Prefatory note #1: Don't let my "three-star" rating mislead you. If it weren't for the glaringly (?!) inexcusable lack of a conventional, bright (dependably attention-grabbing) LED "message indicator" for the built-in digital answerer, I would've enthusiastically rated this product "four stars." But, frankly, when a consumer shells out his hard earned for an "answering machine," he's entitled to a brightly flashing LIGHT whenever new messages are received (without subscribing to his local phone company's costly "voice mail" service)! Earlier, comparable AT&T models did include that basic feature; and even their current bottom-end model, the 1856, includes it; so why is AT&T "shorting" the unsuspecting consumer with this (much costlier) model?

Prefatory note #2: To behold a nice (and relatively sharp) enlargement of the above photo of this product, I suggest that you use the following image URL (noting that the LCD background in actual, currently available units is not blue but greenish):

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hkHBMZjzL._SS500_.jpg

Prefatory note #3: As with (presumably) all "AT&T" phones, this Chinese product is not actually manufactured by AT&T but rather by VTech Innovation, L.P., which does business as "Advanced American Telephones" and manufactures AT&T branded telephones under a brand license agreement with AT&T. Nevertheless, in my review I may sometimes loosely speak of this product as though "AT&T" manufactured it.

***

This review encompasses the following eight major sections (feel free to skip to any of the correspondingly numbered, boldface headings further below):

1. Preface: Why It Could Be Important to Own at Least One Corded Phone
2. AT&T's affordable model TL74108: four devices in one pretty package
3. The "base unit" (corded telephone): noteworthy features and performance
4. The speakerphone: noteworthy features and performance
5. The digital answerer: noteworthy features and performance
6. The cordless handset: noteworthy features and performance
7. The user's manual
8. The upshot

1. Preface: Why It Could Be Important to Own at Least One Corded Phone

One advantage of a corded phone is that its most basic features can remain functional during power outages. By contrast, cordless phones won't function when electrical power goes out; and a cell phone might not function, depending on whether cell towers are affected by the outage.

Be aware, however, that [unless you've got it connected to a (somewhat costly) uninterruptible power supply] this particular AT&T model won't function at all during a power outage unless you keep three AAA ("backup") batteries installed in its corded base unit (the owner's manual suggests that those batteries be replaced every nine months). By contrast, AT&T's highly similar precursors to this model (i.e., models E5908 and E5909B) as well as some currently competing models' corded base units (e.g., the Uniden DECT2088, the Uniden CXAI5698, or the General Electric 28871FE3) don't require any batteries whatsoever to make and receive calls during power outages.


2. AT&T's affordable model TL74108: four devices in one pretty package

This "integrated" telephone product encompasses an impressive bundle of harmoniously functioning components.

First, the model TL74108 is, of course, a basic corded telephone, and an impeccably stylish one, at that. Second, it's an excellent speakerphone. Third, it's a consistently functional digital answering machine. Finally, it also includes a durably constructed, satisfying cordless handset with some noteworthy features, including illuminated keys and automatic sharing of directory ("speed-dialer") numbers with the corded base unit.

Both the base unit and the cordless handset feature altogether pleasing, logical layouts of keys and buttons. By and large [excepting the regrettable absence of a bright/flashing light on the base unit to indicate newly received messages], this product is an admirable example of "form following function."

I'll next consider the most salient aspects of this product as, respectively, a "corded telephone;" a "speakerphone;" a "digital answerer" (a.k.a. "answering machine"); and a "cordless phone."


3. The "base unit" (corded telephone): noteworthy features and performance

Previously this year, I reviewed two somewhat comparable products (albeit they lacked cordless handsets), one from AT&T (model 1856), and another from General Electric (model 29586GE1-A). Those products required absolutely no batteries. That pleased me, for I've never been keen about periodically shelling out still more money for batteries just to keep a phone operational.

