Panasonic KX-TC1486B 900MHz Cordless Caller ID Phone (Black)

Rating:
Summary: Great Phone at a good price
Review: I bought the KX-TC1486B above because it appeared to be an update of the KX-TC1484 phone Consumers Union reviewed earlier.

I've had the phone for over a month and it has worked flawlessly from day one. I followed the manufacturer's instructions and let it fully charge for the recommended 15 hours before the first use. The next day, after a quick read through the manual, I found that the phone was very easy to use. This was even true of the 40 number caller ID feature which made callbacks, editing and storing to its 10 station memory a cinch. The caller's ID appears after the first full ring in the 3 line backlit LCD.

This phone has great audio quality for a cordless, an easy user interface and good transmission range (at least twice that of my antique AT&T cordless). One neat feature I didn't expect was a plug for a headset, which I am using with an earpiece meant for a Nokia cellphone for handsfree use. Another thoughtful feature is the removable belt clip.

Panasonic says the phone's is capable of providing 5 hours of continuous talk time or 5 days on standby per charge. I have found this to be true and usually let the battery run low before returning the phone to its cradle for an overnight charge. This assures the longest possible battery life.

My only minor annoyance with the phone is with the half-second delay after pickup for an incoming call before you can actually speak. Otherwise the design and manufacture are typically Panasonic; solid and stylish. Sony makes great phones too but it seems Panasonic's products are generally built a little tougher even if they are not quite as slick. I would recommend this phone to anyone who needs a basic no-frills cordless.

Rating:
Summary: You can't always believe the consumer reports (reviews)
Review: I always search the consumer websites and read reviews before I purchase most items. This phone was highly rated and ended up being my choice. Shortly after using the phone, it started "acting up." I would answer the phone when it rang and found nobody on the other end of the line. I would say, "Hello, Hello?" My callers would subsequently get through to me and say that they could hear me, even though I couldn't hear them. Panasonic has always been a preferred brand in my mind; however, this product misses the mark.

Rating:
Summary: What Battery?
Review: I concur with all comments concerning the battery. What a piece of [...]! Although I don't have this Panasonic model (I have a Panasonic KX TG2215 - unfortunately, a much more expensive model), the battery is equally worthless. I'm on my second (and LAST) battery within a year. I'm giving the phone to my girl friend's elderly mother who doesn't usually spend more than 15 minutes on the phone at a time, which is the absolute outer limits of the in-use-battery charge. I seriously doubt I will ever buy a Panasonic phone again.

Rating:
Summary: Waste of money
Review: I started having problems with the battery within 3 months. It is a real dud. I would not advise anyone to buy this phone regardless of the inexpensive price.

Rating:
Summary: Killing me with this battery life
Review: I too am a victim of consumer reports. The battery life after 7 months is about 20 minutes of talk time and 3 hours off the charger. I even made sure to let it fully charge and die the first 3 or 4 times when I bought it. And what kills me is the batteries cost just about as much as the phone itself. Otherwise the phone works, stupid phone. But now I have to get another new phone to replace this one which replaced another GE piece of crap. Technology!! They put they can put a TV in a Refrigorator but they can't make a battery.

Rating:
Summary: Consumer Reports doesn't get it right
Review: I usually have good luck using Consumer Reports ratings but this time was a bust. This phone has consistently underperformed in battery life and clarity. It has this annoying habit of not picking up a call until the second or third ring. I have missed quite a few calls as a result. After only 6 months, it is time for a new battery. Instead, I will be getting a new phone.

Rating:
Summary: sucky phone and battery
Review: This phone has sucky performance and the battery life went away fast. Now it hardly keeps a charge. The caller ID takes too long to come up and if I am in my backyard the phone starts ringing way too late. I have people tell me it rang three or four times before I pickup, except that I pick up during the first ring. I am throwing this away.

Rating:
Summary: Worst phone I ever had!
Review: This phone is horrible. I also bought it based upon the great review in Consumer Reports, but I frequently get static when talking. The caller ID takes too long to come on, and sometimes just doesn't come on at all. The battery life is horrible, much worse than the cheaper phone I used to have. DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE!!!

Rating:
Summary: nice phone
Review: what is wrong with this phone?
I use 2 of them at same apt and both work fine.