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Special Product Review
"VTech 6042 Cordless Phone"
When first asked to do this review we thought...ah, this is just another cordless phone whose sound breaks up when you walk a few feet away from the base. We assumed it was another 5.8 GHz phone, but learned this cordless phone from VTech uses the new DECT 6.0 digital technology. Have you heard of DECT 6.0? It's a newly available frequency that provides better security and superior quality of voice and sound than older 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz models. We were skeptical but decided to give this phone a try.
The first thing we noticed about this phone was it's good looks. It doesn't have the typical cordless phone "look." The keypad on the handset reminds us of a cell phone, and its slim design means there is less bulk. Less bulk makes it more comfortable to hold in your hands, or even your back pocket. The display window is large and lights up with a blue glow, as well as the keypad. This modern design is very attractive -- but we wondered if this phone had brains to go with these good looks.
The VTech 6042 feature speakerphones in each handset. Holding the handset between the shoulder and ear was not easy nor as comfortable as a bulkier cordless phone, but since each handset comes with a speakerphone, We were able to put the phone down and go "hands free" whenever necessary. We noticed right away that these handsets do not stand upright like other cordless phone handsets. This might be a feature that you require in a cordless phone. Cordless phones that stand upright are more visible and can be placed on smaller surfaces. But the fact that this phone doesn't stand upright turned out not to be much of an issue for us.
Programming the phone was really quite easy. we were able to program phone numbers into a handset without looking at the instruction booklet. And each handset can be programmed to display whose handset belongs to whom. This is good to have when you are living with other family members -- you each can program your own phone directory into your own handset, and you'll always know whose handset is whose. Speaking of the phone directory...each handset needs to be programed individually. If you have a large list, this might take some time to do. But it's really easy enough, so again, there wasn't much of an issue. A good thing about the second handset is, that it does not require a phone jack. Just plug the smaller charging unit in and you're good to go. Another handy feature is that each handset has an intercom button. No more shouting between rooms -- just push a button and you can reach someone in another part of the house...or even outside. How convenient is that? Very, very useful feature :).
For the most important test of clarity -- this phone passes with flying colors. We've used other cordless phones that were always interrupted by static or other electronic equipment, but this phone stayed clear on every call...even on speakerphone. We were able to walk outside while talking on a handset, and the sound was still was very clear.
This phone system comes as either a two-handset system with a digital answering machine (which we reviewed), or a one-handset without any answering capabilities. The sound from the digital answering machine was very clear, and it didn't have the usual "computerized voice" that we've experienced with many other answering machines.
Below are just a few of the features of this phone system:
- Interference free for crystal clear conversations -- won't interfere with wireless networks and other electronic devices.
- Digital security protects you from identity theft -- your calls are digitized and encrypted, making it nearly impossible for someone to eavesdrop.
- WiFi friendly -- won't interfere with wireless networks.
- Caller ID/call waiting (if you have this service) -- stores 50 calls.
- 50 name and number phonebook directory -- easily store and dial frequently called numbers.
- Remote message retrieval -- call in from anywhere to get your messages.
- 15 minutes of recording time.
- Audible time and date stamp on recorded messages.
- Backlit message counter.
- Handset volume control.
- Selectable ring tones.
- Bilingual prompts -- choose between English or Spanish.
The VTech 6042 telephone system that we reviewed included the following items:
- 2 handsets, base unit and additional charging unit
- 2 AC adapters
- 2 battery packs
- Telephone line cord
- User's manual
- Quick start guide
MyParenTime.com highly recommends the VTech 6042 Two Handset Cordless Phone System with Digital Answering Device and Caller ID -- if you're looking for a clear-sounding, nice-looking, secure cordless phone, this one's for you.
~My ParenTime August, 2007
Click here to read more about and purchase the "VTech 6042 Cordless Phone!"
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