Panasonic KX-TG6500B 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable 2-Line Cordless Phone (Black)

by Panasonic

Product Details

Product Manual [6.62mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 8.8 x 8.6 inches ; 1.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002VMDIY
• Item model number: KX-TG6500B
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 12, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

You can put handsets all over your house-in your kid's rooms or even in the garage-without all the messy wiring or complicated setup. With Panasonic's 5.8 GHz expandable phone systems, you don't need a phone jack for each additional handset-just one for the base unit. So start expanding and forget about all your wiring worries (handset model KX-TGA650B).

Panasonic's 5.8 GHz Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum technology operates on a different wavelength with much less traffic than the 2.4 GHz technology while maintaining the great security, incredible clarity and long range. Have a wireless computer network, or thinking about getting one? 5.8 GHz technology will not interfere with wireless networks such as 802.11b or 802.11g WiFi.

This phone system is equipped with an all-digital answering system for quick, easy retrieval of crystal-clear messages. Message operation has never been easier, with up to 60 minutes of recording time, plus features like pre-recorded outgoing message, remote operation, Tollsaver, and skip-and-repeat. And don't worry about losing your messages when the power goes out-they're stored in flash memory so they're unaffected by power failure or interruptions.

Panasonic has found a way to shorten the handset antenna while still maintaining the long range that Panasonic customers have become accustomed to. But what's even cooler is that the tip of the antenna, which lights up red, will alert you to an incoming call (or a message waiting for you1). So turn off the ringer, let the kids sleep, and never miss a call.

We've all become accustomed to caller ID and its ability to let us see who's calling before we answer the phone. Then there's call waiting, a beep letting us know there's another call coming in. But until now, you wouldn't know who was beeping in unless you answered it. With Call waiting/caller ID you get the best of both worlds. Now when you get a beep, you can see who's calling before you answer. But that decision is up to you! (Requires subscription to name-and-number caller ID/call waiting and/or voice mail services offered by certain local telephone companies for a fee. Name pronunciation may vary. Name pronunciation quality is based on names most commonly used in the U.S.A.)

Having a handset speakerphone may not seem like such a big deal-until you have to call an automated phone system. By the time you press "2" and return the phone to your ear, you missed half the next option! And when they put you on hold for ten minutes, do you really need to hold the phone? Not with the handset speakerphone. Just listen along, and press a button or pick up when it's convenient. You'll think up other great uses, like letting Grandma and Grandpa listen to their new grandchild at the same time, painting your nails as you talk to your best friend, or just being able to set the phone down while you talk.

What's in the Box
Handset, base unit, AC power adapter, one phone line cord, belt clip, NiMH battery pack and battery cover, user guide, warranty information

Product Description

Panasonic KX-TG6500B BLACK 2-LINE 5.8 GHZ EXPANDABLE CORDLESS PHONE SYSTEM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 137 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not well executed, October 20, 2004

By 

GWadmin (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic KX-TG6500B 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable 2-Line Cordless Phone (Black) (Office Product)

There are, at this time, exactly two 5.8 GHz 2-line expandable phone systems -- this Panasonic and the Uniden TRU8866 -- and I found it frustrating to research them because they're new and there's not much information out there. So my two cents, should it be helpful...I bought this Panasonic 6500B and three handsets, played with them for a week, and called today for an RMA number to return them. I'm now evaluating the Uniden system, which I think I'll end up keeping.

(For reference, I'm migrating from a Siemens gigaset 2420, 2-line 2.4GHz system, amazon item B00004R7R1. It's noted for a few quirks, but it's been solid for 6 years and I'd easily favor it over the Panasonic.)

Pros:
-- you only have two options at present, so this phone does deliver 2-line 5.8 GHz functionality
-- blinking antenna for ringing/message was a nice touch
-- all of the basic stuff you'd expect...intercom, speakerphone, Caller ID, etc.


Cons:
-- poor sound quality, even compared to my 2.4GHz system -- there was a constant hiss even when standing near the base, and it wasn't line noise. (There is a voice boost/voice enhancer function, though even the manual notes that it might amplify any existing line noise you may already have.)

-- one 'feature' that tilted me toward the panasonic was a 'shared' phone directory among the handsets and base. It actually works like the Siemens - you have to manually copy phonebook entries from one handset to another, so keeping them all in sync is a pain.

-- The handsets didn't behave like extensions of the same line; when you answer a call on one handset, all of the others display 'missed call', which you must then clear from EACH handset. So I always seemed to pick up a handset with a few missed calls, which were actually answered on a different handset.

-- Lack of an aux port so the phone can catch the distinctive ring and shuttle a call to the fax (btw, the Uniden doesn't have this either)

-- Misc. minor annoyances: Panasonic still uses a two-digit code for the answering machine, as it did ~15 years ago. Only eight ring tones (4 ring/4 melody), none of which were great.

-- basic interface is just crude compared to other modern phones/cell phones (I'm a techie with a UI/usability background, so I do have bias there).

Overall, I found this Panasonic to be a step down from the Siemens. I've only had the Uniden for a couple days, and I'd certainly say it's the better option of the two.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid phone, but has some annoying flaws., November 10, 2005

By 

T. Hassler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic KX-TG6500B 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable 2-Line Cordless Phone (Black) (Office Product)

I have the base unit (comes with 1 remote) and two add-on remotes (max of 3 add-ons for a total of 4 remote units).

