LinkTastic Online Shopping - Buyers Guide For Telephones
There are several types of telephone available today that incorporate so many features and functions you are simply spoilt for choice. The internet offers you a fantastic range from the basic two-piece to the state of the art digital cordless phone.
With so many alternatives to choose from when looking at buying a new telephone, you may need a helping hand to guide you through the options. Many phones available have typical features such as last number redial, number memory stores and some have in-built caller display. Obviously the type of phone you purchase will be dependent upon your needs. The below buyers guide to telephones highlightes the numerous features available to help you make the right choice.
TELEPHONES - WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
Cordless Phones
A cordless phone can be analogue or digital.
- Digital Cordless Telephones:- The digital technology offers improved reception and sound compared to the analogue phones. Digital technology is sometimes referred to as DECT (digital enhanced cordless telephone). The main benefit offered by a cordless phone is that you are not restricted to where you talk. You can choose where you want to chat, in the house or even in the garden. The handset is charged on a base station and once charged can be taken anywhere within the phones talking range. It is a good idea to identify this range, as it will vary from phone to phone. Many cordless phones are also available with an additional handset, which come with their own storage pod. When the phone needs recharging it will usually emit an alerting tone.
- Analogue Cordless Telephones:- Analogue cordless phones offer the same benefits as the digital phone however the roaming range is often limited and the reception may not be as clear.
Corded Phones
Although these phones restrict your mobility while you talk, they are still a popular option and usually cheaper in price. The features available vary between telephone models so it is wise to select the functions you need before purchasing a phone.
Answer Machines
- Digital Answering Machines:- These phones store messages on a microchip and you do not have to wait for the tape to rewind or fast-forward as you can simply skip between the messages. Most of these machines also come with a date and time function so you will know exactly when the message was left.
- Tape-Based Answering Machines:- Messages are stored on a small tape that can be recorded over again and again. The main disadvantage of the tape-based machine is that the tape may snag or break. Tape-based answering machines are also more time consuming, as you have to manually find the points on the tape where the message has been left to replay it. You may also have to replay all of your messages in order to listen to just one again.
- Telephone and Answering Machine in One:- The telephone and answer machine are stored together in one compact unit.
TELEPHONE AND ANSWER PHONE FEATURES
Caller ID
The caller ID feature enables you to identify the telephone number of the incoming call. Some phones may have this as an internal function. However you may purchase separate caller ID units to link to your phone.
Remote Access
Remote access allows you to listen to your messages from your telephone handset anywhere within 200m of the base unit. Some phones feature remote access where you can listen to your messages from any touch-tone phone.
Remote Security Code
This requires you to enter a numeric security code before you can pick up your messages remotely.
Date And Time Select
This sets the date and time on your answer machine so you will know exactly when your message was left.
Selective Delete
This enables you to delete some messages on your answer phone, whilst leaving others that you may wish to listen to again.
Voice Prompts
An answer machine with voice prompts will take you through the set up of your answer machine.
Pager
If you cannot find the handset to your cordless phone then this function allows you to use the intercom on the base unit to page the handset. The handset will then beep alerting you to its location.
Talk Time
Talk time is the length of time that the phone will operate between charges.
Speaker Phone
The speaker phone facility allows you to talk "hands free" from within the room where the base is situated.
Number Memory
Number memory allows you to store numbers into your phone and to dial them at the touch of a button. The storage capacity will vary between phones.
Multiple Handsets
Some phones will come with the option of additional handsets so you can use one base and run numerous phones around the house. You can also switch calls between handsets.
Ring Tones
Ring tones allows you to select the ringing volume of your phone.
Melody Tones
Melody tones allows you to select from a range of pre-set options, which ringing tone your phone will operate with.
Call Return
Dialling 1471 will enable you to find out the last number to dial your telephone. Some phones will have one-touch dialling which allows you to return the call at the touch of a button.
Channel Auto Selection
Most analogue cordless phones have numerous talk channels and will automatically scan each one to select the optimum channel with the least interference.
Memo
Memo allows you to record a message on your answer phone so that someone can listen to it later.
Call Waiting
Call waiting is a service that is supplied by your telecom provider. However some phones have LCD displays so that you can view the number that is trying to call you. Other phones alert you to an alternative incoming call by issuing a series of alarms. You can then choose to switch between live calls.
Mute
Mute allows you to silence the microphone on the phone so that you may talk to others in the room without the caller hearing you.
Pre-recorded Outgoing Message
Many answer phones available will have an internal, pre-recorded message. You may record over this with a personalised message. However the pre-recorded message will remain in memory as a default, and will the machine will revert back to this should power be lost to the unit for a period of time.
LCD Display
Some phones have an LCD monitor which will store the most recent incoming phone number so you will be able to view who called you last if you missed the call.
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