DeskDECT Cordless Desktop Phone

10 January 2005

 

Introduction

DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) phones are everywhere. Many manufacturers have models on the market and almost everyone seems to have a DECT phone in the home. But whereas these handsets are convenient, particularly now that we are seeing colour screens and mobile-style menu systems, they are not always suitable for office use. I, for one, prefer to use a desktop phone with hands-free operation when I am at work. DECTsys have plugged his gap with its new generation of DECT desktop and PABX systems.

The DECTsys 2200 is a full-featured PABX control system which supports two PSTN lines and allows for up to 15 GAP-compatible phones to be registered to the base unit. All the features you may expect from a PABX system are there, such as line access priority, call barring, conference calling and caller ID with call forwarding. Perhaps the best feature of all is that it is, of course, wireless. This knocks installation costs down to zero and if you've ever had to pay for a PABX installation then you'll know what a big deal that is.

Of course, you can register your existing handsets if you wish, but I was interested in the DeskDECT desktop phone. If you spend as long connected to call centres as I do (and who doesn't?) then you simply can't beat a desktop speaker-phone.

The DeskDECT is incredibly light, so much so that it is a little off-putting at first. But you soon to get used to it and the build quality doesn't suffer because of it.

Again, features abound, including caller ID, 50-number memory, call forwarding, call duration display and music on hold (good to get your own back). But the range of ring tones are awful, sounding like something tortuous being done to a chicken, and I would like to see an upgrade.

Where it counts – reception and range – the phone is flawless. DECT handsets can often interfere with other electronic equipment, such as hi-fi or computer speakers, but there is no hint of it with the DeskDECT. It also maintains this clarity over its indoor 50m range. The battery supports 10 hours of talk time, which could be better but is nonetheless adequate.

Conclusion

I liked DeskDECT phone, but I wanted more from it. I would like to see a larger, colour display. Like some systems on the market, I would like the base unit to be able to read SIM cards. And those damn ring tones. But this is what product life cycle is all about. Hopefully, DECTsys knows it is on a winner and will continue to improve the range.

If you want a desktop cordless, then the DeskDECT is the one for you; just register the phone to your existing base station. But if you run a small business or are a power home-office user with two phone lines, then the DECTsys 2200 will be music in your ears [sic].