A few things I find both invaluable and the phone definitely delivers:
1) 5.8GHz... My old 2.4 Siemens would frizz out when my wife punched up the Microwave to the full 1600watts and with this system, there's no interference.
2) Buttons have a good feel to them
3) Supports 2 lines on all phone units - you can isolate a phone to ONLY answer or dial out on a specific line (if you use the Talk button). You can override this with the softbuttons so you can still answer or dial out on the other line.
4) Solid construction
5) Decent backlight (although I'm still astounded none of these things systems use Indiglo)
6) All phones have a detachable belt clip
7) Speakerphone!
8) Intercom
9) Conference calling between two lines.
10) Hold - with transfer to any other handset, the base unit speakerphone or even to Voicemail!
11) Remote Voicemail retrieval
12) Phonebook transfer
13) Comfortable against the ear

Now for the bad and really some things are subjective, but that's what you want to read in a review, right?
1) It's not the cheapest thing you'll ever find. Go with the full setup, and it's around $400 depending on how you buy it.
2) Only 4 total phones? My old Siemens had a base handset (corded) and could go up to 8 cordless units. 4 is just sort of sad. You can't get a corded base.
3) Batteries are proprietary and Nickel Metal Hydride (not Lithium Ion). So, you can't toss in a fresh set of rechargeable AAs or an emergency set of alkalines. Though the batteries in the system do seem to last quite a while.
4) The menu is really poorly designed. I can't believe this thing was approved. You've been warned. It doesn't have every option under the sun, either.
5) Phonebook - This almost made me take the thing back. There are no dedicated contact list buttons. I have to navigate using 3 - *THREE*! buttons just to get into the phonebook. Adding new entries is 1 Name Per Number... there's no way to organize one person with several entries like home/cell/work. So you'll likely need the somewhat limited memory bank. Adding names is brutal. I've used a dozen different cell models and at least that many home cordless units and not ONE of them was this difficult to type in the names. The Alpha on this thing will make you wish it had a USB port. Which, by the way, for this price, it should.
6) Sound clarity... It's middle of the road and if you have a headset, don't expect to be heard very well. The Voice Enhancer does seem to make the other party sound stronger against a background, but at the cost of a "In a bathroom" feel. I rarely use this feature.
7) No battery backup. For this kinda of money and in this day and age, shouldn't these things have a base unit battery for power outages? I hate buying aftermarket products when it's so obvious that the main purchase should have a particular feature.
8) The base doesn't display callerID with the Messages... you have to use a cordless unit to see that.
9) The indicator lights could be a little bigger on the base
10) This may be a minor thing for most, but I telecommute and use a headset regularly. The protective rubber cover over the 2.5mm jack can get in the way of swiveling and it catches all the time. At least you can use any 2.5mm headset, although the manual says it only works with Panasonic headsets (nice wording guys!)
11) The Base unit doesn't tell you when someone has called (Caller ID) but not left a message. So, again, you have to pickup a handset to check. My 4 year old Siemens had a lot of these features! *sigh*

I wouldn't say to rush right out and get one. It's a decent phone and if you need a 2-line cordless system, your options aren't wide open - so you might end up in my boat and compromise on a 2 year investment.

It has a good size for your hand and the buttons are not all squished together like some other models from Vtech or Uniden. The backlight isn't the blinding neon orange like the Unidens either. Although it could stand to be a bit brigher (it's an amber color). You can adjust the contrast on the LCD.

Another thing that might matter to some is the pillar antenna - I don't mind it either way. The antenna does light up and I *think* it has green for one line and amber for the other line. It can also monitor a room if you want to use it for a baby monitor or just check on the kids, etc.

I'll just say I'm still searching for the perfect, end-all best system out there, but I think it's years off. I don't know why manufacturers don't think that consumers wouldn't want all of the modern conveniences of a cell phone interface, computer connect for address book, multiple lines, color LCD with picture identification, etc. in a larger more manageable formfactor for the home.

74 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good phone but could use better user interface, November 11, 2004

By 

Scott H. "scott11686" (Miami, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic KX-TG6500B 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable 2-Line Cordless Phone (Black) (Office Product)

I've owned several multi handset systems over the last 4 years beginning with the product the started it all off, the Siemens 2420. Don't even get me started on how bad the Siemens cordless handset reception is. Everyone who uses one knows they are pathetic. Other than the poor reception, the Siemens 2420 and 8825 still have the best menu system and setup of any multi handset system, Panasonic 6500/6502 included!

Just so everyone understands, Panasonic, Uniden and most companies (I believe Vtech/AT&T included) use the same chipsets from www.dspg.com. This is why the ergonomics of most of these systems are the same or similar. I'll list the advantages and disadvantages I see in the DSP Group implemenation as compared to Siemens way of doing things....

Advantages:
-Excellent handset reception (even the 2.4Ghz models are OK and do not experience much interference) 5.8 is very clear with no interference in my home.
-handset range is actually better than I suspected at 5.8Ghz (remember the higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength
and generally the shorter the range).
-Room/baby monitor

Disadvantages:
-no handset naming
-handsets show missed call even if the call is answered by another handset.
-no password lockout for settings (such as answering machine PIN). Can't lockout the kids from being nosey.
-only supports 2 digit answering machine PIN
-When remote checking answering machine it does not support reading of caller ID info for message (how many people say "call me" but you don't remember their #)?
-overly complex menu to manipulate answering machine from remote phone.
-does not set time by using caller ID info
-4 handsets only
-True Speech voice compression quality is horrible even if set to "enhanced" mode.

So, reception alone is enough to convince me to keep this system and toss my aged Siemens. Ergo-wise, I will definitely miss my Siemens. Unfortunately Siemens Corporate tells me they will not have a new phone system until the second half of 2005.

Sorry that this review turned into a comparison to Siemens, however I feel that DSP Group, Panasonic, Uniden, etc. who support them need to get of their rocker and begin to expand the feature-set of the chipsets to support features that people can really use!!!