In that regard, I must admit that the subject of this review--the AT&T model TL74108--didn't initially thrill me insofar as both its base unit and (obviously) its cordless handset require batteries to operate. In the case of the base unit (yes, even though its handset is corded), three "AAA" batteries (not included in the product box) must be installed in order for the phone to function at all if the included AC power adapter is disconnected from electricity. And as for its associated cordless handset, a typical battery pack (AT&T model 27910, part number 89-0099-00-00 or equivalent) is required (and included in the product box).

Nevertheless, I must admit that in return for committing himself to replacing batteries in the base unit once every year (or so), the owner of this product can enjoy an assortment of powerful features that my previously reviewed AT&T and GE models didn't provide. For example, not only does this AT&T TL74108 provide a supplementary cordless handset, but also its base unit features a much higher-contrast (and automatically backlit) LCD display; a "directory" comprising 50 (as opposed to the GE's paltry 13) "speed-dial" numbers; and a pleasing plethora of selectable "ringer" options: 10 tones, and 6 volume levels [these numbers are equally true for the cordless handset] that most competing models don't offer.

The above photo doesn't do justice to this beautifully styled product. Its predominantly "charcoal-gray" base unit (not including the fully satisfying corded handset cradled upon it) measures about 8 (W) x 6.25 (D) x 3.75 (H) inches and weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. Underneath the base are two jacks: a "line" jack for the included black telephone line cord (whose length is 6 feet); and a "POWER 9V DC jack" for one end of the included black, AC adapter's cord (whose length is 6 feet).

Note that the base unit, which comes ready-to-use as a "desktop" phone, can also be mounted on a wall. (The procedure for accomplishing this is well-illustrated and succinctly explained on pages 9 through 10 of the owner's manual.)

One of the first features you're likely to notice is the pleasingly sharp and legible LCD, which measures about 2 & 5/8 x 1 & 1/8 inches and can display three lines of fairly large, easy-to-read characters. Its legibility is so excellent that there's no need for any "contrast-adjustment" menu option (and none is provided). Although this display's invaluable backlighting feature is automatically activated whenever you press virtually any key or button on the base unit, if your room's ambient lighting isn't particularly bright, you'll still want to keep a small, adjustable desktop lamp nearby for viewing the base unit's various keys and buttons, which aren't themselves illuminated (but note that the associated cordless handset's analogous keys are automatically illuminated during use).

Another great selling point of this phone is its numerical keypad, whose dark, recessed, oval labels feature legible white characters (that are permanently protected from abrasion) beneath gently convex, fully transparent, oval keys. The latter are molded of hard--not rubbery--plastic, which bodes well for the longevity of the keys' functionality and responsiveness.

To the right of the numerical keypad is a column comprising the following three buttons: "redial," "volume" and "mute." Obviously, "redial" spares you from having to reenter the most recently dialed phone number (in fact, any of the five most recently dialed numbers can be selected and redialed). The "volume" key allows you to adjust the sound level of the handset and other features. The "mute" button prevents a caller from hearing what you say, while letting you continue hearing what they say. Whenever muting is activated, that button softly glows with an unmistakable red hue.

To the left of the numerical keypad, you'll see prominent, silvery "ANSWER ON" and "PLAY/STOP" buttons pertaining to the "digital answerer" component, which I'll discuss in a later section of this review.

Within the bottommost row of four keys (some of which pertain to the digital answering system) is a button labeled "CLOCK." Pressing that button, not surprisingly, allows you to enter the current hour and minutes, not to mention the year and the day of the week. However, this phone doesn't allow you to input the date, and its LCD doesn't display any "clock" (much less any "calendar") information (unless you--unlike me--subscribe to "caller ID" service, in which case time-and-date information pertaining to particular calls would be displayed, but, to my knowledge, there'd still be no LCD "clock" consistently displaying the current time and date). But by pressing the "CLOCK" button you can always hear a distinct, articulate male voice announce (for example), "2008, 6:18 PM, Tuesday." Like it or not, that's the sequence of the clock's audible information; just why you'd really need to hear the year every time you press that button is beyond me; but there it is. In any case, it's now and again nice being thusly able to hear the current time (and day) by pressing that "CLOCK" button at the extreme lower-left of the base unit. That said, it would have been still nicer if this phone's designers had included a visual clock (including the day and/or date), as is the case with various competing models.

