del-1's Full Review: Uniden TRU 3485 2.4 GHz - Cordless Phone
I have been on a fruitless search for a good cordless phone. My experience with a previous Uniden model EXI -8965 led me to purchase the Tru3485. The basic functions are identical to the model mentioned above but in a better looking, smaller package (and different transmission frequency). In addition this model came with a built in answering machine.
Basics:
* 2.4 GHz cordless, Digital Spread Spectrum
* Integrated Digital Answering Machine with 15 minutes recording time
* Call Waiting/Caller ID
* 50 Number Caller ID Memory
* 3 line LCD
* Backlit Keypad (numbers, talk and CID buttons)
* Headset compatible
* 20 number memory redial
* Last 3 number redial
Positives
+ Average sized phone. Average weight.
+ Can balance between shoulder and ear.
+ Rubber grips on edges of phone assist in holding.
+ Menu systems make sense. (* See negatives)
+ Options allows you to set: Auto Talk on/off, CIDCW, Area Code.
+ Simple method to dial memory. You hit memory, scroll through the list of names/#s or hit memory and type in a number 1-20 representing the stored telephone number then hit talk.
+ Easy to dial Caller ID# by hitting Caller ID Button and scrolling through names/#s and then hitting talk.
+ Easy to delete individual Caller ID numbers or all Caller ID numbers.
+ Base speakerphone works well.
+ Answering machine works well. Easy to listen to message and fast forward, rewind, or delete messages.
+ Short Antenna on Both Base & Handset.
+ Easy to use Remote Access for answering machine.
+ Can change Digital Security Code for handset to base communication.
+ Easy to read 3-line CID display including on line 1: Date and Time, line 2: Name, line 3: Telephone #.
+ 4 Ringer Tone and Volume combinations for handset.
+ Volume control from Normal, Medium, High, Loud (* See negatives).
+ Base ringer switch on off, speaker volume control and mute.
+ Dual Keypads on handset and base.
Negatives
- TERRIBLE Method of programming memory names. In order to enter a person's name you hit memory, hold on to it for about 3 seconds and then choose the slot you want it to go in. THEN, you use the up and down keys to scroll through all 26 UPPER case letters, and all 26 lower case letters plus additional characters when programming the names. I find this method rather antiquated since cell phone have been utilizing the letters associated with the number keys for a very long time.
- The sound was never loud enough despite turning the volume on the handset all the way up (but louder than the handset on the panasonic kx-tg1000n, see my review).
- People I called said I sounded clear but not very loud.
- No mute button on the handset.
- The sound in sending and transmitting would faze in and out intermittently during conversations for 2-3 seconds while the handset was trying to find a clear channel.
Overall:
All in all, I think this cordless phone is above the average based on my experience with 7 different cordless (900 MHz and 2.4 GHz) phones. The phone does what it's supposed to do, the answering machine does what it's supposed to do, but there is still room for improvement (i.e. volume, amplifying my voice to person I'm speaking to, programming the names, increasing number of memory slots, get rid of the transmission problem when searching for a clear channel).
I didn't buy this phone for the telephone answering device. It was mainly for a good cordless. I think better options exist at the time of this writing. Read my review on the Vtech VT-2431, and the AT&T 2440 and Panasonic KX-TG2560 when they are posted.
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