Customer Reviews

Panasonic KX-TG1062M DECT 6.0 Corded/Cordless Phone with Answering Machine, Metallic Gray, 2 Handsets

5 star:		(237)
4 star:		(124)
3 star:		(40)
2 star:		(27)
1 star:		(29)

 

 

This is without question, the best land line phone I have ever seen! Please look at my other reviews, you will see that I am NOT a paid reviewer to write what the manufacturer wants.

This phone does EVERYTHING! Sound is crystal clear. Both handsets and base unit have lit displays. Both have selectable ringer tones and volume. Each has independent "phone books" which can be copied from the base unit to the handsets or vice versa. Both the base unit and handsets have speaker phones. The phone books are super easy to program.

The answering system with date/day/time works terrifically! You can select pre-recorded message or make your own. The answering system capacity is 18 minutes or 64 messages. You can select between 2 and 7 rings before the answering system engages.

I like that the base unit works during power outages.

I especially like the five "speed dial" buttons to phone frequent friends or family with just one button. Great!

Call blocking works well.

Cordless handsets have great range and use rechargeable AAA batteries (included). The handset cradle recharges the batteries. The cordless handsets light up (back-lit). You can access the answering machine via the cordless handsets. The cordless handsets have speaker phones and headset jack. They have a clip so you can wear it on your belt.

It has a "handset locator".

It supports English and Espahol. Instruction manual is well written and easy to use.

It even has an "alarm clock" feature.

I have not found a better land line phone! Strongly recommend!

I purchased this phone a couple of weeks ago, as a replacement for a phone that had issue with the audio. I also wanted to be able use a very expensive headset I have. I have spent hours trying to find the right phone. I don't know what made me have an extra look at this phone, but the more I looked, and the more reviews I read, the more I liked it and I ended up purchasing it. I am using it mostly for my home office, but do use it for the occasional personal call as well.

Pros
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* It has a good sound, so far I have not had the issues I had with my old phone. I have tried both the handset and the speakerphone, and like both. I particularly like the fact that I can put it on speaker, dial the number, and pick up the phone if I need to, or use the speaker phone. I also like that it's possible to switch between handset and speaker phone. Nice touch!
* The buttons/keys are nice. Easy to see without being too large. There are 5 options for speed dial, which made my life very easy! Some buttons (soft buttons) change depending on what you are doing with the phone at the time (on call or not, for example)
* Menus that are easy to understand. The handset is a little bit trickier than the desk phone, but in essence you can do what you want on that too.
* Once a number is programmed into the phone, it can be sent from handset to desk phone and vice versa. I only have one handset (will buy a second one soon), but I understand from the descriptions that you cannot send between handsets. But both can send to desk phone, and from there can be sent to hand sets. You can send all, or individual numbers.
* Large display. It's quite easy to read. I do have some issues with the display, see cons.

Cons
====
* Display. While I generally like the display, I wish it had been raised a bit, or that the phone had a greater angle. I have to either get off my chair or lift my phone in order to see the menus. Once a button is pushed, it's easy enough to see due to the back light, but it annoys me that I have to stretch my neck to see. It's a minor thing, but still.
* Answering Machine. When I got the phone, one of the first things I did, was to try to configure the answering machine. But that cannot be done on the desk phone, it has to be done by the hand set. Since that should be charged for 7 hours before use, this is a bit inconvenient. I thought this could have been done on the phone as well. The man telling me how many messages I've missed has a very metallic voice, clearly computer generated. It's annoying, but nothing major.
* Phone bigger under the handset. This I didn't realise looking at the picture, but the phone is not square. It is a good portion larger where the receiver is compared to the rest of the phone. That means that raising the phone at a larger angle may be an issue (see display above). One really needs a "cradle" to put the phone into.
* Metallic voice/feedback in my headset. I am not sure it's the phone or the combination, but my headset (Plantronic) is in the $250-range, and this phone is no where near as expensive, which leads me to think it's the phone. Especially since the headset has been used before without this issue. But it's something only I hear, not the one I am talking with, and it's not all the time either. It could be because it gets dual feedback, my headset pick it up, and so does the receiver (it has to be lifted off the hook).

But I like this phone, and I am likely to have it for a long time to come. It does the job much better than my previous phone, and the fact that I can use my headset is a serious bonus. I would definitely recommend it for anyone in need of a phone.

