give them a break on fees to call you! Hard to beat!

There is also a log list of calls made to or from the handset, and when you select a call to display, it will also display whether the call was missed or not, and if not, the length of the call.

What is neat about "MyOoma" online system for setting up and using your handset, is there is a complete log of all your calls to and from the headset, and the "Dashboard" keeps a running total of the top five callees or callers to your phone, with the number of minutes displayed beside their names, and a complete running total for the month's usage - a lot easier to access and use than say, our T-Mobile online log, which is a nightmare compared to this. You will know at a glance who is talking the most to whom, and whether their usage is out of hand.

Call clarity is great. The only time I've had a problem hearing someone is if there is something going on at their end.

All in all, the phone gives you the best of the Ooma service at your fingertips, and that's a good thing.

I almost passed on this phone because of the reviews, well I am glad I didn't. The latest firmware updates really stabilize's this phone (it is use's blue tooth). It acts as a second line for out going calls without a second phone number or can be a second phone with it's own phone number. Think about it, you don't have to have the premier service to make two different outgoing calls. When someone calls into my home the phone rings just like the other phones. While VoiP has a bit better quality than a cell phone (at least in the rural areas), it is not the quality of a land line. When I called Ooma to get clarification on the second telephone number, I was answered promptly and politely. In an era of the cell phone quality being good enough, not having a phone bill makes this an easy purchase.

I have had no problems with the telo or handset. I purchased them both at the end of December 2009. Set up was easy although it took about 45 minutes ( not 5-10 as advertised). I did require customer support twice and found them to be helpful and friendly. My handset has good quality sound without the hum others are experiencing. No problems with the battery so far. I will buy a second handset when the support is up and running in the next few weeks. I would highly recommend both the telo and handset.

I am a little bit bewildered at some of the reviews of this product. I read most all of them before I purchased this Telo Handset. I was very uncomfortable with my purchase because of the many bad reviews. I have to say that almost all of my fears disappeared when this phone arrived. I looks great, it does not have sharp edges like some reviewers said. The display is very easy to read and see. The keys press without much effort and work very well. The sound on the handset is as loud as my Panasonic cordless phone that I am also using with the system. The volume on the speakerphone needs to be a touch louder I think but works great. I have talked on this phone for a few hours (multiple calls) and the battery still displays full charge. People say I sound great when talking on it. The charger works well but must be aligned properly with the phone when charging and a tiny bit of effort is required when placing it back in the cradle. Nothing crazy like some reviewers say.

For the added features to the complete OOMA TELO system this phone is a must have. The ability to use the second line at the same time as the first line is one feature this phone outweights in its sole cost hands down. The ability to dedicate your second line (or your first line if you want, or even add a 3rd or 4th line for only $4.99 a month) to just ring your new Ooma Telo Handset all by itself (without ringing your others phones) is also awesome. You can configure it to share all lines with both types of phones too (ring both the Telo Handset and any phone plugged into the Telo base on both lines). There are really too many configurations to mention here which is why this phone is an awesome addition to the base and why I highly recommend it.

For the reviewers who said it would not pair with the base effortlessly, they are being completely dishonest. You log in to MYOOMA then goto ACCOUNT then SYSTEM to get your 4 digit pin (or ooma.com/pin). You turn off your telo handset, press the page button on the base, turn the handset back on and enter the PIN (from your account online) into the handset. Now it's paired! Took me less than 30 seconds to do this and it paired effortlessly. Also the unit did a self update (firmware update) immediately thereafter which I also liked.

Also some other great features are: ability to but people on hold while you place a second call and even toggle between callers or conference them together, one touch voicemail button, access to your online Ooma account phonebook "on the phone", new voicemail alert flashing LED, different ring patterns and ring tones, redial, firmware update from phone menu (no need to plug it into your computer). Also the ability to get free updates in features is also a big plus, and OOMA is doing this all the time (expanding the options available in new firmware updates). You can also expect newer and better options in the menus, overall improved phone performance, battery charge characteristics and life (battery charging circuits are firmware controlled and enhance-able just like laptop battery circuits which often have improved charging updates to increase battery life and overall functionality), volume levels, and many more improved characteristics in more upcoming updates.

