Customer Reviews

Uniden TRU9485-2 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and Extra Handset

5 star:		(136)
4 star:		(65)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(29)

 

 

Update,
I have been using these (with 9 handsets) for over 3 years now. Zero problems and they are fantastic for its price.


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I did not experiece the two problems mentioned below by previous reviewers:

1. I have comcast phoneline & this Uniden system works great.

2. It comes with all Cordless batteries. It doesn't come with a 9V battery, how difficult is it find one at walmart/target. This comes with all the accessories needed.

I added 6 handsets. The entire house is co-ordinated so well:

Best features I love are:
1. Monitor any room you want in a flash
2. Privacy option prevents your guests monitoring you
3. Do not disturb button keeps all units quiet.
4. Global settings. Awesome - you set the settings in base, it applies automatically to all other units.
5. you can label each handset.
6. registering the handset to the base was a dream, put the handset in the base for 5 sec & you are done.
7. walkie-talkie feature
8. check messages from any handset.
9. all handsets have a red blinking light if there is a message. so, no need to run to base to check messages.
10. you can record a conversation.
11. you can enter your local area code, so when you dial local #s, no need to dial area code.

I just got it a week ago & it works like a dream. I will provide an update in a month or so.

The introduction of 2.4GHz-based 802.11b/g wireless computer networks will spell the end of many 2.4GHz-based cordless phone systems. Though one can continue to use the phones, the interference they cause with wireless computer networks is a nagging problem. The solution is to either upgrade your cordless phones or your wireless computer network to 5.8GHz. For most, upgrading the phone will be simpler and cheaper than upgrading the network.

But selecting a new cordless phone is no simple proposition. There are dozens of variables to consider, and a wide range of brands, models and prices. Rather than searching primarily by price, many will find it easier to search by the specifics of their functional needs, narrow the results by reviews and brand reputation, and then narrow further by price.

My search began with these technical requirements:

· 5.8GHz in both directions (some manufacturers extend handset battery by using 5.8Ghz base-to-handset, and 2.4GHz handset-to-base).
· Digital handset-to-base transmission, and with some form of frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for security.
· System extendable to at least three cordless handsets.
· Handsets must include headphone jack and speakerphone.
· Base unit must include digital answering machine.
· Excellent audio (listening and speaking from handset and headphone jacks.
· Useable audio (listening and speaking) from speakerphone.
· Ergonomic handset with positive-touch buttons of reasonable size.

I'm particularly uninterested in cordless phones that attempt to mimic the size, weight and ergonomics of cellular handsets. I do not carry my cordless phone in my pocket, and I have no need to trade ergonomics for portability.

Items that do not concern me include:

· Caller ID.
· Phone book.
· Cordless range longer than 25-feet.

With that, I researched dozens of products that met some or all of my basic criteria, including models from Motorola, AT&T, Uniden, Panasonic, VTech and several others. All but the Uniden TRU9485 (which is available in the base single-handset package, as well as 2- and 3-handset packages) failed one or more criteria -- typically ergonomics. The TCX905 handset (supplied with the TRU9485 system) could still use slightly larger number buttons, but compared to all the other models I inspected in person, it was the easiest to dial.

The TRU9485 has all the basics I listed above, plus many extras that are very handy:

· Two handsets can participate in a call simultaneously.
· Room/baby monitoring that allows any handset to monitor any other handset.
· Handset-to-handset communication, either as an intercom, or directly without engaging the base.
· System time and date set from any handset.
· Single touch "do not disturb" button on base unit silences all ringers.
· Phonebook entries can be sent from any station to any other station.
· Remote answering machine control from any handset.
· 3 number redial list.
· 100 number caller ID list.
· Separate mute and hold functions.
· Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.

And lots more. The system is compatible with a number of Uniden handsets, including TCX805, TCX400, TCX440, TWX977, ELX 500) and the TCX905 included with base. Everything you need is included, including batteries, belt clips, and even a phone line for the base unit.

The TX905 handset has a nice weight, and the buttons have a positive feel that lets you know when they've been pressed. The display is easy to read, and the internalized antenna is a plus.

There are very few things I dislike about this system, all of which are drawbacks with nearly every cordless system out there:

· Limited ring tones/tunes.
· Only three ring volume levels (off, low, high).
· Short answering machine record time (12 minutes).
· Answering machine security code is only 2 digits.
· Always-on lights on handset base units waste power.

