Features:
- 900 MHz digital transmission with digital security
- Alphanumeric call waiting/caller ID with 50-caller memory
- Spare battery charger and power backup
- Backlit LCD and keypad
- 20-number speed-dial memory
Description:
The VTech 1920's 900-MHz frequency offers better range than traditional cordless phones and features digital transmission for enhanced clarity and privacy. Plus, with caller ID/call waiting, you'll know who's calling before you pick up the phone. To set up the phone, we inserted the battery pack (included), plugged in the AC power, and connected the standard RJ-11 phone cord. You can also insert and charge a second battery pack (not included) in the base unit to either power the base unit during an electric outage or for use as a spare handset battery. You control the VTech 1920 through 11 buttons on the handset (in addition to the usual 0-9, *, and #). Although setting up and programming the phone is straightforward and intuitive, the instruction manual is useful for reviewing advanced features and caller ID functions. Note that you cannot program the caller ID system with your local area codes. When dialing from caller ID memory, the phone supports only seven-digit automatic dialing; you must supply the area code (and the prefix "1" if necessary). In our test of the VTech 1920, we placed the base unit in a typical home, where walls, floors, and other obstructions might interfere with signal quality. We made a variety of local and long-distance calls, and the phone sounded only slightly softer than our reference corded desk phone. We noticed some signal degradation--static and the sound cutting in and out--when we moved the handset about 100 feet from the base. At about 200 feet, the phone activated its auto channel-searching feature. At this distance the phone could not find a clearer channel and became unusable until we returned the handset to the base. This is the tradeoff for the superior clarity of digital transmission--the phone stops working abruptly when the signal weakens beyond a certain point. With its terrific price, digital 900-MHz transmission quality, call waiting caller ID, and well-chosen set of features, the VTech 1920 makes a great, general purpose cordless phone. Pros:
- Good value
- Modern styling
- 900 MHz digital transmission for clarity and privacy
Cons:
- Automatic dialing from caller ID memory supports only 7 digits
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