Siemens 2420 Gigaset 2.4 GHz Complete Cordless Communication System

With its stylish, understated look, the Gigaset 2420 will be a sharp addition to any office. The desk station features an uncluttered control panel that uses bright red lights to alert you to line use, caller ID callers, voice messages, and access to voice mail services provided by your phone company. Siemens makes the most of the two- line LCD display, consistently dishing up very informative menus and call information. There are only four speed-dial buttons, but the system includes a built-in scrollable phone directory that you can easily scroll through to move caller ID entries into the directory. Transferring calls couldn't be easier; pressing the "Int" button displays a menu of extensions, complete with names.

The cordless handsets are small and light, and incorporate a surprising amount of local functionality. The handset's control panel is very consistent with the desk station; in addition, some of the functions are wisely implemented through two double-position buttons that control soft menus on the LCD display. This gives remote users a look and feel similar to mobile phones, including the flexibility to customize ringer volume and pitch for both external lines and the intercom.

The 2420 system can support two external calls, as well as an internal conversation between two handsets, for a total of four active handsets at any given time. The cordless handsets store their own local phone directories, and you can send directory entries to other handsets or to the desk station. For the wandering user, the cordless units also provide an audible out- of-range warning.

During our tests, we found the Gigaset 2420 package intuitive and its handset comfortable. The system was easy to set up. We simply plugged in the phone line, installed the batteries in the cordless extensions (they accept either ni-cad or NiMH), charged them, and registered the cordless handsets with the base by following a quick, well-documented procedure. The standard ni-cad batteries (included) provide about four hours of talk time, and the optional NiMH batteries provide about twice that. We recommend returning the handsets to their chargers at least every evening.

The standard belt clip and headset jack made the cordless units perfect for our users on the go. One of the 2420's strengths--its small handset--was our only frustration. We found both the desk handset and the cordless extensions difficult to cradle on our shoulder. Old habits often die hard.

We highly recommend the Siemens Gigaset 2420 system for growing offices and households with kinetic teenagers. This affordable package allows for quick expansion without running any additional phone wires and gives all of the users full control over the system's operation. -- Stephen W. Plain

Pros:

• Clear sound
• Easy installation and setup
• Major system functions available from the handset

Cons:

• Handsets difficult to cradle on your shoulder
• Limited range compared to less expensive 900 MHz DSS models

Supporting up to twooutside phone lines, this system allows you to place up to eightcordless handsets (Siemens model 2400) throughout your home or office,all operating off the corded desk station and a standard phonejack. The desk station and up to four of the eight cordless handsetsmay be used simultaneously.

The desk station design includes adigital 26-minute-memory answering machine and a digitalspeakerphone. The answering machine is fully accessible from the deskstation and from any handset or touch-tone phone. It records messagesfor both lines and offers customizable greetings. The digitalspeakerphone allows high-clarity, hands-free operation for conferencecalls.

The Siemens Gigaset 2420 performs all the functions you'llrequire in a phone system for a small office or busy home. Allhandsets have LCD screens that handle caller ID and callwaiting. Other features include speed dialing and redial, callrestrictions, handset paging, a room monitor feature, a smartfax/modem port, and a 120-entry call directory. This system comes withthe desk station, one cordless handset, a handset charger, batteries,a belt clip, and a user's manual. Siemens offers a one-year warrantyon the Gigaset 2420.