Overall this system is a terrific improvement over the 2.4 GHz system that it replaced, and other than the typical cheesy, electronic ringtones, there's really no major improvements I could think of. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]

I bought this phone after returning an AT&T 5.8 GHz cordless set. I was a little wary because of the poor quality of the AT&T phone, but the reviews on Amazon gave me the confidence to try this Uniden model.

The reviews here are spot-on. The phone has excellent range and voice quality, and its minor detractors are just that--minor. Here are my observations:

PROs:

- This system is expandable to 10 handsets (including the handset on the base). This gives maximum flexibility in deploying in your home or small office. DON'T BE CONFUSED. Get the TCX905 handset ($29.99 MSRP). This is the one that is recommended for/provided with this phone--I believe Amazon recommends some other handset.
- Very good voice quality. Clear signal, no interference. This was a major detractor for the AT&T phone.
- 20 ring tones (10 musical, 10 ringers). You also have the ability to set personal ringtones for people in your address book. You can set different ring tones on each handset.
- Up to 100 numbers in your address book. HOWEVER, the phone book and CID system share memory, so it's a TOTAL of 100 numbers. Hm. But each phone book entry can have 2 numbers--so you don't have to have multiple name entries for person (e.g. Mom home, Mom work). However, the multiple entries are not delimited by text, so you have to remember which is home and which is work.
- DirectLink "walkie talkie" mode. You can set two phones into direct mode and do a walkie talkie system. However, you also have an intercom capability as well.
- Multiple handset "conference" call capabilities. If you pick up a call on one handset, someone else can join in just by turning on a second handset. Dropping off is easy...just turn off the phone. There's also a privacy mode in each handset that enables you to turn off this function.
- Do Not Disturb function: Can be set on the base--it will turn off all the ringers on all the handsets.
- Advanced Caller ID. Capable of normal caller ID, plus Call Waiting caller ID.
- Caller ID to phone book. Can store a caller's info into the directory.
- Room/baby monitor. Can listen to the sounds from any room that has a base/handset.
- Speakerphone on base and handsets. Nice!
- Customizable handset banners. Name them for the room where they belong!
- Remote access. Standard stuff. Only a two-digit security code, though.
- One key speed dial. Set up to 10 speed dial numbers. Press the speed dial number and hold, and it will bring up the corresponding speed dial entry. It doesn't dial until you're ready, just in case you picked the wrong speed dial.
- Normal answering machine features. Call screen, toll saver, etc. I wish it had a dial-out notification.

CONs:

- No dial in/remote room monitoring. This would be nice, to dial into the system and hear what's going on.
- Phone books and CID shared, but not synchronized. You have to copy the phone books from one handset to another instead of it being sync'd across all handsets. You also have to delete CID from each individual handset.
- Base display is a little convoluted and confusing. The only way you can see if the answering machine is on/off is when it's actually off (an icon appears). This was a little confusing. Most machines have a little glow light/button that turns the machine on or off. You have to do this through the UI.
- Shorter answering machine record time. Only 12 minutes, up to 59 messages.

All in all, this is an excellent choice and value.

I purchased this phone only a few days ago but already I'm quite impressed with it. Initially, I got the 2-pack and then picked up an extra two handsets. I'll give a quick rundown of my pro's and con's. Many of these things have already been covered by other reviews but here goes anyway:

PROS:
1. Excellent sound quality on both ends of the conversation. This includes the speakerphone which is one of the best I've yet owned.
2. Fairly compact and attractive with no protruding antenna.
3. Extra handsets are very cheap. They cost well under half what the handsets for my VTech phone ran.
4. Very nice menu's. Menu's are well laid out and quite intuitive. I love the "Global Settings" menu which allows you to set the time and date as well as several other basic settings form one handset and apply it to all the others. This is also the case with the phonebook. I was thrilled to find that I didn't have to enter all of my contacts over and over again for each unit. Simply enter them on one handset and it's an easy matter to copy them over to all the others. Speed dial and personalized ringer setting will not transfer, however, so you'll need to set those up at each station.
5. Handset buttons are perfectly sized and have a very distinctive "click" feel when pressed.
6. Registering a new handset is as simple as placing it in the base-station cradle for 5 seconds. That's it.
7. The inter-network capabilities of this phone are great. The intercom works perfectly and I love the Room Monitor function. The phone also has a feature called "Direct Link" which allows the handsets to be used as two-way radios. I haven't played with that feature yet so I can't comment on it but if it works as advertised it would be a very nice function.
8. Everything about the answering machine! I love the ability to completely control the answering machine from any of the handsets. Also, the blinking "Message Waiting" light on each handset is a welcome feature.

