Entered CNET Catalog: 04/25/2004
SKU: 0037988474455
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
Crystal-clear sound, digital security features and smart styling. With GIGARANGE digital technology, you enjoy both the freedom to walk and talk in comfort and the use of added-value functions such as "Talking Call Display." Available in areas that offer a Call Display service, Talking Call Display vocally states an incoming caller's name. You'll enjoy a host of other easy-to-use GIGARANGE Digital functions too, such as Voice Enhancer and Hands Free Speakerphone.Product summary
The good: Solid range with minimal interference issues; well-proportioned buttons on handset and base; features talking caller ID (for subscribers); includes handy extras such as a belt clip and a shoulder-rest attachment; impressive battery life.
The bad: Calls sound echoey; doesn't accept extra handsets; offers only single-line operation; handset feels heavy; base has large footprint.
The bottom line: Large buttons and talking caller-ID capability make this phone a decent choice for people with less than perfect vision.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/30/2004
At 8 by 6 inches, the KX-TG2356S's base takes up more room than we'd like; however, its speakerphone and large, ergonomically placed buttons make up for the hefty footprint. The receiver, which measures 6.5 by 1.8 by 1 inches, isn't bulky as handsets go, though it feels heavier than it needs to be. Heft isn't always a disadvantage, however, as the keypad is amply spaced, and the numbers are large enough that you can easily read them. The keys' green backlight further increases this visibility. Above the number pad, you'll find the Talk and End buttons, which are slightly recessed; we're assuming this helps one avoid accidentally hanging up when cradling the handset--a nice touch. In addition, you'll find an orange speakerphone key, a menu button, and two keys for navigating through menu functions (such as the phone book) on the backlit LCD. Amid them all is a large volume rocker, which also scans and adjusts menu options in addition to controlling sound during a call; the ringer volume is accessed through the menu.
The KX-TG2356S has a good range of features, although it's missing a handset-expansion option, as is available in the KX-TG2357 model, as well as multiline capabilities. Among the system's more standard offerings are a 50-entry phone book, selectable ring tones, caller ID (for subscribers), and full-duplex speakerphones on both the handset and the base. Two features, however, really distinguish the KX-TG2356S. The first is caller IQ, which lets you download information such as weather reports, horoscopes, sports scores, and ringer melodies to the phone from OpenLCR, a site dedicated to providing such information; free registration is required. The second standout is talking caller ID (subscription is necessary), which speaks the name of the caller if they're from an area where name display service is available. If not, the digital voice (which can be set up to come from the base, the handset, or both) states, "Number available," "Call from out of area," "Call from private caller," or "Call from long distance;" you can also turn off the option. We have to admit this is a nice luxury, especially for those who are afflicted with poor vision or are just plain lazy. Panasonic also includes less technical extras, such as a belt clip and a highly appreciated shoulder-cradle attachment.
In all, the Panasonic KX-TG2356S performed decently in our tests. We wandered more than 150 feet from the base before the signal broke up, and we experienced little to no interference, even when wandering through a Wi-Fi-heavy building. Sound quality, however, was disappointing: calls sounded tinny and always had a slight echo. The phone redeemed itself slightly with its above-average battery life. We eked out 7 hours of talk time, and as of this writing, the phone was 13 days off the hook and still alive (rated times are 5 hours and 11 days, respectively).
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2out of 2 user reviews
Great for me!
Pros: Talking Caller ID,Music ringtones,Backlighted keys,long battery life,confrence calls
Cons: Bulky,Fuzy speaker phone,answering machine wont reset
out of 2 user reviews
nothing but problems....
Pros: talking caller id, mute button, backlit keypad
Cons: keys stick and answering machine cuts off messages