Like most--but not all--competing phones nowadays, this AT&T model includes "on-hook dialing," allowing you to dial a call before lifting the handset or pressing the speakerphone button.


4. The speakerphone: noteworthy features and performance

Over the years I'd encountered several "speakerphone" products whose prices were enticing but whose capabilities ranged from worthless to unsatisfying. Fortunately, the AT&T TL74108 base unit's speakerphone sounded fine and fully satisfied my callers and me.

Not only does the speaker sound fine, but also the tiny microphone port used for this speakerphone [as well as for recording the answerer's "outgoing announcement" and/or memos] is located adjacent to the speakerphone button on the upper surface of the base unit (near the front, right-hand corner). Thus the microphone is optimally positioned to produce satisfying, virtually distortion-free sound, which it does.

Activating "speakerphone mode" prior to dialing a number is simple. Just press the aforementioned conspicuous "speakerphone" button, which will immediately glow with a pleasingly red-orange hue, and you'll simultaneously hear a dial tone via the speaker. You can then manually dial a number (or easily select one that you've previously stored in the unit's handy, 50-name "directory").

Alternatively, you can first dial (or select) a number and then press the "speakerphone" button.

During a conversation, you can instantly switch from using the handset to using the speakerphone. Just press the "speakerphone" button and then hang up the receiver. Conversely, you can instantly switch from speakerphone mode to handset mode. Just pick up the handset (speakerphone mode is thereby deactivated).

In sum, this integrated product's easy-to-use speakerphone component amounts to an unqualified winner. It's sensitivity and sound quality are virtually as good as a veritable king could reasonably expect. Oh, admittedly, it might not be a "full-duplex" speakerphone (allowing both parties to speak and listen absolutely simultaneously); otherwise, it's about as close to perfection as you could reasonably expect from an "integrated" product at this price level.


5. The digital answerer: noteworthy features and performance

Let me open this section of my review by quoting the opening paragraph of page 49 in this product's "User's manual":

"The digital answerer can record up to 99 messages, depending on the length of each message. Individual messages can be up to four minutes long, and the total maximum recording time is 14 minutes. Messages will remain available for replay until you delete them."

To activate the base unit's answerer, you simply press the conspicuous "ANSWER ON" button within the silvery oval just to the left of the numerical keypad. Now, ideally, that "ANSWER ON" button--which steadily glows a very bright red once you've activated the answerer--would also flash whenever a caller leaves a ("new") message. Indeed, that's exactly what happened with the discontinued AT&T models E5908 and E5909B (whose closely comparable layouts of buttons suggest they were the direct progenitors of this generally superior model TL74108). Unfortunately, that doesn't happen with this ostensibly "new-and-improved" model. Instead, the only visual "message indicator" resides inconspicuously within the lower-left area of the LCD display. Yes, it does flash, but it's not colorful and it's scarcely "attention-getting" unless you're specifically looking for it. And unless you're Clark Kent, you likely won't be able to discern it from more than a few feet away.

By contrast, all previous answering machines I've used included some sort of brightly illuminated, flashing LED that could grab my attention from (up to) thirty feet away! Again, precisely why this beautiful AT&T product's designers elected not to provide a more conspicuous visual indicator is mysterious (and mildly irritating) to me; but it constitutes the biggest single shortcoming of this model.

However (and thankfully), it doesn't actually mean that you can't be reasonably satisfied using this product as your primary answering machine. For, assuming your hearing is at least reasonably close to normal, you can instead always rely on the base unit's "message alert" feature (that you'll only need to activate once, via the answering system menu) to provide you with a conspicuously audible signal whenever you've got at least one new message. This signal consists of a single, subtle beep every ten seconds. Although the beeping is indeed somewhat subtle and intermittent, you're bound to notice it (provided you're not blaring heavy metal music or hosting a boisterous bash). And you can temporarily disable that gentle beeping by pressing any key on the base unit. [However, lest I seem inordinately impressed by the inclusion of the audible "message alert" feature, it must be noted that a high percentage of competing products likewise include such a selectable audible message alert in addition to (not "instead of") a conventional, flashing LED light. In other words, many other currently available models give you both kinds of message indicators, not just one.]

