Cordless Phone Buying TipsA cordless phone is a portable phone consisting of a handset and a base unit. Cordless phone communicates with the base of a corded phone using radio frequency (measured in Hertz or Hz). They work just like walkies-talkies. The basic difference between a mobile phone and a cordless phone is that a mobile phone communicates via the mobile operator's wireless communication tower. The cordless phone on the other hand, is an extension of a fixed phone line and provides flexibility to use one or multiple handsets for a single phone line. No doubt therefore that Cordless phones have become increasingly popular with a growing need to have multiple handsets in home or office environment without getting multiple phone lines. So let's dig deeper to learn more about cordless phones. Types of cordless phone Cordless Phones can be categorized based on radio frequency that they operate on or the signal format they use. Based on the frequency, there are three main platforms - 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and DECT 6.0. And there are two signal formats - Analog and Digital. Over the years, 5.8 Ghz and DECT 6.0 have acquired a major share of the cordless phone market. Though 2.4 GHz delivers good voice quality however in this frequency range the phones get interfered by ther devices. The 5.8 Ghz phone addresses that issue and usually have more clarity but comes at higher price. Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication or DECT is the latest platfrom and gaining popularity. DECT based phones are getting adoption for two key reasons - firstly, the phone operates in the frequency band that is blocked exclusively for the use of cordless phones so that they can provide good quality with minimum interference, the secondly, the DECT based cordless phone offers longer talk time than 5.8 GHz or 2.4 GHz. Compared to analog cordless phones, digital cordless phones provide a stronger, clearer signal with enhanced security. Digital transmissions are also less prone to interference and provide better clarity than analog phones. Digital phones also have enhanced range over comparable analog models. Another significant benefit of digital over analog is the security as analog phones operate in a frequency range that is more prone to be intercepted (eavesdropping) and hence less secure. Most of the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 Ghz phones also come with digital option.
How to Decide on Cordless phone There are many well known brands in the market that offer cordless phones. The major players in the cordless phone market are Panasonic, GE, Philips, Uniden and VTech. These phones are available in all the major markets around the globe. The Panasonic cordless phones have been leading the market. There are a few local brands like Radio Shack that offers cordless phones only in the US market. But before deciding on the brand, it is important to keep a few factors in mind. Following are a the key ones:
Analog or Digital? As we discussed above, the digital phones provide better quality and are more secure but comes at a higher price. If the signal interference also is your concern then analog will not be a good choice. Two or multi-Handset systesm? If you envision to use more than two handsets in your home or office then it is important that you have DECT phones. They should also provide expandable systems that enables you to buy a base unit and then allow you to epxand up to 10-12 handsets with just one phone line. Single Line or Multi-Line? If you are planning to use the phone for two numbers (e.g.a personal and business number) then you should be looking for mult-line phones. Integrated Answering system? If answering system is an important feature for you then you would like to decide whether you like to have integratet answering system. Many people opt for voice messsaging service from the carrier. Special Needs? If there is someone at your home or office who would need hearing aid compatible phone that can be used with T-coil equipped hearing aids then you should ensure that this feature is included in the phone. Other features? Do you want phone with a caller ID, intercom, hold function, mute function, voice dialing, speed dialing, auto redial, base that can be wall-mounted, headset jack, blue tooth compatiblity, etc. Look for those feaures in the cordless phone you pick. Cordless Phone Accessories We would also talk about cordless phone accessories. Come back to learn more..
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