CONS:
1. Relatively short answering machine time of 12 minutes. For me this isn't really a problem but if you get a ton of messages then it could be on the short side.
2. As stated above, I like the blinking "Message Waiting" light on each handset but I just wish it would either blink faster or simply stay on constantly.
3. I wish the backlight on the base station would remain on constantly. Seeing as this unit is on constant AC power it would be nice to have the option to let this light remain on. This would make it easier to see the current time or number of messages waiting.
4. Like most expandable phone systems the extra handset bases are light as a feather. I wish manufacturers would simply put a little piece of metal in them to make them a little more stable.

All of my "CONS" I consider to be of very minor significance. I must have owned at least a dozen different phones in the past few years and so far this one is my favorite.

I just got this phone yesterday and I already love all about it, especially the fact that it has almost everything I've been looking for when I was doing my research on buying a new phone for my business, without having to spend a ton of money.

#1. The base speakerphone quality is very good, so I don't have to hold the phone dialing some HP tech support and waiting 30 minutes untill someone finally answers the phone. From what my wife said, she couldn't tell if I was on a speakerphone or using the handset.

#2. The fact that it has caller ID display on a base makes it much easier to see who is calling on the other line while you're talking to someone.

#3. The range seems to be pretty good so far. I can go on another floor in the office building or even go outsite the building and still get good reception without any static noise.

#4. I can record conversations using this phone, something I've been doing on my cellphone when I don't have a paper (or PDA) handy, or while driving (which wouldn't apply to this phone anyways). It may also come handy if you need to record a conversation for some evidence.

#5 This phone has a "HOLD" button, which you may think is standard, but you will be surprised how many phones don't have it, probably more then 50%. If you're running a business, this is a MUST to have feature.

#6. It's got all the other features, such as being able to insert or remove "1" on the front of a number on your Caller ID or remove the area code simply by pressing a button; I can adjust ring volume on the base as well as on the handset; The base has dial buttons so I don't have to pick up the handset to dial a number; The design seems to be well to medium well done and it fits nicely with other devices that I have on my desk; It has answering machine built-in, it can be expandable to multiple phones (although it's NOT a multiline phone) and lot more...

Well, not everything is perfect in this world, neither is this phone. There are couople of drawbacks in this model:

1). The handset volume could be a little louder. I use mine 100% and it's still not as loud as my other phone is. I like to have some room left for extra volume in case I have someone with really low signal on the other end of the conversation. But this can be easily solved by turning the handset speakerphone on, which will give you plenty of volume even for half deaf folks.

2). One big drawback in this phone is the power dependancy (which is what you will get on ANY 100% cordless phone anyways) If you don't have power coming to your house or office for any reason (such as power outage or unpaid electric bill), you won't be able to make or receive any phone calls using this unit, so you have to have a basic old phone as a backup for emergency situations. In my case I have a basic GE handset without the AC adapter (but with Caller ID ;) ) so I feel this issue is solved in my case.

3). As I mentioned earlier, this is NOT a multiline phone, so if you are buying it for business, you may consider to get a multiline phone instead. This is not exactly a drawback, but instead a design implementation, but I included it here in case someone need to consider this feature before you spend your money on this phone. In my case 1 line is plenty as long as I have Call waiting.

I am giving this unit 4 stars, because for the price you pay you will get a really nice device that seems to do everything someone in my opinion will expect a basic phone to do these days and possibly even more. I took 1 star away because of the drawbacks described above. We'll see how reliable it will prove over time.

These are the best phones I have ever owned! I actually have TRU9485-4WR, it comes with a "submersible" handset as well, it is the same as TRU9485-2 plus the "submersible" handset and another handset (& chargers). As reviewed by others, it has the awesome ability of getting your messages at the handsets, and as some others left out, you actually have FULL answering machine control from all the handsets. Includes handy "call screening" option (read manual). Great sound, including the answering machine messages. Also mentioned by other reviewers: You can copy phone books (memory dialer) to other sets & base. But you can also copy just a single entry to other sets. A "copy to all" feature would have been nice, but it only takes a minute or less to copy to each one individually, and the intuitive menu system helps make the process easy.