If there had been no such convenient and dependable alternative means by which to know if new messages have been received (other than that subdued blinker in the LCD), and if I didn't like (almost) everything else about this product, I wouldn't have recommended it at all! The absence of a conventional LED "message indicator" is the primary reason I've awarded this generally attractive product merely three, not four (or virtually five), stars.

Before I leave this subject, I should add that, curiously, whoever designed the base unit did see fit to include a tiny, redly flashing "VOICEMAIL" LED (toward the extreme lower-left, not far from the corded handset). But that's only usable if you happen to subscribe to your local phone company's "voice mail" service, which, in my case, would cost an additional $119.40 annually! If I had a suspicious mind, I'd wonder if "AT&T" didn't deliberately provide that alluring little "VOICEMAIL" light--while conspicuously omitting any comparably visible "answering machine" LED--in a thinly veiled attempt to induce this machine's owner to pay his phone company (who just might be AT&T) some extra moula every month.

In any case (especially given that an additional LED would not have greatly increased the cost of manufacturing this product), the evidently calculated provision of a proper message indicator (flashing light) for voice mail subscribers but not for users of this unit's own built-in answerer amounts to an insult (be it shrewdly intentional or negligently inadvertent) to many frugal consumers, and it was ultimately reason enough for me to back away from this otherwise generally brilliant product.

Setting up the answering system's several "menu options" is easy. Just press the bottom-row "SETUP" key (below the aforementioned "ANSWER ON" button); this will bring up a menu on the LCD comprising the following options:

Number or rings. You can set the number of rings (before the answering system answers an incoming call) to any of the following options: 2 rings; 4 rings (the default setting); 6 rings; or "toll saver." Here's how the "Toll Saver" option works:

If the system has received any new messages, it answers after the second ring; but if there are no new messages, the system answers after the fourth ring. You can hang up after the second ring and thereby spare yourself any pay phone or long-distance charges.

Call screening. Regarding the base unit, if its answering system is activated and its volume isn't off, you'll automatically hear the "outgoing announcement" followed by the incoming message (if any) that the caller chooses to record. You can opt to "intercept" the call by pressing the speakerphone button or by lifting the corded handset from the base unit.

By default, this "call screening" feature is "on." However, you have the option of switching it off (and back on again) via the answering system menu option.

Remote access code.

Many users will appreciate this answerer's "remote-access" capability. In other words, wherever on earth you might roam, you can always easily access this phone's answerer by entering a two-digit "code." [Note that the "remote-access" feature won't be accessible if you're dialing in via a "pulse" ("rotary") phone.] The default security code is "19;" you can change that code to any number from 10 through 99.

Message alert tone. I explained this feature earlier in this section. The "default" option for this feature is "OFF." But I strongly suggest that you change it to "ON," such that you'll be assured of never overlooking recently received messages from callers.


Regarding the "outgoing announcement" (that callers hear before recording their messages), the unit comes with the following prerecorded, default announcement spoken by the system's articulate, synthetic, "male" voice:

"Hello. Please leave a message after the tone."

But you can temporarily replace that prerecorded (and always available via the system's "RESET" function) announcement by recording your own announcement, which is very easy:

Press the "ANNC." button, then press the "RECORD" button and begin speaking your desired announcement. When you're done speaking, press the "PLAY/STOP" button. To hear your recorded announcement at any time thereafter, press the "ANNC." button, and then press "PLAY/STOP."