Edit: I just got another handset for this phone. Pairing the handset with the phone was a cinch, there is even a button for it. Then I just pressed the menu buttons and sent my entire phone list to the new phone. I also discovered yesterday that I can even listen in on the message on the handset when someone calls and I let it go to answering machine. I really like the features of this phone.

I was torn whether to rate this 4 or 5 stars. For my simple needs, it's definitely a 5, but it does have some quirks.

Good:

Great sound quality. Corded base for power outages. Speakerphone (which works great) on all components, both base and handsets. Access to answering system messages from all components. Functions as an intercom (and very well, too). 100-number phone book, which can be copied between units either in total or one entry at a time, and nine phone number groups that you can give custom names. Five-number quick dial buttons on base. Large, easy-to-use buttons. Uses rechargeable AA's (I *think* - might have been AAA's - standard batteries, anyway) instead of the expensive proprietary kind. Supports up to six handsets.

Not so good:

Some menus confusing. Direct-access to functions using "#" and a numeric code a joke, to me - I want to navigate to a function using an intuitive menu, not look up a code in the user manual. On base unit, LCD contrast is not high enough to read display without backlight (at least in the location we've got it). Does not have a memo function as our previous (but much lower quality) system did, so I'm in the market for a fridge magnet recorder thingie now - which is just fine by my husband, as he hated my leaving messages to myself on the answering machine....! ;-> ) Cannot copy phone number groups between units - if you use that function, you'd have to name the groups on each unit and put each phone number in a group individually.

The reason I gave it a "5" nevertheless is that the "not so good" things I listed mean virtually nothing to me for my simple needs, especially when bounced against the "good" things, which *do* mean a lot to me. Your mileage may vary, which is why I tried to list everything I've noticed about the unit so far.

I've owned this phone for just over a week and there are several things I like about it.

1. The handsets use two AAA batteries, instead of the specialized battery components common with digital phones. As my experience with my last phone, an AT&T model, left me without the ability to replace the battery, this one thing significantly affected my view.

2. Once you get the knack of the memory storage function that part of it is really quite simple to use, and much of the functions of the phone then become fairly intuitive.

3. The phone is operational when electrical power is out, which is a moderately common problem where I live due to thunderstorms.

There is one thing I don't like about this phone, but it is a small complaint: the voice control only raises the volume to a certain level and leaves me unable to hear at the level of volume that I'd prefer. However, this is a small complaint for the simple fact that if I pay close attention, which I should do anyway, I manage to understand all that is being said over the line.

The phone comes with a nice and unique ringer that can be heard from quite a distance. The handset use is very simple and easy to understand, requiring no reading of instructions to actually begin use.

Setting the timing of the automatic answering recorder is fairly simple as well. I've got mine set to record at six rings.

While I'm still learning about my new phone I must say that I am more than well pleased with it. It's far superior to the last phone I owned simply because of the type of batteries used. I appreciate Panasonic for actually considering the requirements of the user when they designed this phone.

I recommend it. This phone is very nice for the price and is as good, or better, than any other phone at this price level.

I've used this phone system for about three weeks. What I really, really like about this phone (assuming you have Caller-ID) is that you can enter phone numbers into its call block list. Then when they call, they automatically get a busy signal and the phone does not ring. You can also separately block incoming calls without a phone number (i.e., have blocked display of their number).

Likes:
- Both corded and cordless performed well.
- Like being able to leave the cordless phone in the charger all the time (does not damage the battery).
- Cordless range is great. I live in a 3-bedroom detached house on a small lot. Coverage includes my property and that of my next door neighbors.
- Lots of configuration options.
- Most configuration options are accessed by pressing the Menu button and then punching in a #nnn code. Nice and fast but you have to keep your owner's manual handy.
- Corded base unit has three screen-labeled context-sensitive selection buttons which are what you use when navigating the menu.
- Can add ("register") additional cordless phones. I haven't tried doing this.
- The phone keeps a list of the phone numbers (labeled "Private Caller" if their number is blocked) who called you, which you did not pick up and they did not leave a message. You can do an erase all (or individual view/erase), but apparently cannot turn this feature off.
- Unplug power and reconnect. Your settings and blocked call list are still there. It must stored in flash memory.

