2 Line Cordless phone

Simplify your life at home or the office with the great features of 2 line cordless phones.

When selecting a 2 line cordless phone, there are two basic types to consider--the newer DECT models (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecom) versus regular analog models which cost less. The analog models don't have the range and interference-free capabilities of the DECT phones which also have longer talk times per charge. DECT phones can allow upto a dozen handsets and conference all of them which analog phones cannot do.  They are slowly becoming the standard and are certain to replace analog phones soon. One good thing about the analogs is the fact that their voice quality is better. However, with the number of wireless devices around, we will probably hear interference which will also diminish the security of our calls as others may be able to intercept our calls. Some newer cordless phones also have bluetooth technology.  In the end, choosing between analog and digital may be moot because the analog phones are disappearing from store shelves very quickly and almost no one makes them any more.

Features:
Many 2 line cordless phones will have speaker phone that will allow you to lay down the phone and carry on a conversation while you get busy with other work. This is becoming very common and you should expect this feature on your phone.

Many will also come with a base key pad that allows you to dial it while you are holding the phone to your ears. This is handy if you have to navigate a lengthy call menu system which asks you to dial many numbers before you get what or whom you need.

You can opt for a large LCD screen that allows you to see dialed information, call waiting and caller ID clearly in any lighting conditions.

You can have the auto-talk feature which lets you pick up the phone and answer without having to press any button.

Caller ID is a commonly available feature and more or less standard on cordless phones nowadays.

You can have multiple handsets, sometimes upto a dozen, as part of a cordless phone system and keep one in every room, some with separate extensions. It becomes possible to use these phones as an intercom system between rooms, say between the parents and kids rooms. And it is possible for the kids to be talking to someone outside on one line while the parents converse in intercom mode on the second line of your 2 line cordless phone.

Many phones will come with an answering system that allows you to play back recorded messages, while some will let you play back in slow motion, skip or speed up the messages.

Many phones will have a mailbox system that allows you to set up mailboxes for each extension, so if a caller does not find someone at home, they can leave a message for the parents extension or any one of the kids extensions that we have set up the answering system to create. The caller will then hear "If you want to leave a message for John, press 2; if you want to leave a message for Mary, press 3.." and so on.

Brands:
The AT&T brand is actually used by the VTech company and has a full range of phones.

The Thomson company uses the GE brand in the US and Canada and it too has a full range of phones.

Panasonic is the high-quality brand in cordless phones and it makes the more expensive phones with the more high-end features like bluetooth, Talking Caller ID, Talking Alarm and a host of other very useful features.

Philips is also a high-end phone maker and focuses on DECT phones. It is new to the phone market.

Uniden makes the cheaper phones but these are made to a high quality and are great values.

VTech is the market leader and is the technology leader. It also owns the AT&T phone brand.

After you have decided which features you want and which ones matter most to you, you should physically test the phones yourself before making a purchase. You should still keep at least one corded phone in your home or office just in case you lose electric power. Chosen properly, you will be amazed at how much simpler a 2 line cordless phone can make your life.

An example of a 2 line cordless phone:

Panasonic KX-TG6702B 2-Line 5.8 GHz FHSS GigaRange Expandable Cordless Phone System with 2 Handsets
Price: $299.99
Panasonic KX-TG6702B 2-Line 5.8 GHz FHSS GigaRange Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System with two handsets

What's Better Than One 5.8 GHz Phone? TWO Panasonic 5.8 GHz Phones:
Now, Panasonic made it easier to enjoy all the benefits of our functional, fashionable and flexible phone systems by putting two in one package. With these 2-in-1 bundle systems you get 1 base unit, 1 charger and 2 handsets. And just like Panasonic's expandable systems you only need one phone jack to operate both handsets. Plus, the bundle phones use Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum technology to ensure great sound, incredible clarity, long range and excellent security from eavesdropping.

Two-Line Operation Helps You Manage Your Calls:
With two-line operation, you can conference in two outside lines to have a three-way conversation. Or place your current call on hold to make another call. Being able to use two phone lines with just one phone makes it convenient and efficient to manage your calls. You can put handsets all over your house-in your kid's rooms or even in the garage-without all the messy wiring or complicated setup. With Pansonic's 5.8 GHz expandable phone systems, you don't need a phone jack for each additional handset-just one for the base unit. So start expanding and forget about all your wiring worries.

Long Range, Clear Sound, Minimal Interference:
Our 5.8 GHz Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum technology operates on a different wavelength with much less traffic than the 2.4 GHz technology while maintaining the great security, incredible clarity and long range. Have a wireless computer network, or thinking about getting one? 5.8 GHz technology will not interfere with wireless networks such as 802.11b or 802.11g WiFi.

All-Digital Answering System:
This phone system is equipped with an all-digital answering system for quick, easy retrieval of crystal-clear messages. Message operation has never been easier, with up to 60 minutes of recording time, plus such features as pre-recorded outgoing message, remote operation, Tollsaver, and skip-and-repeat. And don't worry about losing your messages when the power goes out-they're stored in flash memory so they're unaffected by power failure
More Info

Review snippets:
"...I've scattered the 7 receivers away from the base throughout our (single level) large home and find they all sound just as clear as when they're held next to the base. The recording system is easy to operate and with all the expected extras for a high-level telephone of this price, this system completely fulfills my expectations. I strongly recommend this telephone..."

"...Biggest peeve: every incoming call shows as a "Missed Call" on all the handsets where the call was not answered, including calls answered by the answering machine of the base unit. So you end up with a meaningless tally of Missed Calls in the display. Also, it does not indicate when I have a message waiting on my phone service provider's voice mail system..."

"...the menu functionality requires too many steps to get to the phone book and find a number. I purchased this because I have another Panasonic with a very easy menu system and thought this would be the same, except it has two lines in..."

Make your life easier with a 2 line corldess phone.