Setup was quick and easy. I did read the manual, but not entirely, and I would not have to to learn most of the functions if I wanted just a simple basic setup without the phone book entries, and I would have been able to figure out how to program the date & time without the manual easily. I read it to understand some of the more complex settings, and how to open the phone book. You open the phone book by pressing the left 4-way button which is marked - by surface contour only, not colored - with an open book symbol. This may be the only thing you need to know from the manual! I liked all the default option selections that were active on the first powerup, except I changed the 1 minute max time per message to 4 - but I did change the two-digit answering machine security code.

One serious drawback on this system for some people might be it's answering machine limitations: 12 minutes maximum and either 1 (default) or 4 minutes per message limit. But I have not seen more than 15 minutes max total on a digital answering system & cordless handset package, so this is pretty much "on-par" with the rest at this date, I will not remove a star rating for this, but I would if it were 10 stars max.

Also, you probably don't want to wall-mount this system, the base must remain horizontal.

I had a hard time deciding on this purchase because I LOVE to use a headset a lot and want a "belt" clip on my handset, and many packages did not advertise the clip on the package. The 9400 series packages have the clips, but I only noticed it written on the bottom of the package, where I did not look the first time.

I replaced our AT&T 1256 system with this Uniden set. Our AT&T system made an annoying loud "beep" at irregular intervals on the other end, and we would miss just a syllable of the conversation at our end (we did not hear the beep). We did not notice until the warranty was expired. It took us years to finally afford to replace our cordless system. This Uniden set is sooo much better.

Pros:
Full answering machine control, with voice HELP features that tell you what to dial to do what, at all the handsets & call-ins (with code)!
Great sound quality of conversations.
Great sound volume.
Great sound quality of (digital) messages.
Wireless 5.8 GHz does not interfere with 802.11 a, b, g, etc. wireless networks.
Intuitive menus.
Lighted keyboards & LCD backlights help you in dark rooms.
Message waiting flashing LED visible at all handsets.
Entire base LCD flashes when there is a new message.
Great redial: Three-sets of last number dialed remain in memory for re-dial.
Can copy phone books & single phone book entrys to other units & base.
Can copy current number incoming to phone book*.
Room monitor - "Baby monitor" feature, and can set handset to private to disable.
Speakerphone: Other reviewers say it works great - I haven't tryed it.
Conference calling: Multiple handsets all on the group (call) conversation at once.
Headset jack & belt clip included.
Intercom & handset finder.
Intercom will operate without base, directly between handsets.
Instant record of conversations - but it uses message time and beeps at both ends (legally required).

Cons (all these are very minor, unless you need a lot of answering machine message time):
Only 12 minutes of answering machine message time, and only 1 or 4 minute per message limits possible.
Only two-digit answering machine security code.
Range might be a bit low for large houses, reported by other reviewers.
"Mute" label on the LCD ("softkey") is hard to read in a dark room, and the tiny print would be even harder to read for those with weak eyes, but eventually you remember where it is if you use it often.
Lighted keyboard & LCD could stay lit a bit longer.
Base needs button press before lights come on, but flashes LCD when new message.
Belt clips could be better.
*Some reviewers have complained about lack of a "1" prefix added to incoming numbers added to the phone book, but it is easy to insert a "1" there.

1) Why I bought what I bought
We had a 900MHz cordless Panasonic with voice recorder for about 8 years. We also have had a very simple 900MHz Sony cordless for about 12 years. Both actually worked well but each had issues.
The Panasonic had to be disassembled every three months so we could clean the keypad contacts with alcohol as they had some kind of oily liquid that interfered with the contact. The Panasonic also had a bit of a strange user interface. For example one had to click down then right on the "joystick" button to select the directory before selecting a name to dial. The handset operation of the voice recorder was so cryptic that we always used the base.
The Sony worked quite well except the listening volume, with only two settings, was too low so we only used that phone to answer when in the bedroom. If we had to make a call we would use the Panasonic so we would have good volume.

My sister recently bought a Uniden TRU9485-2 and loves it so I started doing some research. I checked Amazon user comments on a lot of cordless phones, including a number of Uniden models, and it was clear that this particular model had the highest user rating so I dug in to learn more. Then made the decision to buy.