Dislikes:
- Corded base unit has function buttons a little too close to the phone number buttons (occasionally hit them by accident).
- No battery in the base unit. But you can use it to make and receive calls during a power failure (I tested this.) since that part runs off the power in the phone line. However, the cordless phone will not work.

Missing features:
- True audio-identification call screening. You can do that in a roundabout sort of way by listening when they record a message on the answering machine.

This is the best-designed cordless I've ever owned, but it has a couple of problems.

Pros:

- Well-designed user interface and documentation; easy setup
- Standard rechargeable AAA batteries
- Excellent voice quality through corded handset
- Editable Caller ID numbers (you can remove the area code for returning local numbers)
- Complete set of standard phone features (mute, hold, voice mail support, etc.)
- Corded handset works during a power outage.
- Set ringer off during recurring hours (like at night)

Cons:

- Poor range. Cuts out when you're walking around. Hardly any signal if you're on the other side of the house. It has about half the range of my old 900 MHz phone from the same location.

- Base speakerphone does not work during a power outage. If you're on speaker when the power goes out, it drops the call. I use the speaker a lot in my home-based business, and power outages are common during the summer thunderstorm season, so this is a major issue for me.

Update based on comments:

Yes, you can use a UPS for uninterrupted power. But my UPS was maxed out, which is why I bought a phone advertised as working during a power outage. If such a claim is made, then the corded handset should have: a) included an internal battery; or b) used the phone line to power the speaker, as one of my older phones does.

many years ago, when I bought my first cordless landline phone, I tried many brands including GE and Panasonic. Panasonic cordless phones might be more expensive and never seem to go on sale, but I have since then decided Panasonic will be the only cordless phone I will ever buy

I bought this model because the huge keypads on the main unit, and the capability to make phone calls during power outrage (99% cordless phones won't do this#.

The call quality is super good. I tried to use the phone right next to my wireless G #2.4GHz) router and laptop, no interference either way.

The built-in menu is very intuitive. The cordless unit screen is huge, and like most cordless models, the unit does not require phone line connection.

The phone looks very elegant, might be too much for where I put it (the kitchen).

If you had a less than perfect experience with cordless phones, try Panasonic. No other brands match the Panasonic quality. Do NOT save that $20-30 and go for cheaper brands or on sale products!! Only bad phones and phones that don't sell go on sale all the time! Not a Panasonic!!

I have been looking for a corded/cordless DECT phone with answering machine for under $100 for some time. I found a few but most had poor reviews. Seeing this Panasonic phone become available in my price range was hard to pass up.
Pros:
- Sound quality of both the corded and cordless handsets is exceptional. I have used other cordless phones that sound tinny or have an echo but this model sounds great.
- The cordless handset has a headset jack so you can work around the house while talking on the phone. (BTW I also purchased a Panasonic headset to go with this phone.)
- The digital signal processing allows me to use even the cordless phone for confidential calls.
- The address book can store up to 100 entries.
- I have to dial 13 digits to get to an outside line but this phone can store the 13 plus the normal 10 digits for each entry.
- Basic call features of the corded base works even in a power outage allowing at least emergency calls.
- The cordless phone is fairly durable since it has alread been dropped a few times on a tile floor. :-(
Cons:
None so far.

I have always liked Panasonic phones and to me, they make the world's best phone systems. I expected no less with this model and I must say it delivers, mostly.

Just like their line of Men's shavers - it's SO HARD to compare all the models of cordless phones they have - there isn't a good place to look at all of their models and see which has what. To make matters worse, the technical specifications for some models are incorrect - it shows "no" to features when they are clearly present, and sometimes "yes" to features that are not included - but that's a different discussion.

After I sorted through the model/feature/price mess, the single primary reason I decided on KX-TG1062M over other Panasonic is the corded base. Other features I liked:

1. Call Block - Awesome feature - love it when it rings only once - no matter where I am in the house, one-ring calls put a smile on my face because I know another unwanted caller has been blocked.

