Evaluate how well a Cordless Phone meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a cordless phone and you've learned about the different features of cordless phones. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of cordless phone - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the cordless phones available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed cordless phones to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Cordless Phone meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available cordless phones in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any cordless phones that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any cordless phones that clearly exceed your price limit.
There are two main components of cordless phones: the base and the handset.
The base is connected to a phone line just like other types of phone. When you pick up the phone and start talking, the base receives electrical signals and transforms them into an FM radio signal. Most new cordless phones operate on a 2.4GHz or 5.8 GHz range. This signal is sent to the handset, which is the device you listen and talk into.
Once the radio signal reaches the handset, it becomes an electrical signal again and becomes the sound you hear. The reverse happens using a second radio signal when you talk into the handset.
The ability to talk and listen on a cordless phone is called duplex frequency.
There are three aspects to consider when using a cordless phone: range, sound quality, and security.
The range of your phone is the amount of area you can cover in your home before the phone loses its signal. Many phones have a range of 900 to 928 GHz, which is about 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Commercial grade cordless phones can have a range up to 5 miles!
Tip: When finding a place to set up the base, you should choose an area that is not blocked by walls, doors, or other surfaces such as cabinets as these will reduce the range in which you will be able to use your phone. Place the base in the central area of your home if possible.
Sound quality is an important feature you need to consider when buying a cordless phone. Older, inexpensive models tend to be fuzzy, and contain more static than newer models, but if you are on a budget these phones will do the job.
Many cordless phones have different channels you can use if your phone is fuzzy. Channels spilt radio frequencies so they can carry electrical signals more efficiently.
Tip: Analog and digital radio signals are both used in cordless phones. Older phones use analog, while new phones use digital. For the best sound quality, choose a digital cordless phone as you will receive a clear sound each time.
Depending on which radio signal your cordless phone uses, your conversation may be heard by other people who have cordless phones, baby monitors, or CB units. If you discuss sensitive material on the telephone - as you might if you run a home office, for instance - or you just have concerns about privacy or safety, then security features will be important considerations. Cordless phones that use digital technology and have a radio signal of at least 900 GHz are the most secure phones on the market.
Tip: Digital spread spectrum (DSS) was introduced in 1995 and will offer even more security than analog and digital technologies.
If you work from home or you want multiple handsets so you can have phone access in the garage and outbuildings as well as multiple rooms in the home, intercom and transfer facilities will probably be on your list of desirable features. You may also want other additional features such as voicemail and caller ID.
When you were considering your requirements in a cordless phone it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as range, additional features, battery life and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various cordless phones meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Cordless phone base size
- 9.85 in. x 7.64 in. x 3.66 in. weight: 1.64lb.
- 9 in. x 8 in. x 5 in. weight: 2.4lb.
- 9.77 in. x 5.52 in. x 2.8 in. weight: 1.1lb.
Cordless phone handset size:
- 2.09 in. x 1.58 in. x 9.53 in. weight: 0.49lb.
- 2.09 in. x 1.58 in. x 9.53 in. weight: 0.49lb.
- 1.7in. x 1.2in. x 7.5in. weight: 5.1oz.
Range
- 43 to 50 MHz - older model cordless phones (models manufactured before 1990); Analog technology
- 900 MHz - models manufactured after 1990; Analog technology
- 900MHz - models manufactured after 1994; digital technology
- 2.4 GHz - models manufactured after 1998; digital technology and digital spread spectrum (DSS)
- 5.8 GHz - models manufactured after 1998; digital technology and DDS
Channels (used to gauge security and clarity of sound)
- 43 to 50 MHz - 10 to 25 channels
- 900 MHz - 20 to 60 channels
- 900 MHz to 2.4 or 5.8 GHz - 50 to 100 channels
Battery
- Talk time: 270 to 780 minutes
- Standby time: 100 to 264 hours
Mounting
- Wall mountable (bracket included in most models)
- Table top
- Beltclip
- Water resistant
Additional Features (features will vary on model)
- Caller ID
- Call Waiting
- Speakerphone
- Handset Locator
- Intercom
- Voice Mail
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
- Headset jack
- 2 way radio
- Hearing aid compatible
Cables (most models include these cables)
- Audio
- USB
- Phone line cable
Antenna
Expandability (most cordless phones include one handset with purchase, but are able to handle more)
- 1 to 90 cordless handsets
Warranty/Support
- 1 year service and support
- 1 year limited parts warranty
- Two or three year extended warranty (only available on certain models - additional cost involved)
- User's manual
- Customer service via phone
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your cordless phone needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a cordless phone.
Once you have finished evaluating the cordless phones available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the cordless phones one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Cordless Phone compares with competing Cordless Phones
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of cordless phones that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of cordless phones that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which cordless phone on my short-list is the best value for money?
Which cordless phone is the best price?
Which cordless phone has the best features and benefits?
Which cordless phone is the easiest to use?
Which cordless phone seems of the highest quality?
Which cordless phone has the best coverage?
Which cordless phone best meets all of my needs?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating cordless phones that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the cordless phone, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the item is put together. It's also important to examine the item from the perspective of ease of use. How easily are components removed for cleaning and maintenance? Are the buttons and program features easy to use? Make sure the item is manageable - some phones look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labelled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use different batteries to those recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour, Mechanical, Electrical
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories, Extras and Consumables
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - does your phone line have to meet any specifications, for instance? What about a contract or service plan? It's also important to consider consumables, such as batteries - some products have higher associated costs than others.
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost
- Upgrades - will the product needs upgrades, what are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work or interfere with your existing products?
- Consumables - how often and how much?
- Contracts or Service Plans - conditions, penalties, costs
- What else will you need to enjoy this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of cordless phones that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
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