Can anyone recommend a good cordless phone/answering machine/caller id machine?

[eSDee]

Ok this thread might set the record for dropping straight to page 2 in record time, but I figured I give it a shot. I don't think this belongs in the NeedDeals? forum because I'm not asking for a deal, just some info. I am curious if anyone can recommend a good solid phone/answering machine/caller id machine? I am going to be using this for a home business, so I want it to be functional and of good quality. I was thinking that I should probably get everything in one, rather than buying piece by piece since space is also a factor.
I would also appreciate it if anyone could steer me away from any phone brand or model that you have had bad luck with. Thanks alot!


GAM feel free to bounce this to whatever forum you want. I'll only be a little pissed :D

[Leon]

Just don't get the Panasonic GigaRange phones. I have one (and I think Darth too) and it sucks. Impossible to program without the manual. When the phone rings and you press talk, it takes a second to actually turn on. So your caller hears, "..llo?"

[speedracer120]

Avoid AT&T branded phones, which is also branded Lucent. I've only had trouble with these phone. Got one at Best Buy with Caller ID, Answering Machine, Cordless all rolled into one, and it was junk. I ended up returning it after a year, cause I had the extended coverage and got a simple Toshiba 2GHz phone.

Also as a gift to my aunt, I bought two AT&T simple and cheap cordless phones, and they're not worth the hassle either. I figured they couldn't mess up a simple cordless, but they can.

[irwin]

My house has the Toshiba SX-2980 (http://www.toshiba.com/tacp/phone/SX2980.html). No problems so far. I can't vouch for it's caller id though, since my parents think it's a waste of money to get it.

[johnnymk]

I got a cordless 2.4 GHZ refurb Panasonic unit with the dual antenna from http://www.refurbdepot.com, and I haven't had any problems with it. It doesn't have the answering machine, though

[Twilight]

Avoid V-tech phones. I know someone who had one and they said it got horrible reception.. which is probably why they're so cheap. Uniden.com sells refurbished phones, and sometimes they have good prices. I bought a cordless with caller ID and it works well, but I need a new rechargable battery after using it for about 2 years.

[eSDee]

Awesome info everyone. As usual, the people here at G|A have come through again. If ever in SD, I'll buy you a beer. You'll have to wait a few years there, Passwird. ;)

[Loosah]

I'll second the recommendation for the Toshiba phone. I have it and it is great. I also have a few of the older 900mhz models, these things just won't die, reception is really good too.

[Y2J]

IF you're using it for business, maybe its best not to get an ans machine, but get voicemail with your phone company. Also, choose the option to have them page you when a voicemail message is left. something like that. And quality is still best on a regular 3 or 4-line business phone over a cordless. so maybe have a regular phone, and a separate cordless one

[K2]

the panasonic phones are good :D

[Ice-9]

I've got a Sony that's been fine, but it keeps getting interfered with by my upstairs neighbors' Vox. Aside from that, it's fine though.

Oh, and I'll second the thumbs-down on VTech. We've got one of those in my house, too, and it sucks. You can take the Sony out to the street and it'll keep working, but you can't take the VTech past the damn living room.

[jujubees]

Originally posted by K2
the panasonic phones are good :D

ditto ... I love mine ;)

[Blu]

My parents are using the Siemens 2500 (?), and they love it. Multiple handsets per base station, optional multiple lines. They're great...

Blu

[pochacco]

here are some ideas: http://www.shopwireless.com/category.asp?09E

[eSDee]

I ended up getting this Uniden (http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11065979&m=887&cat=888&scat=890) from Best Buy. So far its a kick arse little machine. And you can't beat the price for $69.99.
Thanks again for all your help. This thread is jam packed with excellent info.