Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Telephone with 3 Handsets (KX-TG6413T)

Comment: I am disappointed with these telephones. The most serious flaw is the quality of voice - there are many times I can't hear and have to hang up and try again. I've also been told that my caller can't hear me well. Never had that problem with my old phone. There are a few features that also could have been designed differently. When you miss a call the face of the phone displays "missed call". In order to see the number or erase that, you have to go thru a whole serious of steps. I don't think I would buy another phone from Panasonic.

Comment: These phones are great, including the fact that I can read the display without putting on my reading glasses. They have everything I wanted, and more. I even like the way they look.

If you force me to find some little thing to quibble about, it would be that the blinking light signaling a new voice mail message should be more visible when looking directly at the front of the phone. The light is more visible from the top or back of the phone. But the display does say "New Voice Mail" in large text.

Comment: When researching phones, the main feature I sought was the ability to turn the ringer off completely (to be distinguished from the Quiet Setting feature, for which you must specify the exact times in advance). Our previous phone could not be turned off, nor even the ringer volume turned down, so I had to unplug the phone jack every time I wanted some peace and quiet. Then I would miss all sorts of calls and messages, especially if I forgot to plug the phone back in the rest of the day.

I am happy to report that, while it takes a few steps, one can easily turn the ringer off on any or all of the three handsets of the Panasonic DECT 6.0 KX-TG6413T. The procedure is as follows:

1. Press black button under Menu.
2. Press the # key as soon as you see the first function appear ("Caller List") in the menu.
3. Enter the code 160.
4. Press silver button with arrows up or down to set volume (2 bars on screen=soft ring, 4 bars=louder ring, no bars=no ring). There's also a shortcut to turning the ringer off completely: instead of pressing the down arrow once or twice to lower the volume (which creates the actual ring sound, which may disturb others in the house), you can just press the number 0 which is silent, then carry on with saving this setting. Some think the ring tones are ugly, but I like the standard one we use; even the loud ring is never startling.
5. Press black button under Save to save this setting.
6. Press OFF to end it.

When you want to change this setting and restore the volume, go through the same procedure and adjust the volume as desired. Yes it is a non-intuitive menu as some have criticized, but you'll have it memorized in no time.

The Voice Mail function continues to work while the ringer is off (assuming you've arranged for Voice Mail w/ your phone service), so you won't miss any calls. Yes, it does take several steps before you get the instructions on playback and saving messages and whatnot, but you get used to it, too. The Voice Mail plays back messages like an answering machine: you don't need to put your ear against the receiver to listen; just put down the handset and it's loud and clear.

Just remember to turn your ringer back on after your nap. . .

Comment: This is a replacement for an older Panasonic phone system we had which served us well. The following features / performance areas are very good:

* Range. We have about a 1/3 of an acre and we can talk anywhere on our property and a little ways down the street before we lose the signal.
* Durable. After a few accidental spills on the tile and hardwood floors, we've had no problems with the hand sets.
* Charge. Holds a charge well and warns you when it's time to change handsets.

I would buy the phone again, but just note: There is no integrated answering machine. I need a replacement system fast and didn't read all the details on what is and is not included.

Comment: Phone system is a disppointment. On one extension the Talk feature doesn't work. In order to use that extension all calls must be completed using the speaker button. The features are hard to understand and to use.