jenb123's Full Review: Sony SPPA2780 2.4 GHz 1-Line Corded / Cordless Pho...
A few months back, we brought home a Sony SPP-A2780 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone with Answering Machine. It was packed with features and seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. I've been using it for several months now and have to say that this phone is not all it's cracked up to be.
Features and equipment for the Sony SPP-A2780
What caught my eye first was the Multi-Handset Capability. It was supposedly "two phones in one" with a corded base phone and a bonus cordless handset. In addition, you could add additional handsets, up to four total.
The Dual Caller ID With Call Waiting was something I wanted as well. Both names and phone numbers are displayed on both the base unit and the cordless handset. Names and numbers are also displayed when your call waiting activates so you can choose whether or not you wish to switch over. Up to 70 numbers can be stored. Dates and times display with the caller id as well.
There is Dual Center Jog Dial Control which lets you quickly scroll through your incoming stored calls and your (up to) 100 number directory. The dial is also used for certain menu items for functions (setting the day and time, etc.)
If you purchase an extra handset, you can use them as walkie-talkies even away from home. The range is a mere 600 feet, but perhaps some would find that useful.
The intercom lets you to talk between the cordless handset and base unit, it can work handset to handset.The page sounds intercom contact in either direction and can be used to find a misplaced cordless handset.
EZ Access Button allows access to any set of numbers up to 32 digits long with one touch. This is especially handy to use for calling cards, voicemail and the like.
There is a speakerphone and adjustable volume. Also a lighted keypad on the cordless handset and lighted display on both the base and the cordless. You can clip the cordless handset to your belt and even plug in a headset (not included).
The Multi Language Caller ID Prompt enables the caller id to be changed between English and Spanish. The base unit is wall mountable.
We use voicemail with our phone service, so we had no real use for the All Digital Message System. We have only one phone line and need the voicemail to answer incoming calls while we are online or unable to answer our call waiting. For potential All Digital Message System users, the features are as follows:
-Eliminates the need for tape by recording messages on IC (Integrated Circuit) chips.
-Digital sound quality and exceptional clarity.
-Records up to 20 minutes.
-The caller ID displays when the caller has left a message. You can even jump to (or skip) the caller's message with Direct Message Access.
-The Handset Remote Control lets you to use the cordless handset to operate the answering machine.
-The base unit and the cordless handset allow Call Screening, though I use caller id instead.
Sounds like a great phone, right? Not exactly.
Things I hate about this phone...
My biggest complaint revolves around the cordless handset. When described as "two phones in one" you might think you have two functioning handsets. Unfortunately, when one is in use, the other is disabled. If you don't care for speakerphone and need to have two people on a call, you would need a completely separate telephone.
The cordless handset is necessary for some functions that cannot be done from the base. You can't set the day and time without the handset. Not a big deal, right? Read on...
In order to use the cordless handset, it must have a signal to the base phone. It must "connect" before it works. On more than one occasion, the handset spontaneously stopped connecting. After calling Sony, I was told to remove the battery and replace it, but this isn't practical if you are trying to answer a call on the handset. It does take a minute and a bit of effort to pull the battery out. By then it may be too late to answer the phone.
I should point out that when there is "no connection" the handset won't ring. The base will, indicating an incoming call, but the handset will be useless. I have been told by others that the additional, optional handsets have to be "reprogrammed" constantly.
The fully charged rechargeable NiCad battery will last approximately 6 days in standby mode and has 5 hours talk time. Unfortunately, once the battery dies, if you haven't purchased a spare, you must allow it to recharge a full 8 hours.
The customer service rep at Sony advised me that always placing the phone in the battery charger when not in use would harm the battery.He went on tho tell me that it was best to use the cordless until the battery went completely dead, then to recharge.
Unless you keep records of "standby time" and "talk time" constantly, you have no way to know when to recharge except when the phone simply stops working.
I tend to use the cordless handset to allow me to freely walk around the house, collecting laundry, cooking dinner, sitting outside with the kids, etc. Like many people, I oven hold the phone with the "shoulder" hold, keeping both hands free. Unfortunately, the "off" button is in a spot where you can easily disconnect your call unintentionally. This happens often.
More things I hate about this phone
The cordless reception and range disappointed me. I've had cheap cordless phones with a clearer sound and a larger range. Just about anything from your PC to your microwave can affect the function of this phone.
When switching from the base to the cordless handset or vice-versa, you have to place your caller on "hold" from the first phone before the second phone can take the call. This takes some getting used to and can confuse children who may have to use the phone.
When a number is stored in the caller id, you are supposed to be able to use the jog dial to automatically dial the number. In my area, there are numerous local area codes, and you MUST dial 1 plus the area code even when your call comes from your own area code. The display will show a call as 555-5555 within your area code or (555) 555-5555 and will dial the same way. So, that makes the function useless.
You can't even dial the number while looking at the caller id. Not even on the other handset. The phone won't work while you are scrolling, so keep pen and paper handy to write down numbers to call back.
The volume control is not exactly what I'd expected. You can have loud, really loud or mute. Nothing in between.
My verdict...
Sony SPP-A2780 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone with Answering Machine is no bargain when you consider how little is really offered. The problems outnumber the useful features and the frustration factor is enough to make you want to throw the phone across the room.
The promised features simply don't deliver and for the price, you deserve better. You expect a phone with so many integrated functions and features to make using it convenient and simple. Not with this phone.
I haven't replaced this phone yet, but you better believe when I do it WON'T be a Sony.
Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. So...More at eBay
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