Sony SPPA2780 2.4 GHz 1-Line Corded / Cordless Phone

Pros: Base unit functions as any phone would
Cons: Features don't always work

A few months back, we brought home a Sony SPP-A2780 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone with Answering Machine. It was packed with features and seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. I've been using it for several months now and have to say that this...

Pros: Good sound quality. Handset call screening.
Cons: Bad/inconsistent range. Expensive. No conference capabilities. Bulky, flimsy handsets.

This was my first 2.4GHz phone, and I had great expectations based on the reviews I had read on this model. I didn't really like the look or feel of the phone, but I thought that if it was as good as the reviews said, I could live with what I would...

Pros: Clarity, Many features for the price, Intercom system, Answering machine functions.
Cons: Some features only accessible on cordless handset. Accessing features can be confusing.

I've been using the Sony SPP-A2780 2.4GHz Cordless Phone w/Digital Answering Machine for about six months now, and I still like it a lot. I wanted to wait until I had used it for a while before writing a review. I feel that now is a good time to share my...

Pros: Wired Handset in Base, multiple cordless handset capable
Cons: Reliability, poor design

We bought this phone as a replacement for a Panasonic 900 MHz digital answer/cordless phone which worked very well, but we wanted a phone with a corded hanset on the base and a cordless handset which the Sony offered. What a mistake this Sony turned out...

Pros: 2.4ghz digital clarity and range, station-to-station intercom and call transfer, integrated digital answering machine
Cons: Only handles 1 line, answering machine only variable to 2 or 5 rings or toll-saver

So, let me tell you how this all started out. The phone that I use in my bedroom died last week ... it was just a basic $30 phone - nothing too fancy. So, I thought I would just go get myself another disposable phone and made a trip to my local Best...

Pros: Clarity, Jog Dial, Easy programming, Good Range
Cons: No conferencing ability. Base unit feels cheap.

I used to feel that the only things that Sony made well were great Picture Tubes and Walkman CD players. Nothing else. I have heard bad stories about their audio amplifiers, tape decks, speakers etc.

So, when I first saw this I was skeptical....

Pros: Sounds great, looks great, roller switch makes speed dialing a breeze
Cons: Handset is a but bulky, outgoing message is poor quality

After struggling with a hodgepodge of 900Mhz phones throughout my house, I began to research a 2.4Ghz system that would support multiple handsets, digitally record messages, and have a robust speed dial system.

The Sony a2780 was my conclusion...

Pros: Up to four remote handsets, ease of operation, clear sound, lighted base and handsets.
Cons: Can't talk on base and remote at the same time, a little expensive

When our old tape answering machine/phone died recently we went looking for a replacement. We first tried several phones with digital answering machines and only one remote handset. However, I really wanted to have a phone that had the ability to have...

Pros: The online phone book! Love it!
Cons: Flimsy, bad range, repair nightmare

I must tell you that I never wanted a phone system. I was perfectly happy with my Panasonic cordless answering machine phone. And then came Christmas, when Carol gets the holiday consumerism bug coupled with a panicky I-have-no-idea-what-to-get-anybody...

Pros: Sleek appearance, sound clarity
Cons: Very poor design, overpriced

Sony Background Sony has strong brand recognition in many areas and due to my positive exper ...

Pros: Handset screening and message retrieval, intercom between handsets
Cons: No conference, no mute on speaker or handsets, single line

I purchased my system kind of backwards. I found the additional handsets on clearance for $10 each, so I purchased two. I had considered the system before, but it was too pricey. Then, luckily, several retailers ran this system on sale. Now I have...

Pros: 2 phone in 1 Great quality looks cool
Cons: Kinda expensive Can't use both phones at the same time

I just got this phone and I really like it. I heard some people say the cordless part you could hear background noise but I haven't found that. My calls are very clear on both phones. The answering machine has most of the functions that you will need...

Pros: Lots of features.
Cons: Poorly designed handset. Some options hard to use.

I had the Sony phone that was the predecessor to this one and loved it. When it got struck by lightning, I wanted another one but they had quit making them and I replaced it with the spp-a2780. The two phones have the same basic features except that...

Pros: Loved the intercom
Cons: Just hope it doesn't break

This product worked great for about a week. One handset broke. After going through the troubleshooting steps provided in the book, still no luck. Took the handset back to the store and got a new one. New one didn't work. Finally called their...

Pros: Handsfree feature, on-line directory dialing, nice design.
Cons: Reception is bad, quality is surprisingly poor.

I don't know why I bothered with another Sony phone because every one I've ever bought has sucked!

What attracted me to this phone was the handsfree feature and working from home means conference calls so I thought I could multi task by utilizing this feature. Other than this feature, the on-line phone directory and quick dial feature are about all this phone has going for it. After about one year of use the number pad stopped functioning, making it impossible to dial out on unless the number was already programmed into the set. How convenient this happened just after the warranty period ended.

Sound quality bites. Reception ranks pitiful.

I've since switched back to Sanyo and for good reason. The phones are of superior quality and I have no complaints with them.

I've never owned any Sony products other than phones and I probably never will based on what I've seen/experience so far. Too bad, I hear they make a great TV...