Customer Reviews

Uniden TRU9485-3 5.8 GHz Digital Cordless Answering System with Dual Keypad and 2 Extra Handsets

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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]

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 TRU9485-3 plus the "submersible" handset. 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.

Having purchased and used the horrid Motorola MD7161 for about a year (see my review and others', if you feel any inclination on buying that product. But don't - buy it, that is) I promised myself and my family a good phone some day. Well, the Uniden is it. Despite some minor stumbles, the TRU9485, along with the four extra extensions I bought, has been doing yeoman duty around our busy household. You can read about all the features that this phone offers, so I won't go into too much detail about them. They all work as advertised and we do use them (walkie-talkie mode, baby monitor, etc.)

One nice little detail is the ability to name each set. When I told my daughter this, she said, "Cool! Can we name them Harry, Louise....?" and I had to point out that - although less poetic - it would be more useful to name them "Kitchen", "Basement", "Bedroom", "Sunporch" and "Study". These names are displayed on their screens and, indeed, this has eliminated the confusing, frustrating and sometimes accusatory Q&A that starts, "Is this the basement phone? Who left it upstairs?" (The reason it matters, BTW, is because when you're upstairs or outside and you use the intercom to call the basement, it's nice to know that the basement phone is actually down there for someone to answer).

It is gratifying to note that Uniden designs in the features that the Motorola designed _out_ when they "upgraded" their MD line: a blinking light to let you know there's a message, the ability to mute all the phones' ringers at once (from the base) when someone is taking a nap, and a phone book that gets automatically transmitted to all the other sets in the house. We use these and appreciated them in the Uniden.

Of course, no phone is perfect, so the Uniden doesn't quite get the perfect rating. A minor complaint involves the phone book. First, the max number of names is 99. But it shares memory with the caller ID entries, so that the total of both can be only 99. Beyond that, you lose any new caller ID's for recent calls. The solution is to remember to delete the caller ID log regularly. In my household, that means once or twice a week. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind. Also, when you assign a special ring tone to a number in the phone book (my wife's cell phone is "Let me call you Sweetheart". C'mon, these folks at Uniden know a thing or two) it does not, however, transmit that particular piece of info to the other phones. So you have to do that manually at each phone. Again, not a big deal - but enough to keep the mantle of "perfect phone" unclaimed.

This is our fourth cordless phone and, all things considered, I can say it's by far the best we've ever had. Highly recommended.

No need to repeat everything that others have said, but in general I concur. Sound quality and range are excellent. It would have been nice to copy the entire phone directory from the base to the satellite phones as opposed to doing it entry by entry. The short back light time can be annoying, and you do have to erase Caller ID info from each phone, which is rather inconvenient. The one-button dial feature for nine numbers is a plus, especially since many other brands don't offer it. Despite its few drawbacks, this is a great phone for the money. A "PS" in response to another review: if being able to cradle a phone between your shoulder and face is important, good luck with virtually all modern phones. Not a convincing criterion.

I'm the type of guy who will spend hours of study time finding the right product, and then spending just as much time looking for the best price. Well, Amazon had the right price, but the phone came up short on me.
We live in a three bedroom split house with three stories. The phone base is located in the middle level with the two remote phones being on the other two floors (downstairs and upstairs). We live in fairly new housing, so I'm pretty sure that this review will give people some insight.
To start, I've owned the same 900Mhz phone for over 8 years, and decided it was time to upgrade. The Uniden seemed like a good choice due to its digital spread spectrum and small/unobtrusive design. It is also a very easy to use phone with bigger buttons for the on/off as well as a lit up keypad. I'm also sure the caller ID works just as described, but I'm too cheap to get that service.
Anyhow, here's the pros':
1. Great size
2. Great price (something like $100 for three phones when I bought em')
3. DSS (Digital Spread Spectrum on the 5.8Ghz band)
4. Easy to use answering machine and good volume control (I don't really care that there is only a three volume switch - off/low/high)
5. Good sounding voice on both ends (I've asked others I'm talking too.)

Cons:
1. Poor reception compared to my 900Mhz phone (the distance is VERY limited, even in the lower rooms where I do work with no to little intereference devices).
2. Poor sound quality when the distance is pushed to the end. I've found I can reach the end of my driveway (not a long one mind you), and it is VERY broken... too difficult to understand the other guy.

That's about it. Just complaints on the quality of range, and when the range gets pushed - it is a very poor quality.

I'd give it another star, but that range thing really hits me hard. My 900Mhz was much better in that area (of course with 900 compated to 5800, you can understand that the range will be bigger due to the frequency), so I shouldn't complain too much. I would probably wait for a better one knowing what I know now.