2. Design - Very attractive. Professional enough to be on an office desk - elegant enough to be in the living room.

3. Call Quality - Great. I know some others have talked about the quality being excellent and crystal clear and such, but I didn't think it was crystal clear. May be it's because I haven't had landline in over 8 years and I am used to with the CDMA crystal clear call quality (live very close to a wireless tower). The reason why I think it's not crystal clear is I hear faint static noise when either party talks. I even exchanged my first set thinking it was the set but the second one does the same. I use this set with Vonage with high-speed internet but vonage is not at fault since I can hear the faint static when on intercom. I would still say the call quality is way up there.

4. Battery Life - It's great to say the least. However, the batteries included with the set are on the lower side of mAh (550 I think). I immediately switched them with a set of Sanyo Eneloop AAA 800 mAh (Sanyo Eneloop AAA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries (4 Pack)) and it easily exceeds the claimed battery performance. With average talk time, they last about 8-9 days between charge (I charge only when it's flashing "Low battery".).

5. Speakerphone - Excellent speakerphone performance.

6. Range - Range is very good. It has great clarity even at the end of the range.

7. Other features - There are a lot of features like Silent mode, Alarm, Caller ID edit, Phonebook transfer etc. While I don't use all the feature on a daily basis, it's nice to have them.

Now, as I mentioned it the title - despite a ton of features, this set does lack some features that I think could be more useful than some of the ones included. For example:

1. Privacy mode - There is NO PRIVACY MODE. So, if you are using on of the cordless handsets, someone can join in without you knowing using the base or the other handset. While it's nice to have the conference sometimes, the first user should be in control of the call. All it needed was a button or even a soft button to Privacy mode ON (or off) that will block others from joining in. I think more people would use this feature than say, the Alarm feature.

2. Naming of the handsets: This set numbers the handsets like base is 0, the handsets are 1,2,3,.. Would be nice if you could name the handsets such as "Living Room" or "Alex". It would be useful since they have the capability to have independent phonebooks, this way it would be more personalized.

3. No direct access to "missed call" list when there are missed calls. Like on your cell-phone, if you missed a call, you usually don't have to go to the "Call Log" to see the missed calls. There's usually a soft-button right on the missed call notification screen and you could see those calls just by pressing that button. On this set, it will tell you that there are missed calls, but you would have to go to it by Menu/Caller List/Missed Calls. Doesn't make any sense.

Now some flaws/inconveniences:

1. Redial - A big minus. Say, you called a toll-free number (a bank or a business) 8881231234. Then at the voice prompt menu of that call you pressed 2, 4, 1. It's all good. BUT, the next time you redial, this set will redial 8881231234241. What? This throws off a lot of automated systems.

2. Can't input "+" in the phonebook numbers, so sometimes if you get an international call and it has a "+" in the caller ID, it gets confused.

3. On stand-by mode (when a handset is not being used), pressing the middle soft-button ("Menu"), the "up", and "down" button takes you to the same place - Menu. Why waste buttons for function assignments? They could have easily put the caller list on "up" and "down" button when stand-by.

4. This is really far fetching - but it would be nice to have a basic calculator implemented - all the number keys are already there.

In conclusion I must say that no phone is perfect and while this phone comes to close, it isn't either. But I love this phone and would highly recommend.

I've only had the phone for about a week, but so far am VERY happy with it! We have had problems with our cordless phones "disappearing" after the kids were talking, and then the phone would ring and there were no phones around. So we thought the idea of a corded phone in the kitchen with accompanying cordless phones was a great one!

PROS:

Set-up was a breeze - the book is very clearly written and I was able to make all the adjustments I needed. The handsets do need to be charged for 7 hours first...

The answering machine can be set to pick up between 2-7 rings.

The cordless handsets are clear as a bell and I was able to get about 300 feet down my driveway and still have clear reception. My last 2.4 ghz phone cut out in my garage!

The batteries are rechargeable AAA. And they come with the phone!

Kids liked the musical rings, so I let them set 'their' phones. Traditional rings for the main floor.

CONS:

Checking caller ID is now a series of 3 motions - hit MENU, hit SELECT, then arrow down. I did like that my last phone had just arrow down and you were right there. Not a huge deal, but a little inconvenient.

The cord on the corded phone is a little short - we have it mounted on the wall over a counter in the kitchen and you can't move once you answer it. It will probably stretch out a little, but if I want to talk for any amount of time I have to go get a cordless handset.

That's all I can think of for now - you won't regret this purchase!