Features

Standard cordless phone features include handset earpiece volume control, handset ringer, last-number redial, a pager to locate the handset, a flash button to answer call waiting, and a low-battery indicator.

LCD Screen

Found on many handsets and on some bases, this can display a personal phone directory and useful information such as the name and/or number dialed, caller ID, battery strength, or how long you've been connected. Caller ID displays the name and number of a caller and the date and time of the call if you use your phone company's caller ID service. If you have caller ID with call waiting, the phone will display data on a second caller when you're already on the phone.

Two-line support

These can receive calls for two phone numbers--useful if you have, say, a business line and a personal line that you'd like to use from a single phone. Some of the phones have two ringers, each with a distinctive pitch to let you know which line is ringing. The two-line feature also facilitates conferencing two callers in three-way connections. Some two-line phones have an auxiliary jack data port to plug in a fax, modem, or other phone device that can also be useful.

Speakerphone

This cordless phone feature offers a hands-free way to converse or wait on hold and lets others chime in as well. A base speakerphone lets you answer a call without the handset; a handset speakerphone lets you chat hands-free anywhere in the house as long as you stay within a few feet of the handset.

Base keypad

This supplements the keypad on the handset. It's handy for navigating menu-driven systems because you don't have to take the phone away from your ear to punch the keys. Some phones have a lighted keypad that either glows in the dark or lights up when you press a key, or when the phone rings. That makes the phone easier to use in low-light conditions. All phones have a handset ringer, and many phones have a base ringer. Some let you turn them on or off, adjust the volume, or change the auditory tone.

Headset jack

Many cordless phones have a headset jack on the handset and include a belt clip for carrying the phone. This cordless phone feature allows hands-free conversation anywhere in the house. Some phones have a headset jack on the base, which allows hands-free conversation without any drain on the handset battery. Headsets are usually sold separately for about $20.

Auto-talk

Other convenient cordless phone features include auto-talk, which lets you lift the handset off the base for an incoming call and start talking without having to press a button, and any-key answer. Some phones have a side volume control on the handset conveniently placing the control for adjusting volume while you're on a call.

Battery holder

Some phones provide a battery holder for battery backup--a compartment in the base to charge a spare handset battery pack or to hold alkaline batteries for base-power backup, either of which can enable the phone to work on a traditional landline service if you lose household AC power. Still, it's wise to keep a corded phone somewhere in your home.

Multiple handsets

Some multiple-handset-capable phones allow conversation between handsets in an intercom mode and facilitate conferencing handsets with an outside party. In intercom mode, the handsets have to be within range of the base for handset-to-handset use. Others lack this handset-conferencing capability; they allow you to transfer calls to another handset, but they don't allow more than one handset to take part in a call. Still other phones allow direct communication between handsets, so you can take them with you to use like walkie-talkies. Some phones can register up to 12 handsets, for example, but that doesn't mean you can use all 12 at once. You might be able to use two for handset-to-handset intercom, while two others conference with an outside party. With some models, it's possible to buy a replacement handset and charging cradle in case one breaks. With others, you'll have to purchase an entirely new system to keep that extension.

Caller ID

Some phones have Caller ID alerts. A phone with distinctive ring capability allows you to hear who is calling by associating the calling number with a specific ring tone. Some are visual, so you can tell who's calling by the handset display or the antenna flashing a particular color. Phones with talking Caller ID, also referred to as Caller ID announce, speak the name of the caller, which is useful because you don't have to view the display to know who's calling.

Mailboxes

Most phone-answerers have one mailbox. Some answerers have several mailboxes to which a caller can direct a voice message to an individual family member, or to separate business and personal calls, for example. That allows the convenience of listening to messages meant just for you.

Advanced playback controls

Most answerers can skip to the next message, skip back to a previous message, and repeat a message. But some also have fast playback for listening to messages more quickly, slow playback for deciphering a garbled message, and rewind to replay any message segment. Some models also have an audible message alert, typically a beep, that lets you know you have new messages without having to go look at the answerers' visual new message indicator. Some phones allow you to listen to messages from the handset and might even allow you to access to other answerer functions, such as recording your greeting; that offers more privacy and convenience.

See also:

Skype

Wireless carriers

Special Section:
Apple's iPhone

Cell phones