Amazon's free shipping is something I always pay attention to and wanted to take advantage of it this time. Strange though that the TRU9485-2 (indicating TWO handsets) is not sold and shipped by Amazon. However the TRU9485 with one handset IS sold and shipped by Amazon as is the TRU9485-3 with three handsets. So I bought a TRU9485 plus an extra handset TCX905 and the total of the two was just $3 more than this two handset model but with free shipping! I even called Amazon about the strange situation that they don't sell and ship the two handset model but they could only give me a standard answer.

I also bought a TWX977 waterproof, floating handset which I will review.

2) My observations
First I really like to read the least flattering comments of users to see what they don't like. Two things stood out. 1) The range isn't as good as they hoped. 2) The volume isn't loud enough (a big concern for me as our Sony is almost useless because of low listening volume). So the first thing I checked was the range and volume.

We live in a standard California tract home of somthing less than 1/4 acre. I walked the phone to every corner of our lot including to the far corner of the garage which has a tent trailer and boat so there is pleanty of metal to block a signal. The phones performed flawlessly to the extend of my property.

The volume is adequate on the earpiece, and loud on the speakerphone in the handset. On a scale of 1-10, where 1 is silent, 10 is too loud and 8 is what I would hope for, I would rate the volume a 6-7. It is fine in a normal home noise environment but if there were more noise it may be hard to hear. Not bad enough to send it back though. The sound quality is tip-top.

Features: When I read through the feature set before the purchase I thought it was a bit overloaded, but you can always ignore features you don't need. The thing that impresses me is how good the user interface is which makes all of the features pretty easy to use. My wife is not a techno person but in this case I think she will use the handset to listen to voice messages because it is very straight forward. There is even a vocal help message available on the handset to walk you through the keys required to operate the voice recorder from the handset. Cool. The orange backlight display and keypad add to the ease of use.

One feature that doesn't seem too useful for us is the phone-to-phone DirectLink option. You must first negotiate with both people holding the handsets that you will go into DirectLink mode before you can use this feature. It just seemed like the intercom would be much more useful. So we will simply ignore that feature.

The speakerphone in the handsets is very functional and already has been used and useful. I was on a 1/2 hour call this morning (just got the phones last night) and was able to switch to speakerphone so I could accomplish a couple of small tasks while listening, then switched back to the regular mode. The speakerphone is clear and loud; very handy to have it on every handset. I also tried the headset from my Panasonic and it worked perfectly on the Uniden.

The backlighted handset keys have a nice sold feel. The layout of the soft keys at the top, and the 4 way rocker switch is logical. The base keys are also backlight and have a logical layout.

Programming the handset phone book is easy, and you can transfer the phone book entries to the other phones either by transfering ALL or the SELECTED number. However it does not transfer the speed dial settings. Also if you enter JACK CELL and transfer it then decide to rename it to just JACK and transfer it to another handset you'll see the second handset now has two entries one named JACK CELL and the other just JACK. It apparently matches up the name and isn't smart enough to delete the old one and replace it with the new one. These handset-to-handset copy irritations could have been done better but certainly not enough to reject the set. I suppose some would find the ability to have different setups on each handset to be a positive feature. For our house it seems best if every phone works exactly the same way. A "Copy Exact" feature would have been nice.

We also purchased the TWX977 waterproof, floating handset for use outside by the pool and spa. I will keep this one in the garage so I can use it with dirty or wet hands, then move to the back yard when needed. We filled the sink and sure enough it floats. It has all the same features as the other handsets except it does not have a headset phone jack. It's built quite well, looks and feels sturdy, floats and can go to 9 foot depth so will be safe around our 8' deep pool. I have a Uniden VHF radio for my Personal Watercraft and the VHF has had a lot of salt water baths and it is still working fine so I think Uniden knows how to design waterproof equipment.

My wife and I were on a 1/2 hour conference call this morning, each with a handset so we could roam the house independently. We were able to be in the same room for the first time because the conversation was "in sync." Previously we used the Sony and Panasonic and there was a noticable delay between the two phones so if we were in the same room it was like hearing double when my wife was speaking - one voice direct from her mouth and the second delayed voice coming through the phone.

All in all I am very pleased with this Uniden TRU9485. Oh yea it looks better than our older phones, and not having an antenna sticking out helps too. I put the belt clip on all three phones and it helps when I jam the phone between my cheek and shoulder for a few moments to have both hands free.

