Cell phones haven't quite taken over yet, and it's safe to say they won't completely take over land-line telephones for a long time. A regular telephone is dependable and clear. But then again, there is nothing "regular" about telephones anymore. Today's corded and cordless telephones feature all kinds of fancy tools and enhancements that help you converse clearly and effectively. This telephone buying guide will explore the most common options and features, so you can differentiate between a cheap telephone and a quality phone.
Before you shop for a new phone system, you'd better decide whether a corded phone or cordless phone will serve you best. A corded phone is perfect if you spend a lot of time working at a desk, while a cordless phone might be good at home, so you can move from room to room while you talk. Cordless phones are also good ideas for auto shops, factories and any business where movement is necessary.
Corded phones are low-maintenance. There are no batteries to worry about with a corded telephone, and they won't be dropped or lost like their cordless cousins. A corded phone won't pick up annoying interference, either. Sure, corded phones may limit your movement, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Most offices use corded phones because employees spend most of their time at a desk and because corded phones are such a great value.
Multi-line phones: Most of today's corded phones are multi-line, meaning they accept two or more lines. Often, multi-line phones also allow for conference calling. Look for small LCD screens and other features that make it easy to see which line you are using or when you have a call coming in on the other line.
Single-frequency phones: Cordless phones operate on radio waves sent between the handset and the base. The problem is that so many other consumer electronics do too, which can interfere with a phone call if something is operating on or near the same frequency (measured in hertz) as the phone. You won't need to worry about that as much with newer cordless phones. They run on either 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz frequencies, which were opened by the Federal Communications Commission specifically for telephones.
If you are wondering which frequency phone you should get, take a look at the other electronic devices in your home or office. If you have devices you use often that run on frequencies close to 2.4GHz, you should check out the 5.8 GHz cordless phones.
DSS phones: Something else you might want to consider is a "digital spread spectrum" (DSS) phone. A DSS phone automatically spreads the signal over various frequencies, so you don't need to worry as much about interference. It may cost more than a single-frequency phone, but it may be worth it as you (and your neighbors) acquire more and more wireless electronics.
Analog vs. digital: Cordless phone signals are either digital or analog. Analog cordless phones were the first to be produced. They cost less than digital phones. However, digital phones have a better sound and a greater reach. So if price is a big issue, you should lean toward analog. Don't leave digital cordless phones out of the equation, though; there are plenty of affordable, quality digital phones for sale.
Multi-handset cordless phones: A basic cordless phone consists of two pieces: the base and the handset. The base is the part you plug into the phone line. The base transmits the signal to what most people would call the actual phone: the handset. Some cordless phones have multiple handsets. These multi-handset phones come with one base, which holds and charges one handset and plugs into the phone line. Also, the base will often have an answering machine and other features. The other handsets each have their own charger, so you could put a handset in every room, if you needed to, without needing to plug them into the phone line.
Volume control: Sometimes, whether it's the microphone on the other end of the line or the voice on the other end of the line, you need to turn down the volume. Look for phones with volume control buttons in an easy-to-reach place so you can adjust mid-conversation. For cordless phones, volume control should be on the handset, not the base.
Data jack: If you have a modem, fax or other device that uses the phone line, you might look for a corded phone with a data jack in addition to the regular phone jack. On multi-line phones, this jack will usually be connected to one particular line.
Headset jack: Sometimes you need to multitask. A headset hooked up to your desk phone lets you use your hands for writing and typing. If you plan on spending a lot of time on your cordless phone, look for one with a headset jack and a belt clip. Just clip the phone to your pocket or belt, plug in a headset with a microphone, and get to work!
Intercom: Most multi-line corded telephones and many cordless phones feature intercoms. This allows you to speak from one handset to another without tying up the phone line. A telephone with an intercom will save your voice and your family's ears from all that shouting.
Speed dial: If you like the ease of speed dial, look for a phone with lots of programmable speed dial buttons. Many corded phones also have areas where you can write the name of the contact next to the button, so you don't need a photographic memory to know which button is "Mom" and which button is "Pizza."
LCD display screen: Many of the latest telephones have display screens for caller ID, contact lists and other useful information. You'll appreciate a backlit screen when those late-night phone calls come. Some phones even have multiple backlight colors to choose from.
Mute: Sometimes you don't want to the person on the end of the line to hear you conversing with someone else in the room. That's when a phone's mute button comes in handy. When you press mute, you can still hear the other person, but it shuts your microphone off so you aren't heard. While the local gossip is going on about the latest drama in the neighborhood, you can just press mute and eat your food--your chewing won't be heard.
Answering machine: Many phones feature digital answering machines. On a cordless phone the answering machine is usually part of the base. Look for one with plenty of recording time that lets you know when each message was recorded and a clear "new message waiting" display.
Speaker phone: Some cordless phones have a speaker phone on the base. Some have them just on the handset. Others feature speaker phones on both pieces. Many times, the bases won't have dialing capabilities, so in those instances the speaker phone can only be used to answer incoming calls. Look for digitally enhanced speaker phones as they will provide you with a better sound than a regular analog speakerphone.
Page/handset locater: It happens to everyone at some point. Your cordless phone gets lost under the couch or misplaced in a room you wouldn't expect. That's when the page feature comes in handy. You press a button on the phone's base, and the handset makes a loud beep. You just follow the sound to locate your lost phone.
Flash: A flash button lets you get a new dial tone after a call ends, and it lets you switch between a current call and call-waiting.
Programmable ringers: Many phones, both cordless and corded, offer you the option of changing your ring. The best phones will not only let you adjust the ringer volume, but will also give you the option to change the tone of your ring.
Will a caller ID screen work as soon as I plug it in?
Sorry to disappoint you, but a display screen alone doesn't mean the phone will automatically show who is calling. You must subscribe to a caller ID service through your phone company. The phone's screen will still display other preprogrammed information, however.
Can I mount my phone to the wall?
Most phones include some kind of mounting bracket so you can put it on the wall. Depending on the phone, this may be part of the base, or it may be an additional piece you connect to the phone. Either way, mounting a cordless phone base or a corded phone to the wall is quite simple. All you need is one or two screws and a screwdriver. Overstock.com's telephone product descriptions will let you know before you buy whether or not the phone can be mounted to the wall.
Can I replace my complicated office phone with one of my own?
Most commercial phone systems are designed to handle multiple (five or more) lines and extensions, and the systems usually have some kind of central processing unit. That means a phone you bring probably won't work when you hook it up to your desk's line, and it may, in fact, damage the phone system. So if you don't like your office phone, talk to the IT department before taking matters into your own hands.
Free your hands
You don't need your hands to talk. You may as well free them up with a headset from Overstock.com's electronics store. Look through our selection of telephones and accessories to find handy headsets for both cordless and corded phones. Whether you want a basic headset for your home phone or several professional headsets for the office, Overstock.com will save you money.
Modernize your home office
A new telephone is just the beginning. Check out Overstock.com's small, inexpensive fax machines to complement your phone. You may even decide to get an all-in-one machine that works as a phone, fax machine, copier, scanner and printer. How's that for functionality!
For all your home and business communication needs, shop at Overstock.com.
