Ooma Telo DECT 6.0 Cordless Handset (100-0200-300) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this phone as a bonus freebie with a paid one-year Premium subscription on the ooma Telo. I chose the handset because you must have at least one ooma Telo handset to use the second line feature (available with Premium subscription) of the Telo, and I liked the idea of being able to access my Telo voicemails from the handset. But, when the handset arrived, I was a bit disappointed (see below the feature lists for Positives/Negatives and comparison).
Notable Handset Features:
DECT 6.0 technology
Intercom between handsets
Online phonebook
Caller ID
One-touch voicemail access
Speakerphone
Call log
Premier-enabled Handset Features:
Instant 2nd line
Do not disturb
Send to voicemail
Personal number
Private voicemail
Call screening
Phone Menu Features:
Do not disturb mode
Call Forwarding mode
Auto Answer
Auto Hangup
Voicemail speaker mode
Call screening (you can remotely listen to voicemails as they are left, and pick up in the middle)
Incoming call ring
Ringer volume
Earpiece volume
Speaker volume
Handset software update feature (must place phone in charger base)
NOTE: At the time the handset was released, the Telo base only supported ONE handset. Ooma plans to release a future firmware around 12/4/2009 that will enable more than one handset.
Battery pack note: The handset uses a NiMH battery pack, model HB1001.
Positives:
1. You can turn on "Do not disturb", to prevent ringing.
2. Apparently, you can set Call Forwarding, though I haven't done so.
3. You can screen calls from the handset, when away from the Telo base unit.
4. You can retrieve voicemails from the Telo without being at the base unit.
5. Even when someone else is using the primary Telo phone line (with Premium service), you can make outgoing calls on "line 2". That's handy when you have others trying to use the phone a the same time. You can't access the "second line" of the Telo base unless you use the Telo handset.
6. Using the handset, you can send a call to voicemail by pressing a button. That is handy if someone has something that you want to write down but don't have a pen and paper handy. You can pick it back up using the call screening feature.
7. You can get a second phone number and assign it as a private line to a particular handset, with its own voice mail.
Negatives:
1. It has no headset jack, doesn't seem to support a wireless headset. It does have a speakerphone feature, but I prefer a headset for privacy.
2. I'm not a fan of how it is shaped. The back of the phone is smooth and round, but where the face meets the outer edge, the phone has a sharp edge. My personal preference is for rounded corners because it just feels better.
3. The contrast of the handset's LCD is not very good. Even on maximum, it looks a bit faint to me, regardless of the angle of viewing, in a normally lit room. Also, the typeset used on the LCD is tiny, which might be hard on older eyes.
4. The charging base has a very bright blue LED on the front (similar to the Telo base's blue backlighting but brighter). If it is put anywhere in visual range, it is very distracting, especially in a dark room. Taping over that LED might help.
5. The Telo handset is supposed to have HD call quality, but I haven't noticed better call quality than that of my Panasonic KX-TG6445. In fact, it sounds a bit more tinny and metallic than my Panasonic, with a slight hiss in the background. That sound quality comparison is when comparing the Panasonic connected to the telephone input on the Telo base.
Comparison to Panasonic KX-TG6445 Panasonic Dect 6.0 Titanium Black Cordless Phone with Answering Machine (KX-TG6445T):
I bought the Panasonic set specifically to go with the Telo base unit since I could put the base in my closet (with my Telo base unit and Internet router), and then have cordless access around the house. I bought the Panasonic set because the Telo handsets weren't available at the time I bought my Telo base. The Panasonic phone has a headset jack, and a belt clip. The Panasonic also has larger type on the LCD than the Telo handset, with better contrast. The LCD quality, features, call quality, and feel in my hand are all superior to the ooma Telo handset. Also, the Panasonic uses generic AA-size NiMH rechargable batteries, which can be cheaply replaced when they wear out.
I realize this is ooma's first handset, but I wish they had done a better job. If they had used the Panasonic as a benchmark, they would have put out a much better phone. Unless you plan on using the second line or other special features of the ooma Telo, you don't need the handset. The voicemail and call screening features are available from the Telo base unit.

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Get the most out of your Ooma Telo with the official Ooma Telo Cordless Handset. Thanks to DECT 6.0 technology, the handset provides enhanced sound quality as well as security. It places all of Ooma's features at your fingertips, including one-touch voicemail access, second line service, and phonebook access. If you're an Ooma Premier subscriber, the handset also allows you to take full advantage of advanced features like private voicemail and personal number settings. Quite simply, you'll be able to enjoy premium phone features without having to worry about nickel-and-dime service fees.
NOTE: The handset requires an Ooma Telo (sold separately.) Each Ooma Telo can support up to four handsets. Ooma: The New Way to Call Switching to Ooma lets you enjoy all the benefits of a local and long distance telephone service, but without the high costs or monthly bills. By adding an Ooma Telo to your landline and to your high-speed Internet service, you can make calls anywhere in the United States for free, without any monthly charges. At the same time, international calls will be pennies on the dollar. And by replacing your landline with an Ooma Telo Cordless Handset, you can immediately access all the great calling features that Ooma offers.
DECT 6.0 Technology for Maximum Clarity The Ooma Telo's sound quality has often been described as "better than a landline." With the Ooma Handset, you'll enjoy even greater clarity. It features DECT 6.0 technology, which guarantees reception and security without interfering with your local Wi-Fi network. It also maximizes your handset's range, allowing you to wander freely about your house while talking. Advanced Voicemail Features The Ooma Handset helps you make the most of Ooma's superior voicemail options. At the touch of a button, you can listen to your voicemail from anywhere in your house. If you're screening your calls, you can activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode and forward all of your calls to voicemail. You can even record your calls to voicemail by pressing the "Sent to Voicemail" button after you've picked up the phone.Online Phonebook Access The Ooma Handset allows you to download your entire online phonebook and access it at any time. You'll be able to look up and dial numbers from anywhere in the house, without having to refer to your address book first.Caller ID for Effective Call Screening With the Ooma Handset, you'll know who's calling before you answer the phone. The Ooma Handset displays the incoming caller's number, allowing you to avoid unwanted calls. If you don't recognize the caller, you'll have the option to listen to their message first and then decide whether you want to pick up.Instant Second Line If you share your house with a phone hog, Ooma's Instant Second Line feature presents a solution for you. When the line is already in use, you can simply pick up a second Ooma Handset and get a fresh dial tone. Up to two separate calls can be made simultaneously. Personal Number With an affordable Ooma Premier subscription, you'll gain access to the Personal Number feature. This feature allows you to create a unique phone number for everyone in the family. Multiple numbers can be mapped to the same handset, but you can make each number ring distinctively so you know who the call is for. Up to nine additional numbers are allowed.
Add Unwanted Callers to Your Blacklist The Ooma Handset also allows you to instantly add unwanted callers to your blocked list. If telemarketers are harassing you, simply press the "Blacklist" button to avoid future calls.Loud, Clear Speakerphone The Ooma Handset features a built-in speakerphone with loud and crisp sound. When you need to multitask, just activate the speakerphone for hands-free conversation.
Intercom With the intercom feature, you can use multiple Ooma handsets like walkie-talkies to communicate with family members from room to room. You can also use the intercom to transfer calls between different handsets.
Detailed Call Log The Ooma Handset's detailed call log helps you keep a meticulous record of your phone history. It allows you to view all incoming calls, outgoing calls, and call duration.
What's in the Box Ooma Telo Handset, cradle, A/C adapter, battery.

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