The ONLY REAL downside I think needs improving is the lack of great instructions with all of their products, however all of the detailed instructions can be found on their website. As with the Telo Handset and the Bluetooth adapter, which I also have, the instructions leave somewhat of an incomplete picture of what you need to do to set these things up. I recommend looking up the COMPLETE instructions on their website if you don't feel confident.

Overall do I think this item could be improved? Yes of course I do and it will be in the future. For the time being though, I think it is a very viable option that works well and everyone who has the core OOMA TELO system should have this to maximize their purchase to its FULL potential.

I've been using Ooma's VOIP service for half a year. I have one Ooma Telo device at work and another in my home office. Ooma's VOIP service is simply outstanding. The call quality is better than my landline service with Verizon, the feature set (most of which is configured/managed online) makes old-fashioned phone service look old fashioned, and the physical Ooma Telo unit is beautifully designed and very easy to use. In other words, I'm a huge Ooma fan. It's the best VOIP solution -- and in fact the best phone solution -- I've found.

Having said that, I have been disappointed in the Ooma handset. Importantly, the handset is not required to use the Ooma Telo and VOIP service. The only reason to buy the Ooma handset is if you subscribe to the Ooma Premier service for an additional monthly fee. One of the features of Ooma Premier is that you can have two phone numbers with one Telo unit, and you can dial out on the second line if someone else is using the first line (or use the second line to take a second call without having to hang up on the first line or put them on hold, or use the second line to initiate a conference call). Dialing out on the second line requires the Ooma handset, and this is the only reason to buy the Ooma handset. Other than this special functionality, the handset is inferior to the regular old vtech and Uniden phones I also use with my Ooma Telo. The Ooma handset is not as comfortable in the palm, the screen is smaller and darker than on most modern handsets, it has no headset jack, seating the handset in the charging base is more awkward than with most phones, and the handset has quality issues (the battery in my first handset, which Ooma replaced, would not hold a charge). I do not find the sound quality between the Ooma handset and Telo to be better than with third party handsets.

If you want to access the second line feature when someone else is using Line 1, you'll need this handset. The Ooma lines are virtual lines, not physically separate wires, so a 2-line phone system can't see the second Ooma line. The Ooma Telo can receive calls on both lines using any old handsets, and you can also call out on either line using any handset, so the only reason to buy this Ooma handset is if you want to be able to use the "instant second line" feature that let's you call out on Line 2 when someone else is already using Line 1. If you don't need that feature, I would not recommend this handset, which suffers in terms of design, features, and quality relative to cheaper handsets from major manufacturers.

Ooma Telo: Awesome device and service!
Ooma Handset: Not so much.

UPDATE 18 Sept 2011: As noted above, the battery on my first phone wouldn't hold a charge, so Ooma sent me a new one. It appeared that the replacement phone was a refurb, which was discouraging given that the new Ooma handset that wouldn't hold a charge was brand new (literally, two days old when I boxed it up and sent it back). After just a week of use, the new phone has developed problems. The screen periodically goes "scrambled", with a mosaic of crazy ASCII characters. When this happens, the menus are inaccessible, rendering the phone as dumb as rotary phone from 1964 and preventing use of the second line (which is the only reason to have the special Ooma handset). The only solution is to pull the battery out and reboot, which I have to do daily. I'm dropping my review to 2 stars because of the serious quality issues. As I said before, the Ooma Telo device and service are awesome -- I'm a huge fan and use multiple devices for home and work -- but the handset is poorly designed and has the kind of show-stopper quality issues that you just don't expect to see in electronics in this day and age.

