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CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 04/27/2006
As more people ditch their landline phones and transition to an exclusively cellular lifestyle, they may encounter a few problems. For one thing, cell phones are not getting any bigger (hello, Motorola Razr), and the tinier models aren't comfortable to hold against your head for long conversations. What's more, you may not get a signal everywhere in your house or your office. Fortunately, however, there are alternatives with products such as the Dock-N-Talk from Phone Labs. Similar to the CellDock but much improved, Dock-N-Talk lets you sync most any mobile with a landline home or office phone for more comfortable gabbing throughout your residence or workplace. Of course, you'll need to place the unit where you can get good cell reception, but that should be about the biggest problem you face when using this functional and user-friendly product.
One major downside, however, is the price. Not only is the Dock-N-Talk itself fairly expensive at $149.99 (for a hunk of plastic, no less), but you must fork over an additional $19.99 for a cell phone cable. And since the cables don't have universal connectors, you will need multiple cables if you own multiple cell phones. Alternatively, you can use a Bluetooth module to sync with your cell phone, which is a nice touch, but it will run you another $79.99.
Unlike some other docking stations we've reviewed--the Motorola SD4500 and the RCA Cell Phone Docking System, for example--the Dock-N-Talk does not come with a landline phone. Phones Labs will sell you its own cordless model for $119.99, but Dock-N-Talk is best for people who already have one on hand. And keep in mind that you don't need an active landline connection in your home to use Dock-N-Talk.
The main component of Dock-N-Talk is a plastic box measuring 4.25 by 4.25 by 1.25 inches and weighing 5.5 ounces. The small size means you can place it on smaller shelves, but its construction feels a bit cheap. Beyond the ports for the telephone cords, the AC adapter, and the cell phone cable/Bluetooth module, the only features on the exterior of the console are a small LED, a Bluetooth-pairing control, and a ringer setup button. The color is basic gray, which is offset by a wavy black stripe. It's nondescript, to say the least, but it's just a docking station, after all, so we didn't think anything of it.
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