I found the sensitivity and effectiveness of the unit's built in microphone (whose tiny port is on the upper surface of the base) to be so excellent that it was easy to produce a satisfyingly clear announcement after only one or two attempts. I can't say that about every competing product I've tested, including slightly earlier models by AT&T (e.g., the EP5962, E5908, or E5909B). And, evidently, the sampling rate (used during recording) has also been increased (contrasted with those aforementioned AT&T models), which likely is an even bigger factor in the enhanced clarity of sound.

Note that there's no "announce-only" mode. Such an answering-machine mode would allow callers to hear a special outgoing announcement but not to leave any messages. An example of an "announce-only" announcement is: "I'm not available at the moment to take your call. Please try again later." To be fair, I should note that probably only a minority of "home" (nonbusiness) consumers ever need or use such a mode; accordingly, not only this AT&T model but also many competing products don't include it. [Besides, whenever you don't want to receive any messages, another option would be to just (temporarily) totally deactivate "answerer" mode (with one quick keypress).]

Bottom line--provided you do activate the audible "message alert"--this unit's digital answerer component functions dependably. But I myself can never fully love it due to the inexcusable lack of a conventional LED "message indicator."


6. The cordless handset: noteworthy features and performance

With its battery pack installed, the included "5.8-gigahertz digital" cordless handset weighs 5.4 ounces and measures about 6 (L) x 1.75 (W) x 1.25 (D) inches.

A hard plastic "belt clip" is also included in the product box for (optional) attachment to this handset.

Additionally, any industry standard 2.5 mm headset can be plugged into a corresponding jack on the side of the cordless handset to allow hands-free headset conversations.

I was quite satisfied with the performance of the cordless handset. I tested it in all areas of my multi-level suburban house (including the basement, garage, and back yard), and I never noticed any diminution of volume or sound clarity in any of those locations. I enjoyed using this handset in its standard mode; and I even more so enjoyed using its excellently audible and adjustable "speakerphone" mode.

[Mind, while listening to callers via the cordless handset, I didn't find its sonic clarity to be quite "100%" the equal of the top-notch corded handset's tone; nonetheless, the cordless handset's tone (via the base unit's radio signal) was more than "close enough" to satisfy this reviewer's somewhat picky sensibilities.]

As with the corded base unit, the cordless handset includes a generous, gratifying range of (10) selectable ringer tones and (6) volume levels.

Unlike the cordless handset(s) of some competing, comparably "integrated" products at this price level, this handset has an illuminated keypad, making nighttime dialing easy.

Moreover, the keys' "recessed" labels are covered with fully transparent, hard-plastic buttons, which means that the underlying labels are protected from abrasion and fading from continual usage. Consequently, unlike many competing products' cordless handsets, this one should look virtually as pristine a decade hence as on the first day you use it.

I appreciated that the cordless handset and the base unit wirelessly, automatically communicate such that they share precisely the same directory or "phonebook" of (up to 50) "speed-dial" numbers (and corresponding names). This means that you can enter a new name (together with its corresponding phone number) either via the cordless handset or via the base unit, and both units' respective on-screen directories will subsequently reflect all new entries or changes. This fact sets this product apart from some arguably less convenient, competing products (such as the GE model 28871FE3 and the Uniden model CXAI5698) that treat the base and any/all cordless units as discrete directories.

This handset's illuminated LCD display is sufficiently sizable (1 & 3/16 inches wide x 1 inch high) and has agreeably crisp resolution. Indeed, when (for example) I behold a directory number on the cordless handset's backlit LCD, it's essentially the same fully pleasing experience as I derive from the base unit's own, larger display. The alphabetic characters include both uppercase and lowercase letters, making this unit much more appealing than some other comparably "integrated" products at this price level.

Initially, you should allow the cordless handset to charge for at least 16 hours before extensively using it. After removing it from its charger base, "talk time" is about five hours, and "standby time" is supposedly about three days, although (based on my experiences with this product) "two days" might be somewhat closer to the truth.