I'm glad my sister recommended this phone. If you are looking at Uniden models this one seems to have a higher user acceptance than the other Uniden models so don't apply my comments to any other than the TRU9485.

I dug around on the web a lot for a new phone/answering system after I just got fed up with my 3-year old VTech system. There seem to a lot of systems that have almost everything, but never quite ALL the features I want. Eventually I decided on tis as it seemed close enough, and some friends of mine swear by their Uniden phones.

Pros:
Buttons light up.
You can assign different ringers to different phone numbers.
The basic functions all work great, calls are clear and the speakerphones are great.
Batteries seem pretty good so far.
Intercom/room-monitors are cool.
Phones are sturdy and stand up on their own.
You can access the answering machine from any handset.

Cons:
Only one inbox on the answering machine.
Phone books are per-handset, not for the whole system (this might be a feature, but it's annoying for me) **This CAN be triggered manually, actually
The base only has one ring-tone for some reason.
Caller ID doesn't use the name you've entered in the phone book.
NOT the coolest looking design I've ever seen.
Not all the ring tones seem loud enough.
**By Pressing the * button when viewing the caller ID, it will add a 1 to the front of the numbers, good for dialing out if you live in the NYC metro area or another area where that is mandatory for proper dialing. it would be nice to be able to set that up as the default.


Those lists look equal in length, but the PROs are much better than the CONs and mostly I am totally satisfied.

This phone is awesome. Exactly what I was looking for. It has all the bells and whistles you could want on a phone but will never use them all.

Imagine the functions on your cell phone. Now imagine all those functions on a land line phone. Viola! This phone works and delivers just like a cell phone. The 5.8G is powerful enough that you can walk away from the base and go downstairs and out to the garage and even walk across the street to your neigbors house. That's what I do. This way the little misses will be able to page me when she needs me.

Another nice feature is the intercome feature. If you have a little toddler, this phone is able to hear what goes on in the room where he/she is. Or just to check on who's doing what.

Another plus is that you can have up to ten handsets added to this phone. I had to purchase 2 more handsets as we found that it was needed. And both the new handsets corallated with the base and we were off and running in no time

Installation was a breeze. Anyone can do it. Like I said before- this phone is equipped with tons of features that I would not even use- BUT it's nice to know that it is there.

The digital answering machine is very simple to use. Saving, storing and deleting messages are very simple. Make sure you have the manual by the phone the first month of usage as you will need to refer to it a few times until you get a customed to the features.

The only set back to this phone that I've found is the ringer volume. It goes from OFF-MED-LOUD. That's it. The MED setting might be a little low and the LOUD setting might be a little high. Kinda hard to find a happy medium here.

Other than that I love this phone. Although I do use my cell most of the time, I look forward to using this phone. And I do every chance I get.

If you are looking for a phone that does everything and still be reasonably priced- GET this one!

I normally am a "Review Lurker" - meaning I read them when I'm looking to purchase, but rarely if ever write them. So when began looking for a new cordless home phone, I started hitting the reviews. I've owned Uniden phones before, so maybe I was a little biased, but I've tried many other brands that various friends have owned and found them lacking. So, I finally settled on the Uniden TRU9485-2. Not only is this the best cordless phone I've ever owned, it's so good that I felt compelled to write a review.

I don't ask much from a cordless phone, but I also don't compromise on the features I'm looing for: clear calls, good range, ease of use/directions, and decent to look at (yeah, I'm shallow like that). This phone has more features then I even want. The calls are crystal clear. I live in an apartment, and I have no problem with the range ... can talk from any room, and even out to the parking lot with no reception loss. The directions are written in a concise manner and are simple enough for my kid to follow. And they look good too ... doesn't look like I'm sporting an old 80's cell phone refurb.

I had some concerns from some of the earlier reviews debunking this phone, so those were the first things I tested out:

1.)Stored cell phone entries not showing up on CallerID - UNTRUE
Every cell phone I entered showed up on CallerID, even ones I didn't enter. (I have my phone service through my cable company, so maybe that's why ... but I seriously doubt it).

2.)Battery hard to install / low battery life
Battery is a snap to install if you can tell the difference between the red wire and the black wire. Talked for 3 hours and didn't loose a bar on the battery meter.

So, if you're looking for a slick looking phone with clear calls, good range, and a ton of features that's both easy to use and doesn't eat batteries like a fat kid eats twinkies ... this is the one for you.