Let me start by saying I'm a fan of ooma. I have the telo system and it works just fine with my Panasonic handsets. I was looking to exploit the full features of the system with the Telo handset. What a waste of time. First, they advertise that you can connect 4 handsets to the base yet this capability wasn't even available on release of the handsets! So I had 3 of 4 handsets sitting in a box for 2 months (well I charged all 4 of them on the first day thinking they would work and that is when I learned about the horrible battery life). The best handset of the 4 would last 2 days and then die. The other 3 would die sooner and never fully regain 100% charge. What complete junk. Add to this the fact that the screen is low contrast, low resolution, and looks nothing like the picture in the advertisement(where's that gorgeous white on black bold looking screen?) and all I can say is shame on ooma for releasing a sub-standard product that was not ready for prime-time and certainly not worth 50 bucks (my 5 handset Panny system cost $120). I wish I could rate this product ZERO stars but 1 is the limit. Consider yourself warned - buyer beware.

I love my Ooma system and the fact that I can get free telephone service. But I was really disappointed with the handset. I returned it within a few days. It was cheaply made, felt bad in my hand, the sound quality was not good and I could hear static on the line. I bought a wireless VTech system with 5 handsets and plugged the base station into my Ooma unit. I now have free calls and the sound quality is great. The VTech handsets work perfectly with Ooma and they are much better made than this Tele Handset.

Be aware that if you buy a Ooma Telo set you are effectively buying a prototype that is currently under development. As of 1/1/2010 you cannot use more than one phone and the only phone that you can use has a limited limited feature set (the contact list does not work). I don't understand how a company can attempt to market a product that is currently under development. If you think Vista was a fiasco this is much worse. At least with Vista Microsoft truly believed that their software was ready for production. In this case, the software/firmware has not even been developed yet! If you buy their product consider it as giving them an interest free loan.

I waited a month for them to release their software. First it was supposed to be available at the beginning of December 2009, then the first week of December, then by December 18th, then by the end of December. I finally gave up on 1/1/2010 and sent the phone back.

I've been using Ooma for two months now and love the internet service. So yes get an Ooma telo. I also have enjoyed moving all my phone numbers to my on line ooma account. My voice mails are stored on ooma too, and I can access them through the computer--and also through this handset with a one touch button.

The good: I purchased two Ooma handsets here on Amazon and one is still working.
The bad & the ugly: the second one seemed jinxed. The battery was replaced, the hand held part was replaced, the only thing that was not replaced was the base, and this baby just did not want to hold a charge or perform. I have no idea what it is but I kept the one that worked and shipped the other one back to Amazon for a refund.

What is Ooma? The business model is somewhat similar to a router manufacturer where you buy the unit (like a linksys) and they make their money from the sale and it is expected to keep running for a while. There is no subscription fee and the profit is built into the hardware. The company is funded by hardware. So your "phone company" is a mix of Internet service (which is what supports the serious infrastructure, the wires going out from your house to the world), and this product, which is about the size of a router, and is wired between the modem and the router. You do not need a computer of any kind for it to work. But a computer is convenient because your voice mail is stored on line and can be accessed anywhere in the world via your laptop. Ooma offers a premier subscription service which is $10 a month. It gets you some bells and whistles, such as a second phone number anywhere you want: you live in Boston, your friends in SF can call you on a local number if you choose to get one. When you have Ooma, the entire US becomes your "local dialing area" unlimited calling day or night. And countries like australia are billed at dirt cheap rates like $1.80 an hour. There is only a $3.50 federal tax charged to your credit card.

But unfortunately the company is selling a $15.00 handset for $50. The quality, and worst of all, quality control, is poor in all respects. I see that another on-line vendor (Ne*w-egg) has ceased carrying it. For good reason. If Ooma were to make a kick-a*s*s handset with $50 value and charge $100 for it (because it funds the company) it would be a *terrific deal* and well worth it.

But that's not the philosophy these days. The philosophy among many vendors is just to sell low quality stuff and hope that most people don't bother returning it. Ooma really seriously compromised its business model by putting this product out there.

Bottom line: DO consider converting to Ooma, but KEEP YOUR PHONES. The Ooma "telo" unit can be *connected by wire to a phone jack.* THEN YOUR OTHER PHONES WORK (any push button, but not rotary), Ooma will even provide power for a ring tone. Your traditional telephone wire must be disconnected from the street. Anyhow the $200 Ooma Telo is a great way to get out of the trap of long distance charges or burning minutes on your cell phone plan. But this handset should be pulled from the market and a new one made available.