Customer Reviews

Uniden DCT6485-2 2.4 GHz Digital Expandable Cordless Phone with Dual Handsets, Base Keypad, and Answering System

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Basics:
We just got this phone yesterday so I haven't used it a ton yet, but so far it is great. The system was fairly straight forward to set up. I did have to look at the manual in order to get the outgoing message set and decided to read on to make sure I knew how to use all the functions. Wow! What a ton of functions. The phone is also stylish and seems to be durable construction. The price seems very reasonable considering all the features, 2.4GHz frequency, multiple handsets and digital answering machine.

One Problem:
There was some echoing of my voice when I used it the first couple times which had me nervous, but that has gone away and hopefully won't be returning.

Functions:
- Digital answering machine with 12 minutes of incoming recording time.
- Incoming message length can be set to 1 min, 4 min or announce only.
- Programable display banner
- Multiple ring tone selections
- Distinctive ring tones based on caller info in the phonebook
- 100 slot phone book - 10 speed dial slots
- Save #/names from caller ID to phonebook
- Phonebook transfer between handsets
- Call transfer between handsets/base - cool feature, no need to wait for the other person to answer becasue the other phone rings to let them know to pick it up.
- Very clear speaker phone
- Call recording - beeps to let both parties know the conversation is being recorded, 10 min max
- Remote message access - easy to use
- Message access from any handset - easy to use
- 2-way feature - very cool, no need to be near home, some static if you are very close (but if you are standing next to the person you want to talk to you don't really need to 2-way feature)
- Up to 4 way calling - one outside line + 3 handsets/base
- Room monitor - no static in the short test I did
- Private call - so that other handsets cannot join/listen in on call
- Do no disturb - answering machine picks up but is not heard
- Orange easy to read backlight
- Intercom system to talk with people in different rooms rather than yelling through the house
- Hold - can place call on hold up to 60 sec
- Redial w/ 3 number history

Additional Handsets:
One reviewer noted that getting an additional handsets is difficult. They are available on the Costco web site (non-members can order for an additional 5%). I wouldn't normally suggest other places to purchase items, but since they are not available from amazon.com I thought it might be OK. Hopefully, this is not a problem.

The only thing about this phone that hasn't blown me away is the reception. There is a faint hum at all times on the line. Nothing horrible but if you are super picky, it will drive you nuts.

Other than that, this phone ROCKS! Easy to set up and use and the feature set is second to none. For the price, this is by far the best phone value on the market!!

Pros
1. The ability to listen to voice messages from the hand sets.
2. The ability to copy your phone book to the other handset one number at a time or you can copy the entire phone book!! NICE!!
3. Good looking.
4. Easy to set up and use.
5. Phone has a comfortable feel in your hand.
6. It's light but doesn't feel cheep.
7. Room monitoring and DirectLink features are very cool. Room monitor is pretty self explanatory and DirectLink allows you to use the phones like walkie talkies.
8. I've had no problems with this phone interfering with my wireless lan (your mileage may vary)

Cons.
1. Each hand set's caller ID list must be cleared independently (WHY can't someone produce a phone where clearing the caller ID list on one phone clears it on the other!?!)
2. Reception isn't 100% clear

If I had known everything I know now about this phone when I placed the order, I would have still purchased it. So far, it's fantastic!!

I gotta say that the first thing I thought when I opened the shipping box was, "dam they sent be the wrong phone". But I realized that everything I needed was packed into a very little box. Little did I know that this phone was sooo small. The pictures online are definetly decieving because the handsets are about the same size as a cell phone. I Don't want you to think that I'm knocking the phone, I'm happy that the phone is so small. The base fits nicely on my nightstand without taking up a lot of room and the phones slide in and out of my pockets easily especially when I'm outside cleaning my car. The phones and base are also stylish and I like the bright background light which is a bright orange. Who needs a flashlight! just kidding.
I have to point out that the Directlink mode which is the two way radio option works nice as long as I don't venture more than a block from my home. After a block I loose reception, but I live in the city where there are plenty of buildings and obsticles keeping a free line of reception.
It is true that the digital answering machine is very clear both outgoing and incoming messages. I can't get enough of the handset speakerphone it's so clear that no one can guess that I have them on speaker. And if i leave both phones downstairs I can still use the base on speakerphone to make a call. Sweet!
I like that fact that I can check/delete my messages from work or friends house. But if im home I can easily check my messages using the handset by just pressing one button.
One additional thing that I like is the battery. This device uses a NI-MH battery which holds up better when your constantly putting the phone on and off the base charger. Phones that use NI-CD batteries loose there "juice" after a period of time, usually a short time of like 4 months. Not to mention with NI-CD batteries you have to let them drain to empty before you put it back on the charger how inconvienent. Good thing this phone uses NI-MH!!
Hope this helps if I find more cool things I'll be sure to post.
Peace.

