IMPORTANT
There are TWO versions of this handset with slightly different model numbers: VT 20-2420 (two line model) and VT 2420 (single line model). This handset can not be used by itself!
The 2420 handset must be paired with one of the expandable VTech base stations: VT 2421,VT 00-2421, VT 2430, VT 2431, VT 2460, and VT 2461.
The 20-2420 can only be used with the two line base stations: VT 20-2431 and VT 20-2481 it is not compatible with any other base units.
This review covers both models as the only difference is the two-line support which is accomplished via an extra button to select the line.
Physical Design Issues
The one feature of the Siemens and Uniden systems that made them attractive is a small phone body and the absence of a LARGE antenna; you know, the kind that breaks on your cell phone when you drop it. The Panasonics all feel in the hand like a bulky remote control with a microwave tower on top. The VTech is more petite - though not perfect.
Features
I will not try to summarize all of the features since that information is available under "details" and on the VTech web site [http://www.vtechphones.com/vtechui/shop/feature_product.cfm?parent=122]
Instead below I focus on the key features I found to be useful as well as the missing or poorly constructed features.
One thing that immediately pleased me about the VTech is handset/system is that all parties can join the conversation - cordless handsets can join just by going "off-hook" - just the way wired extensions work. By contrast, some systems (Uniden TRU-5885) only allow the base station and one of the cordless phones to join. I do not know if the Panasonic has such restrictions.
Some of the most useful features I have found are:
**Message Waiting indication on EACH phone. You can see at a glance if there are messages - you do not have to go check the base station.
**Remote retrieval of messages from any handset. Listen to the messages recorded on the answering system - you can even record new greetings or turn on/off answering.
**NOTE: Message waiting and remote retrieval features require that you have an answering system in your base unit - most base units do not have answering systems. See my 2 line base station review
Handset Speaker Phone you can press the "handsfree" button and use any handset as a speaker phone. Great for listening to messages or when you have work to do with your hands (no crick in the neck). The clarity is good, too - but not as good as the Siemens Gigasets.
Status of the call The phone indicates if other extensions are listening in.
Page or transfer to a specific handset. You can from the kitchen handset selectively page the bedroom handset. You can transfer from the office handset to the garage and/or the living room handset(s). You can use this feature as an intercom.
Individual adjustment of ring tone and volume you can have the bedroom extension ring quietly or not at all while the living room handset is set at high volume.
Name (rename) the phone e.g. "Kitchen" so if you find it in the garage, you know where it is supposed to be.
"Backup Battery" This is a great idea that is provided by the base unit and is *almost* done correctly. The base station has a compartment that takes a battery identical to the phone battery. If power goes out, you can still use your handsets and preserve your messages. I do not believe any other phone systems have this feature. Unfortunately the spare battery is not provided with the base unit! The document states that when the base unit is powered by the battery, range and clarity may suffer.
Place a phone anywhere all you need with the expandable systems is one location with a phone jack where you place the base unit. Anywhere else where there is power you can add an extension.
Docking cradle is wall mountable - in case you really do not have table top space for it. Remember that it does require a plug and wire to it.
Not everything is wonderful, of course. Here are some Anti-Features:
No common phone directory. If you store a number on the kitchen handset, it will not be known to any of the other handsets - you have to store it in each of them. (I would prefer a "common" directory - the Uniden 5885 did this)
Interference with computer speakers - I tried to place the base near my Altec Lansing speakers, but it fed back a buzzing sound (my cell phone and a 900 Mhz Uniden cordless both do this too). The handsets also induce buzzing when they are off-hook and near the speakers.
No matching of saved numbers. If John Q. Smith calls and caller id reports "555-1212 Unknown" you can save it, changing the name to "John Smith". However when a subsequent call arrives from the same number it again says "555-1212 Unknown". I would be much more convenient if it matched the number with one previously stored and displayed the associated name (Uniden 5885 did this!).
No local area code configuration curiously, the phone has a nice feature called "Dial Options". When you display a caller id record, you can select dial-options and it gives you alternatives. For example if the number is 408-555-1212, dial options gives you a list of "555-1212, 1-555-1212, 408-555-1212, and 1-408-555-1212" This is handy as the number you call back may NOT be the number displayed. A better feature would be to configure your area code and let the phone pick the most likely number [the Uniden had this feature]. Unfortunately the "dial option" can not be used when storing the number, so you must first save a number and then edit it to remove or add the needed digits.
Must program each handset to "register" it. Each handset must be supplied with a 15 digit code that matches the base station. A better design (as done in the Uniden 5885) is to just put the handset on the base station cradle.
Limited number of ring tones - 6. And none are very interesting, either.
"Here a brick there a brick" I know it is the "standard" way of doing things, but so many electronic devices these days have a "brick" on the end of the power cord - it is ungainly, ugly and takes a lot of space. I *wish* bricks could be done away with - just give me a good 'ol power plug. It has gotten so bad in my house that I have to use a label maker to differentiate one brick from another and I have had to add power-strips because I can not plug two in at the same time. At least in defense of the cradle, the brick is SMALLER than most - but it is still a brick.
See my review of the two line Base Unit with answering system. Cut and paste this into your browser:
Cost
As of 18Jan2003, Costco features the VT 2420 for $49.99 and the 20-2420 for $59.99. By comparison, Costco's price for the Panasonic 2 line handset is $82.99. And remember the Panasonic has the large antenna and larger body size.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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