Panasonic KXTG2500 2.4 GHz Water-Resistant Cordless Phone (Black)

• 2.4 GHz/900 MHz twin-band operation with spread spectrum technology (SST)
• Dual antenna system
• Lighted handset keypad
• Long-life battery, 8 hours talk time, 14 days standby
• Shock-resistant design

Setting up the phone was easy, and the battery charged fully in seven hours. The battery is rated for eight hours of talk time and will remain charged for up to 14 days on standby. A lighted keypad features a large navigator button, redial, direct dial, and channel buttons.

The navigator button's functions are not entirely intuitive. We had to refer to the owner's manual to store a number because there is no memory button. The manual was helpful, however, and the steps were easy to remember once we performed them. To store a number in memory, we pressed Program, entered the phone number, pressed Auto, and assigned it a station number between zero and nine. A beep indicated that the phone number had been stored.

The program and auto functions are the right and left sides of the navigator button, and the top and bottom control the ringer volume. While the functions of the navigator button do not necessarily relate to each other, and could just as easily have been separate buttons, the navigator button's multifunction design does minimize clutter on the handset.

Other functions are easier to use because they do not require the navigator button. If you have one number you dial frequently, you can assign it to the direct button. The direct button takes only three steps to program and one step to dial. Redial and flash are also accessed with the touch of a button. Handset locator is a large button conveniently located on the base.

Although we had reservations about the phone's button design, we were most impressed with the long range and sound clarity of the KXTG2500. With its dual antenna system, one for transmitting and one for receiving, our conversations were virtually static-free. When background noise was present, we simply pressed the channel button for a clearer connection. We took the handset outside, approximately 1,000 feet from the base, before detecting any interference. It performed just as well inside, behind walls, up stairs, and near electronic equipment. This is excellent performance for any cordless phone at any price. --Emily Bakko

Pros:

• Twin-band transmission provides clear connection and long range
• Sturdy shock and splash-resistant construction
• Lighted keypad

Cons:

• Navigator button creates more steps in programming certain functions
• Can't be wall-mounted
• No mute button