Choosing A Telephone

Gone are the days of BT allocating a phone. The variety of Corded and Cordless is extensive and in these days of limited time we appear to need things faster, and that includes talking on the phone. Cordless phones, either in the office or at home, allow us to multi-task whilst talking on the phone. The wireless nature of this type of phone, allow us to roam without the restrictions of wires.

The latest models of Cordless Phones offer similar features to mobile phones - such as SMS/text messaging - but with the cost efficiency of landline prices. Cordless phones are radio transmitters and receivers that have a base station and several handsets. On the downside, they won't work if you have a power failure - so make sure you keep a regular phone plugged in somewhere for emergencies.

Analogue Phones

Analogue phones tend to be the most basic telephones which results in them being the most affordable. Basic models include a base unit and one or two handsets. The less expensive models transmit on the 2.4 GHz frequency range. This frequency is quite crowded as it is also the frequency used by most baby monitors.

Phones using the 5.8 GHz band will give less interference, as there is less traffic using this frequency. However, they tend to be more expensive to buy. All analogue transmission is susceptible to some interference and their operational range - the distance from the base unit - will be less than digital models. If privacy & security is a concern to you, then should know that it is possible for someone with a scanner to listen in on conversations transmitted to analogue phones.

Digital Phones

Digital phones transmit using the same frequencies but the signal is digitally encoded before being transmitted. Security is improved as it is harder to listen in to these conversations. A digital signal is clearer than an analogue one, making conversations easier to hear, and their operational range is wider. Digital phones are also able to house many added features.

Range of Options

Corded phones come in a wide variety of colours & styles. Most are able to be wall mountable which gives flexibility for use in a variety of situations and positions. Typical manufacturers' quoted operational ranges for Cordless Phones are from 50m up to 300 metres, whilst Corded Phones are limited to the length of the wire. There are several factors that affect the working range of a cordless phone - radio interference, obstacles (especially walls) and even the weather - all of which need to be considered when choosing a phone.

Unique Telephone Features

After the decision between analogue and digital, frequency and operational range, the next thing to consider when buying a cordless phone is the additional features on offer. Before selecting the phone with the longest list of features, consider what's really necessary.

Other Purchasing Considerations

Here are some buying considerations - last number redial, name/number memory, talk time, standby time, rechargeable battery type, low battery and/or out of range indicator. Even the most basic of phones come with an integrated answering machine these days with a record time of up to 20 minutes. Some phones also have Caller ID which let's you see who's calling before answering - or not if you'd prefer!

Additional features include speakers, microphone, handset locater, programmable buttons, SMS messaging and even e-mail. Some cordless phones allow up to eight handsets which is useful in a large house or office so that handsets are available in a wide range of locations.