Even if this was the first Uniden I'd ever bought, I'd never buy another brand again. The sound is crystal clear inside and outside of my home, the range is fantastic. The ability to set phones around the house without the need of a land line makes it a perfect phone for any home.
On to some of the features:

Room Monitor: Wonderful, especially when you have a sleeping baby in the other room.

Phonebook Entries: Can be made on one phone and transferred to any other phone that you have registered with your base, without having to be near the base or the other phone. Up to two seperate numbers can be added for one person. Only downside I've found is when transferring to another handset, any entry that has more than one number is created in seperate entries, but it's a small price to pay.

Caller ID/Caller ID Deluxe: Caller ID is always nice but if you receive a call while you're on the line, you can push one button and have the incoming call transferred to your answering machine or hung up on.

Call Screening: Any call that your answering machine answers can be heard from the speaker at the base and can be monitored from any phone registered to your base. From the handset you can push a button to screen the call and hear it just like you were standing next to the answering machine.

Hold/Transfer: You can place a call on hold at any time.
If you have multiple handsets you can then transfer the call to the handset of your choice.(Example: If you are in the kitchen and answer the phone but the call is for your significant other, you can transfer the call to the phone/base in whatever room that person is in.)

Record: You can record a call at any time. Recorded calls are recorded onto the answering machine.

Intercom: Using intercom you can call any other registered handset/base in your home.

This phone has many other options such as personalized ringtones, changing the names (Banner) of individual phones, auto talk and any key answer just to name a few. I've owned this phone for 2 months now and I'm sorry I didn't buy it sooner. Another great phone from Uniden.

I have a small business that lives & dies by the telephone. We have all the internet based stuff but continue to rely heavily on land line communication. I tried several other systems that left MANY things to be desired-mostly I couldn't HEAR the other folks on the phone! The sound clarity and quality are just great, retrieving incoming numbers, messages and the mailboxes are easy to use and I admit I never read the manual (my assistant did -- she uses more features than I :). We use the intercom all the time. AND these were much less expensive than the other 3 handset packages I tried. They don't make it across the driveway but the reviews I read said the power increased the clarity, not the range, so we anticipated this (how often do I talk on the phone across the street anyway?)
These phones perform better than I expected after using the competing products and returning them--I wish the extra handsets were less costly or I'd have a few more in the place.

This phone system and it's expandability is very good. The cordless phones are substantial and don't feel like plastic toys. But they are not heavy either. Sound quality on the phones is excellent with a speaker phone feature that allows you to actually hear someone on the phone.
Setup was a breeze for each of the cordless phones.
The answering machine illuminates well when in use. When listening to messages they are loud and clear. The time stamp feature is also nice.
Each of the cordless phones can access the messages on the base machine.
There are still some capabilities I haven't tried yet. Really a great system.

I have owned this for two weeks. Setup was a easy. Instruction book was correct and easy to understand. Charged all the units overnight and set up the base unit via menu selections. Customized each unit with phone books etc.

The sound is terrific. Clear as a bell. However, the individual unit "speaker phone" volume could be better (louder). Phone-to-ear volume is fine.

-Display is bright and easy to read
-Buttons are a good size and easy to control
-Belt clip is a little sloppy in that there is too much space between the clip and the unit itself, so it would not fit tight to thin pocket fabric . . .a pair of jeans or a belt would hold it secure though.
-Read through the manufacturers features, this thing is feature rich. The intercom is fine . . no more yelling from one part of the house to the other.
-The selling point for me was the digital signal between handsets and handset to base.

Range? . . .so far about 300' from the base in the kitchen to outside the house and down the street a bit. Wished for a little more. From the base to the farthest handset it's about 40' through two walls and a floor and the sound is fine.

Tough? You bet! Like a previous reviewer, I dropped one handset during the "get it out of the box and into the charger" phase, right smack onto a hardwood floor from about 4' up. No problem. Handset still works great.

We like it so much we just bought another handset (can add up to 10 units) Went through the "register handset" operation and it synched right up in about 5 seconds.

I did some price comparisons after the fact. You can save $9 if you buy the base with one handset, then two more additional handsets instead of buying the 9485-3

Highly, Highly recommend.

We love having phones where we don't have jacks. Living in a 100+ year-old home provides many limitations, not the least of which is the lack of wiring. With this system, it doesn't matter. We keep the base in the kitchen and the extra phones evenly distributed through the house. The one drawback (the reason for 4 stars) is that the base unit doesn't mount "flush" to a wall--it's made for countertop, and it "sits" against the wall mount, as if it's hovering in the air. If it were mountable flat against the wall and had a way to hang the phone, it would be better for us. If you're putting it on a tabletop, it's not a problem. I love that the stored phone numbers can be put into one phone and then copied to the others. The room monitor is great if you're upstairs at the back of the house and want to check on what the kids are doing downstairs. Every phone has a speaker phone function. I just can't say enough about it. Good system--great price!