dr427's Full Review: Vtech i5853 5.8 GHz 1-Line Cordless Phone
**Update 6/13/05**
After months of use, I do now have one complaint! Ghosting! I am assuming my wireless 802.11b network is somehow interefering. A quick turn off and turn on gets another channel, but if I don't I get a ghosting type sound or even a horrendous feedback like squeal. I am lowering my overall score to "average" because of this and I am no longer recommend it.
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The basic description of this handset would be that it's a 5.8GHz Cordless Accessory Handset with full color screen. This handset will NOT work without a base unit such as the i5857 and i5867. I also purchased the i5857 base unit.
The i5807 is currently easy to find. In fact some stores only had the accessory handset and NOT the base unit needed to the handset!
Much of the following information I have taken from my review of the i5857 since the majority of the features are in the handset.
Features
-5.8 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum
This feature proved to be nice as now I no longer have interference with my wireless computer network as I did with my 2.4 ghz phone.
-Caller ID/call waiting
I suppose I expect this feature in any of today's phones. This handset takes Caller ID to the next level. You can take a caller from the CID (CallerID) list then add it to the phone book AND give it a customized ring and color image when that number rings the phone! The down side is that those settings are unique to that handset, so additional handsets must be programmed seperately.
-Expandable system; expands up to 8 phones
When you first turn on your handset it will ask for a Security code. This can be found on the base unit. The security feature used to match the handsets to the base is a 16 digit code, so I feel pretty secure with this unit!
-50 Name and number caller ID memory
-50 Name and number phonebook directory
-802.11 Friendly – Will work with wireless networks
I am not 100% for sure what they mean by this other than the phone doesn't cause static with the network. It doesn't have any 802 features built in. All connectivity to the computer is through a USB cable or stereo mini plug (both included).
-Downloadable images for wallpaper or picture caller ID
The software comes with the phone for uploading wallpapers and caller id images. The image size must be 101 X 62 at 256 colors.-Use provided software and USB cord
-Headset compatible (2.5 mm)
I have no plans of using a headset, but one does NOT come with the phone. I did however use the 2.5mm jack for uploading custom ringtones! A cable is supplied for this and connects directly to your sound card.
-Large color handset display with picture caller ID
Neat feature, but having only 256 colors is apparent compared to fancy cell phones of today.
-MULTI-VIBE™ Vibrating handset ringer
If you wear the phone that might be a neat feature, but I personally have no use for it. Some ringtones are very quite and the vibrate alert would be nice if you would like to wear the handset or need an alert system in silence.
-Recordable ringer – Record directly from your PC or stereo equipment
I have to admit this is one COOL feature! It seems to take either WAV or MP3 file formats. You are however limited to 10 sec. sound clips. You cannot upload the clips via the USB. You have to use the 2.5 mm mini jack and essentially "record" the clip to the phone. You get the phone "ready" to record and then hit record as you play the file on your computer. Then stop recording after the file is done playing. Seems kinda old school technology, but it does allow you to record your own voice or any theoretically "any" sound.
-SOUND SELECT™ for enhanced audio performance
Your choices here are Bass Boost, Mid Boost, Treble Boost, & Natural Audio. As you decide which one to select you get a screen that imitates the look of a Graphic Equalizer.
-Visual Message Waiting Indicator (VMWI)
I am assuming they mean the amber flashing light on both the base unit and the handset (near the antenna). Makes it nice to now if you missed a called by glancing at either unit. If you see an amber flash you know someone called!
-“Hands-Free” speakerphone in handset and base
Nice cell phone like feature! Lets everyone join in on the conversation or if you use the belt clip you can work hands free without an headset.
Some additional features are that the handset screen indicates which unit you have in hand. For instance handset 1 will have a 1 in the upper left hand corner. It also has a battery indicator on the handset. These handsets use rechargeable AA's and come supplied.
Overall form factor is slightly larger than I would like, but the feature rich phone makes up for that. I like the smaller compact size of the unidens, but the features offered with this phone are what I wanted.
The included image software allows you to do some simple editing such as Zoom In/Out, Rotate Left/Right, Adjust Brightness & Contrast, & Adjust Color. No cropping feature. Again the image size used is 101 X 62 at 256 colors. Also included on the CD are additional images. 27 are preloaded on the phone.
Handset is compatible with the i5853, i5857, i5866, & i5867.
Specifications:
Crystal Controlled Frequency & PLL Synthesizer
Transmit Frequency:
Handset Frequency: 2400-2483.5 Mhz
Base: 5725-5850 Mhz
Receive Frequency:
Handset Frequency: 2400-2483.5
Base: 5725-5850
Channels
95 Channels
Size:
Handset 197mm X 53mm X 40 mm (including antenna)
Base 85mm X 85 mm X 86.5mm
Weight:
Handset 164 grams (without batteries)
Charger 207 grams
Power Requirements
Handset includes (2) AA 1.2v 1400mah NiMH Battery
Charger 6v DC @ 300mA
Memory:
Phone Book holds up to 50 memory location; up to 32
digits, 16 characters per location.
CID: 50 Memory Locations
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