My wife works out of our home and is very picky about the phones we have. We have gone through several other phones (even another Uniden) and none of them have been up to the task until now.

Pros:
1. Sound quality is excellent! I have NOT experienced any of the 'tinny' or 'staticy' sounds that some have complained of. I keep the base unit in a location away from other electronics (although the satellite handsets are near computer without any interference).
2. The setup was fairly easy and I was able to figure most things out without consulting the manual
3. The speakerphone seems to work quite well. I was able to hear clearly and be heard clearly without having to raise my voice or talk 'at' the phone.
4. Storing numbers from CallerID is easy and allows you to give people distinctive ring tones.
5. The handset seems to be of relatively good quality and is attractive. The orange backlighting is actually quite nice and lights up the phone well.
6. Two-way radio feature. It's a nice add-on. I haven't had the chance to use it away from the house and I would still recommend a true Two-way radio but if you wanted to avoid the cost and have something that is decent this is a good alternative.
7. Global Options. Allows you to set Day/Time on the entire system from a single handset and, more importantly, allows you to copy the phone book from one phone to the other handsets!
8. Privacy mode. Prevents others from picking up the call from another handset. This is great because my wife has a habit of picking up the phone and dialing without looking to see if it's in use.
9. Do Not Disturb. This is GREAT for the weekend mornings! Prevents handsets/base from ringing and waking you up on those lazy Sunday mornings.
10. Headset. It's fairly comfortable and very clear. Sound quality of ear pieces is good and voice quality is very good on the other end.

Cons:
1. Separate 'End' button to disconnect calls. This is more of a minor annoyance than a real reason to consider another phone.
2. Lack of Mute button. Unless you're using a headset you'll have to pull the phone away from your ear then select Menu --> Mute. It would be nice to have a button specifically for mute.

Not factored into rating:
1. Answering machine. I haven't played with much yet.
2. Talk range (I've yet to go more than ~30ft. from the base while on a call)
3. Room Monitor. Haven't used it.
4. Call Screen. Haven't used it.
5. Hold feature. Haven't used it.

As you can see this phone is full of features and is a great value! I was able to pick an entire system (base and 3 additional handsets for a total of 4 handsets) with an extended warranty for less than $150. That's a deal by any standard!

I have historically stayed away from Uniden because every time I used one, I hated it. I previously bought my favorite reliable brand and it had a horrible echo back to my ear, and all models with a MiMH battery are basically the same right now so I had to look at other options.

I was sick of NiCad batteries and the replacement needs, so I wanted to get one with NiMH battery. This phone has that and more! The phone itself is about the size of a Nokia 5000 series cell phone. It has a belt clip that makes it easier to hold and take with you. The buttons are soft and can be used by one hand. The orange display and backlight is pleasent to look at and makes it very easy to see the caller id, something I was not sure about. The speaker phone feature makes it great for use when dialing a business and going through those nightmare menus that have become standard. Wasn't it nice to get a person? I have used it in the garden when my hands were dirty....very convinient.

A lot of the features mimic cell phones. Like multiple ringer options and tones, you can dial and then press talk to make a call, (you can also use it the cordless way of pushing talk then dial), an extensive phone book that you can program, and a battery level indicator. The indicator is a picture of a battery and the shading changes as the battery is used (not just a beep before going dead.)

The additional phone(s) don't need to be pluged into a phone jack so they can be placed anyware. You can use the intercom feature between phones and it works like a normal phone call with the same clarity (doesn't seem like an intercom). This feture is nice because you can ring a specific phone or have a 3 way (handsets)or 4 way (handsets and answering/speakerphone) conference call. You can also put someone on hold and then transfer the call to another handset. Great if the call is for the teens (yeah, like they wouldn't answer the phone) who have a handset in their room and you don't want to yell for them to pick up the phone.

The clarity is awsome. I haven't had any disruption or noise at all. The baby monorting feature is great. I have used it when I was by the pool and wouldn't normally hear someone knock on the door. I set one up by my front door and had no problem hearing guests arive.

