A cordless phone can afford you the luxury of unrestricted movement over a certain geographical distance as well as the much needed privacy. A cordless phone is almost like a normal telephone with the exception of the wire not being present between the handset and base unit. With a cordless phone you can talk over the phone while moving freely about your home or yard.
The cordless phone is a combination of the telephone and the radio transmitter/receiver. The base and the handset/headset are the two major components in the working of the cordless phone. This type of phone uses radio waves to communicate between the base and the headset, just like walkie-talkies. In a cordless phone, the handset must be periodically returned to the base for it to charge and the base must always be connected to a telephone line and an electric point.
There are three types of cordless phones, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
2.1 - Analog Phones
Analog cordless phones were the first of the ‘cordless kind’ and are relatively cheap. The sound quality in these phones
remains unaffected so long as the headset is in the same room or in a room neighboring to where the base has been kept.
The reception may be affected by interference from electrical appliances such as mixers, microwaves etc.
2.2 - Digital Phones
Digital phones are mid-priced and the sound quality is much better than in analog cordless phones. The
reception range (i.e. the range until that you can take your headset away from the base) is much wider in Digital phones.
2.3 - DSS Phones (digital spread spectrum)
DSS phones are high priced because the quality of the voice/sound and security is advanced as compared to Digital phones.
They randomly change frequencies. Any interference on a particular frequency will trigger the DSS phone to quickly change
to a new frequency. Hence they are less vulnerable to eavesdropping. DSS phones generally have longer range than analogue
or Digital phones
The following are the attributes to consider when buying a cordless phone:
3.1 - Frequency Band
The most commonly used frequencies are 900 MHz, 2.5 MHZ and 5.8 GHz. Phones with higher frequencies give better sound
quality and are less affected by interference, but they also cost more; generally ranging from $ 100 to $ 150. Phones
with 2.5 MHz frequency are widely used. However, these phones should not be used in case you have wireless computer
networking at home or in your office, because many wireless computer networks use the same frequency.
3.2 - Speaker Phone
A speakerphone gives you the flexibility to speak without lifting the headset. This attribute is very useful when waiting
for the recipient to take the call or when you need to stay on hold for long durations. The speaker phone is usually
situated in the base unit.
3.3 - Digital Spread Spectrum (DSS)
Refers to the digital technology introduced in cordless phones. They make the voice sound clearer, hence there is minimum
disturbance during a conversation; also, it prevents eavesdropping/cross connections.
3.4 - Channel Hopping
Channel hopping means, moving (or hopping) from one signal transmission to another (that is the phone changes frequencies
on its own) while the receivers transmission also hops in the same manner. This feature makes it difficult for eavesdroppers
to keep up with the signal, making your telephone conversations more secure. Channel hopping gives clearer transmissions and most phones have channels ranging from 25 to 100 and above. If your phone is said to have 25-channel capability, it does not necessarily mean it is channel hopping on all 25 channels. It merely indicates that your phone can choose between 25 different channels.
3.5 - LCD or LED display
Displays are used to show the dialed number, the phone directory, the battery life, the identity or the number of the
incoming call, how long one has been on the call etc. Make sure that the display is not visibly cramped.
3.6 - Rechargable Battery
Rechargeable batteries supply electric power to the handset. The lowest price would be approximately $0.70 and the
highest would be approximately $2. Rechargeable batteries provide long hours of talk time.
3.7 - Caller ID - Call Waiting
The Caller ID feature displays the name and the number of the incoming call. The call waiting feature allows you to
keep the call on hold and take another call.
3.8 - Conferencing Handsets
This feature allows one to conference between 2 other phone numbers i.e. a three way conversation. But in this case,
the volume is often low between two calls.
3.9 - Phone - Fax Combo
Some cordless phones have a phone and fax combination which can be of great use in your office.
3.10 - Headset Jack - Locator/Pager
Phones with this feature, allow you to plug in a headset for hands free operation. When the headset locator button on the base is pressed, it causes the headset to beep, allowing you to trace its location.
3.11 - Keypad Lighting
A lighted keypad helps one to dial the number even in the dark.
3.12 - Multi-Handset Operation
Some cordless phones allow the use of up to 8 handsets on one base. The handsets can be used as intercoms and they
do not have to be plugged into a phone jack. This gives the user more options on where the handsets can be placed.
In this case only the base unit is plugged into a phone jack.
3.13 - Multi-Line Operation
Some cordless phones are designed to work with two or more lines, although you must subscribe for the extra lines from
your phone company.
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