Abstract

A nice, no-nonsense, durable, highly usable multi-handset phone system.  Using DECT at 1.9GHz to avoid interference with other devices, this phone system offers an answering machine, and allows up to 6 handsets (ships with 1, 2, or 3, depending on package).  Gets the job done.  Good build quality.  I recommend it.

Summary of product

DECT1080-3: DECT 6.0 Cordless Digital Answering System with Caller ID and 2 Extra Handset and Charging Cradles
Utilizing the newly ratified DECT 6.0 frequency band, this phone provides the clearest voice reception available and can easily be used with Wireless Home Networking (WLAN) systems without negative impact. This phone offers state-of-the-art technology that provides brilliant sound and maximum voice security without interference from other wireless devices.

Expected/Wanted Usage Model

- I hate cordless phones.  Typical complaints: battery life, poor reception, poor user interfaces
- Replacing an old Siemens 2.4 GHz system that interfered with 802.11b/g networks.
- I have 802.11 a/b/g networks in use, so a system that did not interfere was critical.
- Scalability is key
- UI and build quality is essential.  I need phones that last, and I need my parents to be able to figure out how to use the phones.

Initial Comments / Build quality

- Sweet.  These keys remind me of the HP calculator keys.  They click in.  Nice tactile feedback.
- UI is intuitive; I programmed the whole thing, plugged in all the handsets around the house, set the OGM, configured all 3 handsets with descriptors in under 10 minutes.
- Nice UI feedback
- I miss the headphone jack.  I knew it didn't have one, but this was an acceptable loss of functionality.

Product Documentation

http://www.uniden.com/pdf/DECT1080-2om.pdf
http://www.uniden.com/products/productdetail.cfm?product=DECT1080-2

Advertised Capabilities

DECT 6.0 Interference Free Cordless Frequency - (1.9 GHz Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications)
Extra Caller ID Handset and Charger Included
Digital Answering System - The product utilizes microchip technology (no more tapes or moving parts.) This ensures clearer recordings and longer life.
Clearest Voice Reception
Brilliant Sound
Maximum Voice Security
Whole House Coverage
Wireless Network Friendly
Expandable - Register 6 Handsets to 1 Base
Multi-Base Feature - Register 1 Handset with up to 4 Bases
Conference Call - You can hold a 3-way conversation (conference call) between your handset, an external caller and another internal handset user.
Caller ID/Call Waiting* - (*Requires a telephone company service subscription)
Handset Speakerphone - This feature gives you the freedom to use the handset as a speakerphone.
V-Quad Technology (4 Way Voice Enhancer)
Intercom or Call Transfer Between Handsets
Talk Time - 16 Hours
Standby 7 Days
Personalized Ringers
Last 10 Number Redial
100 Handset Phonebook Numbers
30 Caller ID Handset Memory Locations
Copy Phonebook from Handsets
Clock Display
Reminders & Alarm
Trilingual Menu Displays - English / French / Spanish
NiMH Battery Included

Discussion

First, let me explain, in case you didn't know:  I hate gadgets.  I hate toys.  I don't own a cellular phone, and I don't walk around with any technology except my analog kinetic wristwatch from Seiko (because I'll never have to change the battery in it.)
Cell phones with cameras, colour screens, and games are a waste of time.  I want a phone with good battery life, good reception.  Features that don't contribute to battery life, usability, or reception are useless to me.  New cellphones lack any of these improvements.

I'm the same way with cordless phones.  To be truly 'cordless' - the battery needs to last sufficiently long that I forget about the fact that there's a bettery inside.  If I can get a better user experience in a corded phone (like a Vista 3xx series phone) - I'd rather have that.  I'd rather have a speakerphone with EXCELLENT noise cancellation.  So, $30 cordless phones are cut.  Out of the question.  I'm using an ancient Bell Vista phone on my desk - because the thing works.  It has a nice, heavy handset that reminds you that you're holding onto a phone.  I love it.  Period.

I like this phone set.  The buttons are properly built - excellent tactile feedback.  Nice weight distribution.  Reported/advertised talktime is quite decent.  (Yes, battery replacements are necessary every few years... that's fine.)  I haven't tried remote retrieval of phone messages.

It seems a bit small - but I think it's still a decent size - not too small, not too big.  Nice to grip onto with one hand while talking.

Nice ring selection - nice speakerphone/ringer unit.

Almost immediately detects line use on another extension/handset.  And it properly displays system status/state with icons, and text.  No nasty LEDs.  Nicely backlit screen - never obtrusive.

Well written manual - gets to the point.  Concise yet informative.  I flipped through for reference only.  I didn't discover any features that didn't already make sense to me, or any features that I hadn't already configured.  But if you're not able to figure it out - I think the manual would be quite helpful.  I also love that it's available via PDF. =)

What I liked
- DECT.  Sound quality seems really good; range is excellent, as far as I can tell.  It meets my needs.
- NiMH batteries.  Good.  No nasty NiCd.
- Build quality.  Battery attachment/compartment seemed a bit sketchy, though.  Oh well.  Won't be opening the door much.
- Ability to check phone messages on any phone unit.
- Nice processor.  I type phone numbers in fast, and there's NO lag on this unit.  I can type as fast as I want, and it doesn't lose my input.
- Ability to secure base station with 4 digit PIN to avoid rogue handsets.
- Got another phone line?  Get another base station.  Each handset can register to up to 4 base stations.  That's nice.  (I haven't tested the use of TWO base stations simultaneously, though.)

What I didn't like
- Screen seems limited.  Could be higher resolution; would certainly deliver a nicer user experience.
- Lack of a headphone jack.  (But you really should get a GN Networks cordless headset if that's what you intend to use it for, you know?)
- I wish it used AA NiMH instead of AAA NiMH
- I wish it would sync with my Outlook phone contacts.  (Yeah right!  Not at this price range!)
- I wish it would automatically add inbound calls to my phonebook, since I'm never going to manually transfer phone numbers into the thing.

Conclusions and Recommendations
Stop buying the $30 cordless phones.  Invest in one of these units, or go to Bell and find a Nortel corded phone, with a nice speakerphone.

The buttons are nice and solid.  Good tactile feedback, and good UI to drive the phone.  CDN$185 after all damages for 3 handsets, digital answering machine, digital cordless phone on DECT 1.9GHz.  I recommend it.

Got mine at costco.ca with membership.