[By contrast, the cordless handsets included with my GE model 28871FE3 could go for at least twice as many days in standby mode before requiring recharging. Thus, I can't say that I was much impressed with this AT&T cordless handset's real-world "talk/standby time" between charges--even though I was very favorably impressed with its durably constructed, illuminated keys and its eminently convenient sharing (automatic downloading/uploading) of "directory" names and numbers between itself and the base unit.]

Therefore, whenever possible, you should return the handset to its dedicated charger unit, which comes with its own 9-volt power adapter.

Now, theoretically, you could easily add up to three additional (for a total of four) cordless handsets (model TL77008) to the TL74108 system, which (including the base unit's own corded handset) would provide five handsets to use throughout your home. It must be noted, however, that separately sold compatible "TL77008" handsets are not only hard to find, but also they're typically overpriced; in fact, I've seen individual ones selling at Amazon.com for more than the cost of this TL74108 system! Therefore, I can't honestly declare that (affordable) "cordless expandability" is the most compelling selling point of this AT&T TL74108 system.

Therefore, if you're sure you'd like more than just one cordless handset, you'd be better off (get a more affordable deal) by not purchasing and "expanding" this particular TL74108 package. Instead, you could purchase any of AT&T's separately offered versions of, essentially, this same system but with two, three, or four cordless handsets already included. I allude to the following products:

The AT&T model TL74208 (identical product except it includes two cordless handsets);

The AT&T model TL74308 (identical product except it includes three cordless handsets);

The AT&T model TL74408 (identical product except it includes four cordless handsets).

For more information about those respective products, "search" for them at telephones.att.com.


7. The user's manual

AT&T didn't scrimp on the "User's Manual" included in the colorfully designed product box. This 91-page booklet is entirely in English and is profusely illustrated with black-and-white photos, sketches and line drawings. The logically presented, step-by-step instructions setting up and operating the base and cordless units are easy to follow.

The main sections are:

"Getting started" (pages 1 through 13);
"Telephone operation" (pages 14 through 33);
"Directory" (pages 34 through 42);
"Caller ID operation" (pages 43 through 48);
"Answering system operation" (pages 49 through 63);

There are also 13 Appendixes about such topics as: "Screen icons and alert tones;" "Indicator lights;" "Telephone base and handset display screen messages;" "adding and registering handsets;" "maintenance;" "index;" etc.

But, hey, why not peruse the complete manual yourself, on-line? Here's the web address for the authentic "PDF" edition:
http://telephones.att.com/docMgt/public/art/397564/TL74108_manual_I2.pdf

Note: the actual, printed booklet measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches.


8. The upshot

Regarding this AT&T model TL74108, here's a summary of the modest-but-noteworthy handful of things that I deem less than ideal:

1. There absolutely should have been some sort of bright (preferably flashing) LED (light) to call your attention--visually and reliably--to new messages received by the built-in digital answerer component.

2. The nondescript "message indicator/counter" within the LCD display doesn't necessarily specify the precise number of new (as opposed to "old") messages.

3. The base unit's (as well as the cordless handset's) LCD doesn't display the current time, day, or date.

4. If the base unit isn't connected to AC power, even its corded handset won't function at all unless there are (three "AAA") batteries installed in the base unit.

5. The 5.8GHz cordless handset's real-world "talk" and "standby" times are only perhaps half as long as those I've derived from "DECT 6.0" (1.9GHz) cordless handsets, not to mention certain other 5.8GHz models.


Excepting those five significant things, there's scarcely anything not to relish about this stylish, high-quality product. Both the base unit and its associated cordless handset are well-made, reliable performers.

Available for under seventy dollars, and encompassing a corded phone, speakerphone, answering machine, and cordless handset, the AT&T TL74108 is a pleasing, handsome, and reliable product that I can wholeheartedly endorse, provided that its handful of (above-summarized) shortcomings doesn't seem a deal breaker for you. But before you settle on it, compare and contrast the (slightly smaller and chicer) Uniden DECT2088, which, at comparable cost, provides a few key advantages (e.g., a flashing-LED new-message indicator and a still larger phonebook/directory).