AT&T CRL32202 dect_6.0 2-Handset Landline Telephone

I spent several months testing one cordless phone system after another (via Walmart w free returns ;-):Vtech CS6629-3 - terrible, small display, small letters, etc.AT&T CRL82212 - generally very good, but wanted to try the other main brand that looked good:Panasonic KX-TG7745 - generally very good, but NO ability for any handset to page all handsets at the same time (only the base-station can do that); had to page one room after another. YUCK.So I finally settled on these AT&T CRL32202's (base with handset plus 2nd handset), plus four more CRL30102's; total of 6 handsets.Upsides (for OUR use): The "all important" ability for any handset to page all handsets at the same time (or page only one at a time). Can have a maximum of 12 (TWELVE!) handsets (the Panasonic maxed-out at 5). Smaller base-station (Panasonic has a full keypad on KX-TG7745 base-station; takes more desk-space; however its otherwise identical KX-TG7731 DOES have a small base-station). This AT&T system is NOT a "link-to-cell" system (useless for us) (Panasonic above WAS link-to-cell, although comparable priced!). Keying-in characters seems to work better/faster than on the Panasonic.Equal-sides: Display almost as good as the Panasonic, except that AT&T's backlighting seems to shut-off more quickly.Downsides, compared to the Panasonic: Uses proprietary batteries (Panasonic uses standard rechargeable AA's); will be more costly to replace when needed. NO option for plugging-in a wired headset or earset (Panasonic had a plug on the side of each handset, AND could use a bluetooth wireless earset!). NO option for hooking it on a belt (Panasonic includes reliable snap-=on belt hooks). Has a @#$%^ "equalizer" button on the side of each handset, much too easily pressed accidentally; very irritating. Speakerphone seems to be MUCH worse than the Panazonic; seems to have a MUCH greater delay in its half-duplex switching [ between talking and listening, essential to avoid feedback] than did the Panasonic.Upshot - We're keeping these AT&T units, but ONLY because of the any-handset can page-all-handsets feature. Had it not been for that single feature, the Panasonic KX-TG7745 would have been MUCH better for us!

Bought this unit for a couple who are in their 90's, both technologically challenged. This is a good system for them as the numbers on the keypads are large, and the operation is simple and easy for a senior to grasp. The base station has few controls and is equally straightforward in its operation, with one exception which, in our case, is major. The base station has the "on-off" button for voicemail grouped together with the playback controls. When voicemail is active, the button is lighted. This "on-off" button is constantly confused as the "play" button for listening to messages and they keep "turning off" the voice mail system. Even though the "play", "rewind" and "stop" icons to the right are universally recognized, they are meaningless to seniors who do not understand technology, and that glowing red "on-off" button is just begging to be pushed.The system setup is easy and the method for registering the handsets with the base station is superb. Now if we can only find a way to leave them important messages.

Bought this phone for my 82 year old Mother. Her eyesight has been fading some, and the phone she was using had small numbers, so she could barely see what she was dialing. She uses AT&T, and has never liked using the voice mail they offer. She could never get her old phone to stop blinking, even after she listened to the message. The built in Answering Machine on this phone has big numbers and is easy for her to manipulate. She also likes the fact that the phone will verbally announce who is calling, so it's easier for her to screen calls. She also likes the one touch volume control button for those times she cannot hear what someone is saying. My mom is technologically challenged, but it only took her a couple of weeks (with repeated phone calls LOL) to master using it. That's a milestone for my mom! She has had TiVo for several years, and she still does not know how to use it completely! (And now she wants an IPhone, go figure!!) Great phone, great value. I would recommend this phone to anybody looking for a phone, no matter how old you are.

This is a wonderful phone and I purchased it for my 83 year old mother who has moderate dementia. She has problems with many things but she figured out how to use this phone really fast which is so helpful. It has PERFECT listening quality, the adjustments for loudness and even the tone equalizer helps tremendously (she likes the NATURAL sound), plus the big buttons. When we are on the other end of the line her voice is perfectly clear...no distortion, crackling, sounding like in a barrel or anything else. I am personally thinking of buying a set for myself and adding a bunch of handsets as I live in a rather large home that has a phone in most every room.Very impressive! Love it! Way to go AT&T (although I heard these are made by VTECH - whose phones I also really like). Don't hesitate to make this your choice of phones, especially for an elderly person or yourself. Most certainly not a disappointment in any way!!

Pretty simple to set up. Online instructions were good. Paper instructions that came with phone were poor. Sound quality and volume is good on speakerphone. Volume through conventional mic in earpiece is only fair on loudest setting.