Customer Reviews

VTech 5820 5.8GHz Accessory Handset for VTech 5831 and VTech i5881 Expandable Phones

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

The cordless phone works, and is clear. But be warned. This is not a true 5.8 GHz phone. The base transmits at 5.8 GHz, but the phones transmit at 2.4GHz. So if you're buying this in order to reduce interference with a wireless network (or from a microwave), look elsewhere. It will not solve your problems.

I was very happy with the 2.4 GHz expandable VTech phone, except for the interference between it and the 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless computer network on the same cluttered 2.4 GHz band.

This phone is everything the 2.4 GHz model was, plus a more slightly larger and more comfortable handset, better sound quality (both normal and handsfree/handset-speakerphone modes) -- and, of course, no more interference with the 2.4 GHz 802.11b wireless LAN (I understand it receives on 5.8 GHz but still transmits on 2.4 GHz, but we haven't encountered any problems).

The only downside we encountered is that the intercom function is now on a softkey menu instead of a hard button (as it was on the 2.4 GHz model) so it is less convenient to use and almost impossible with one hand. It does now allow you to intercom-ring all handsets at once, which the 2.4 GHz model didn't.

Consider getting an extra battery for the base unit -- the base keeps the battery charged for operation during a power outage, or as a spare for a handset.

I just purchased this phone and am extremely pleased with the clarity and performance. The speaker phone is crystal clear on both the handset and base----If you are looking for a good expandable phone system this is your best bet.

This is a decent handset. I use the speaker and headset functions a lot. I've had it for nearly two years now and have ery little trouble.

On the downside, button pushing through all of the options can be a bit tedious, and the intercom function, though useful, can be a pain to get to. Five to six button pushes to call another handset.

Another aspect to be aware of is that the VTech site itself seems to have the lowest prices... $44.95 for the handset as of 12/20/04 plus $1.95 foe shipping. Amazon really needs to keep pace.

The handset speakerphone is so clear and loud on the other end, people think I'm talking directly on the handset.

The handset sound is clear and loud on both ends.

Uses the good NimH batteries instead of the [bad] NiCd batteries found in other phones, including the Panasonic 5.8ghz phone.

The note under "product description" is WRONG. The i5803 DOES NOT work with the VT-5881 phone. The Manufacturer has verified this error and I hope Amazon will remove the misleading advice.
-Dion

In general, I have had a great experience with this phone. Having speakerphone on the handheld phones has been a lifesaver sometimes, and I've found it to work fairly well (I mean, it's speakerphone and sounds like it, but I've never had complaints using it for a short time in a conversation). I've had no problems with buttons in hte 2 years I've had it. I love that you can page the handsets if they happen to get misplaced (though you have to know which handset is missing, or else try all of them). I get great battery life (which is a very good thing--see below).

My complaint is the charger. I believe I have cared for it well, cleaning the metal pieces that make the connection (I'm not particularly technical) occasionally in case of dust or other build-up. We have two phones. For the first year, both chargers worked great. Then one of the chargers would only charge if we put something behind the phone to change the angle it charged at--this would keep the green light on. About two months of that, and that charger stopped working altogether, so for the last year we've been using just one charger for two phones. Since we live in an apartment, that works fine--it avoids the overcharging problem, to be sure! However, now our single charger is requiring the "special angle", so I'm becoming a little concerned that this really is a pattern in this product, rather than a single "Lemon' of a charger.

Like I said, in every other way, I have been very happy with this phone. But if I can't charge it anymore, well.....

I will make no judgment on the company overall, having used only this one product of theirs.

When I first got this phone equipment, I was delighted. It lasted about six months before fizzling out on me. The speaker phone on the base unit worked fine at first. Now callers tell me it sounds as though I'm in a dance hall ... a dance hall with lousy acoustics. The buttons on one of the hand units don't always work. I punch in a number, only to find that I have to do it all over because one or two of the digits didn't register. Now, one of the units won't recharge properly when seated in its base.

What a waste of money.

I bought this phone because I live in Japan and most cordless phones are off-limits. I found this in the Base Exchange and was excited. A cordless we are allowed to use. My first problem was the charger would not work so I began charging the bateries in the base unit. Then the memory button does not work. I have a difficult time accessing the memory button and the off button. Because I am using the base unit to charge the bateries the batery pack is now loose and the phone often will not work even with a full charge. It blacks out when I set it down. I have been very disapointed in this product and would advise every one to NOT buy it. It is too expensive to only get 5 good months of use out of.

We bought the base and 3 extra handsets. The phones work great inside around the yard and even in the adjacent houses around us. They do not however have the range we expected. The reception is clear, the intercom and call transfer are great as is the vmail indicator. We have never had battery issues or interference with our wireless network or other appliances as some people have complained. For the price they are an EXCELLENT buy.