AT&T CL84109

I wish it had lighted base keys and/or lighted keys in the base handset; therefore, I use the cordless remote since it is lighted (good idea for in the dark), and one can access the many features, including… speaker phone and playing msgs, located in the base. Energy saver turns orange-colored lighting off when not in use - 'calls answered' light stays on but will turn off when 'calls not answered' is selected. Remote handset power light stays on when in cradle. Does not have external volume control on remote handset - access the program thru the handset to set volume and select one of nine ring tones. Does not "chain" store, and is difficult retrieving the second stored number (pin) used for long distance card calling (I use Verizon 2.9 cents/minute card at home requiring two main numbers, and a couple single digits which I key in manually). Hopefully, I will find the best way to access the pin or store the two numbers. Overall good looks (matches my stainless and black fridge) and is a quality-built unit. Voice is crisp - I hear no static. Follow instruction manual to set-up the many features, such as program to beep or not-to-beep for stored messages. Good corded phone to have during power failures. The AT&T toll-free help line people are readily available. Proprietary 'plug-in' 2 NiMH AAA batteries (provided) are used in the remote handset when AT&T could have used off-the-shelf rechargeable batteries (marketing to get consumers to purchase their batteries at a premium). I will cut the plastic covering and replace with two higher output 1000 mAh batteries when the time comes. The base uses 3 off-the-shelf AAA batteries (at your expense), but one can use rechargeables.

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I wanted a corded/cordless phone system, with answering machine and expandability. After researching phones and reading reviews, I decided on the AT&T 6.0 corded/cordless system with two cordless phones; I… then added two additional cordless phones. Described in reviews I read before purchasing, I was disappointed that the base unit did not have a blinking light to indicate a message. HOWEVER, when setting up the system, I read that you could program the base unit to beep, signaling a message. This has worked perfectly -- even better than a blinking light, since you don't even have to look at the machine to know you have a message. [You can stop the beeping by pressing the mute button.] I absolutely love this system!! Best features: speaker/hands-free on all units, all buttons clearly marked and intuitive, mute button also stops phone from ringing/beeping, easily programmed/great step-by-step directions, convenient intercom/transfer functions, dial a number from caller ID by adding a "1" and then pressing "send," battery holds charge (out of the recharger) for several days, excellent range, and, finally, I was able to go from five different phones to one standardized system. My only need/wish not met (a minor one) is that there is no clip on the cordless units -- all my old phones had clips, so I was used to clipping it my belt or a pocket and heading to another room or outside. Although I haven't tried it yet, I found an inexpensive clip at Best Buy that can be mounted to the back of the phone. After 3 months, I was so happy with this system that I bought the same one for my elderly in-laws; they also find it easy to see and use, and like the features & standardization (they had three different phones). A great product/value, so far....

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