The answering unit is one of the best digital I have tried. Don't read too much into this though, because it is still digital and voices don't come across perfect. I can't wait until they come up with digital clarity of a DVD. The message indicators on the base and handsets makes it easy to tell if you have a message. I like the audio message notification. It isn't irritating. Just a nice tone every 15 seconds. It's good when you might receive an important call while you were outside briefly and wouldn't think to look to see if anyone called.

on average the battery charge has lasted over two weeks. Less if you talk a lot, even less if you use the baby monotoring function for long periods of time. I love this phone, and I am glad I gave it a try. It was worth it.

First review:
I was a little apprehensive about buying this 'phone as I had heard some people say the sound was tinny, etc. I received the 'phone yesterday and ripped the box open right away. :-)

I really like it! The black and silver is very cool looking and the orange display is much easier to read. The 'phone also displays the date and time constantly on the handsets and has a light on the 'phone that flashes if you have a message waiting - you can walk in the door and glance at the 'phone across the room to see if you have a message instead of walking over to the 'phone and looking at the display. There is also a light that comes on when the other handset is in use. There are different ring options, different caller ID options, etc. You can even set distinctive rings for certain people so you know who is calling.

The speakerphones work great! I also love the keypads on the base and both handsets - I checked my voice mail today by pressing the speakerphone button on the base and just punching in my code. The second handset is definitely one of the reasons I chose this model. With only one 'phone line (and jack) it is a great way to have another telephone in another room without buying another line/jack.

I am very impressed with this phone and would recommend it to anyone looking for these features in this price range. I have always had good luck with Unidens and this is no exception.

Second review:
I have had this 'phone for a few weeks now and I am very impressed with all the features except the sound quality. It always sounds like there is interference on the line even with the clarity booster. It is such a pity as the 'phone is great otherwise. I am returning the unit.

This is the 1st review I have ever written for Amazon. I have been moved to comment because this is the best phone I have ever owned. The options are incredible. The range is the best of any phone I have owned - it has twice the range of my Panasonic. I really like the options of setting a diffenrent song or ring sound for incoming calls. Like I know a relative is calling when I hear the song "Home Sweet Home". You can transfer your phonebook listing or just one new number to any handset in the house. Bright orange lights on keypad & bright LCD screen. The headset I already had works on this phone with perfect sound/clarity. You should be aware that this phone is small, like a normal cell phone(not the real small ones they have now)It's Tracfone size, so the keypad buttons might be too small & close together for someone with large fingers. I bought 2 extra handsets so my kids have their own phones that they can customize with different ring/song/tone options. Answering machine great too. I hope Uniden never goes out of business! Great product! Highly recomended!

This is a great value! No static or humming noises on mine. The phone is sturdy, cool, and dependable. I actually ordered Caller ID service just because of this phone. Ring tones are a very nice touch. Only negative thing is I can't find a 3rd handset on the market anywhere. Uniden has a waiting list about 200 people deep for notification of availability. I wanted one for each of the three floors in our home. Great product and value.

Have had this system for a couple weeks now and we really like it. I like the address book feature that can be customized for each phone and the distinctive ring and caller id. The room monitoring works well. I also like the amber backlight but wish it would stay lit a little longer.

I walked out of my house and up a hill about 400 yards away and was able to make a call. Keep in mind I had a direct line of sight between my house and the phone and when I turned my head so it was between the house and the handset, I got static. The two way radio range is not as far as a standard two way radio, but works great as a very close to home intercom like to the garage or backyard or the neighbors house. I can see myself giving my son a handset to take with him over to the neighbors so I could call him home to dinner with it. As with making a call, line of sight with no obsticals will boost your range. The ring tones stored in the phone are fine. It didn't take long to figure out how to use this phone either.

The handsets are light weight and are made of plastic but don't feel really cheep and are comfortable to hold though not when you try and prop them between your shoulder and ear for hands-free operation but that is what speaker phone is for which this has and works great. The base unit is nice and small as are the phones themselves. I also like the fact that the batteries are NiMH which last longer and don't have a "memory" like the older NiCad rechargable batteries.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone in the market for a new phone. I like these phones so much that I am having a hard time being patient waiting for Amazon to get the extra handsets in stock (as of 3-9-04 they are out of stock)!

I agree almost 100% with Mark M's review, so I won't waste time repeating him. However, I don't notice the slight hum on the line as he does.

My ONLY complaint with this phone - and it's minor - is that I would like the caller ID info to come up on the base unit. I got used to that feature with my other phone. We don't keep our handset on the base most of the time.

These phones are so feature packed. I love the different ring tones. Your answering machine messages are clear and people don't sound like they are talking underwater. That was a big problem on my Panasonic.

It feels like a cell phone in your hand. It's tiny! But Mark's right - it doesn't feel cheap.

A good buy!