The review about this product
Panasonic KX-TG7645M DECT 6.0 Link-to-Cell via Bluetooth Cordless Phone with Answering System, Metallic Gray, 5 Handsets (Office Product) I bought this phone system to replace my six year old uniden 5.8GHz system, which I had nine handsets in use. I was down to only a few handsets that were still working, and my option was to purchase new batteries for the phones, which would have set me back around $5 or more per handset. So, new batteries for six handsets would have cost me $30, and I was really interested in an upgrade.
I researched and liked the reviews on the Panasonic phones in the Dect 6.0 category. In my searching, I found this system with the link to cell feature, and what appeared to be basically the same system without the link to cell system. The pricing for the systems were approximately $130 and $100 respectively. Both systems were identical with five handsets, and the additional feature of having my cell phone linked into the home system sounded great, but when I pulled the information up on the internet for the link to cell feature, my Palm phones were not listed. I am looking at replacing cell phones in the next four to six months, so I went ahead and chose the link to cell feature.
First off, after owning several different cordless phones in the past twenty plus years, the power for the handsets being supplied by two AAA batteries is a plus. If you've shopped for replacement batteries, you've seen price tags on replacement batteries that replacing all batteries could set you back more than the phone system did originally two years prior. These handsets use standard rechargeable AAA batteries, which you can find at grocery stores or just about anywhere these days for a competetive price.
Setup was simple, with unpacking the box, attaching cords to charging bases, installing batteries, and plugging everything in took approximately 15 - 20 minutes. Programming, depending on how many features you will use, will take you anywhere from 10 minutes, or much longer. I did not find any major challenge to the setup, and there is a quick start guide included.
Although my Palm phone was not listed as being supported by this system, I thought I'd try it anyway. First try, and it connected to the system. I was able to receive calls to my cell phone on the home system, and in addition, use the home system to make calls using my cell phone. You can also download your cell phone's contact listing, which I did successfully with little effort.
My wife and I both have Palm phones, and I have the system set up to connect to both phones when each of us is home. The description was not clear, and I believed I read a review that indicated that only one cell phone could be connected at a time, however, we have both connected and when one rings, it goes through the system. One note of caution is that the connection is anytime your phone is in range (approximately thirty feet) and if our phones are several rooms apart from the base unit, the sound could be affected when answering or making calls through the system via your cell phone. A habit of placing your cell phone on a charger within range of the base unit when home would be recommended if you are using the auto connect mode.
I have a fairly large house, and have used this phone in every room with success, as well as outside the house with no issues with sound clarity until I'm at least 150 feet from the base unit when outside. If you have an outbuilding or a distant location, the range extender would probably be a good idea, but my just under 4000 square foot home has no issues with the range of this unit, and I can carry the phone to my adjoining neigbors properties with success...
Also, if you lose power in your home, by leaving a handset in the base unit, it will maintain power to the base for several hours, and allow you to use another handset to make calls with the system. I've tested this option, and it works good, although it takes a few seconds for the backup power to kick in. I don't know if this would be an issue if you were on a call, but you'd be able to call back within about ten seconds of the power going out...
The price is great for what I am able to get out of this system. My only complaint, which is minor, is with the handsets being a little larger than many. Not a deal breaker, but I'd be happier with a slightly smaller handset. The charging base does not have a light on it to indicate the phone is charging, however, a light on the handset does light when placed in the charger for charging. The battery level meter on the phone is much better than any other cordless phone I've seen on the market.
I'd recommend this phone to anyone needing a new phone system or upgrading their current system. Great range, AAA rechargeable batteries, and the link to cell feature are all features that should appeal to a large percentage of the population. For the thirty dollar difference, the cell phone linking is a great option...
Update: 2-9-12
I've been using this phone for nearly six months now, and I've had no problems with the system at all. The range is nearly double the 5.8 Ghz range, determined by taking a handset in the neighborhood while walking my dog, and this with the base unit located in the basement, as opposed to the first floor of my house. With the optional range extender added (about $30) and placed in the upper floors of the house, I'd expect the range to increase by about 50%, but I can easily reach neighbor houses 2 - 3 houses away, about 200 - 300 feet, so I don't need any more range in my use. I've had a few power outages, and with my phone going through my cable modem, and the system connected directly to the cable modem, I've had no break in phone service leaving a handset in the base and the modem running off it's back-up battery. Nothing tested over a few hours, so I can't atest to the timeframe this would work for, but a feature that does work from my experience.
I upgraded to iPhones, and setting the iPhones up with the system was extremely easy. Basically removing one phone, and adding another. I have had minor issues with the iPhone connecting automatically to the Bluetooth, but with it being a distance away, that could be the issue, noting that I've moved the system to the basement and the iPhones are more likely to be on the first or second floors, a significant distance with floors and walls in between the base and cellphones. This could be an iPhone issue, as it does not readily connect to other Bluetooth devices readily also.
Anyway, still recommending this system to anyone needing a new phone system. Even if you don't use the cell link, you have a great system and that option down the road if you ever need it.
UPDATE 2-19-13:
It has been a year and a half since I upgraded to this phone system, and it works as well as the day I set it up. No static, the handsets all work flawlessly, and the range is more than adequate. With the base unit in my basement, I can roam anywhere in my house with no issues, as well as my immediate neighbors' properties, without any issues. I do not know what the life will be on the batteries, as all of my phones seem to be doing well when it comes to battery life. Some have been left off the chargers for five days and still have a decent charge left on them. I do know that when the batteries do need replacing, it will be a much easier and cheaper than the battery packs that needed replacement in cordless phones in years past.
Furthermore, since we loved this system so well, we purchased the same system for my parents to replace the phones they had for many years. I was able to purchase the system for under $100 back before Christmas in 2012. I still consider this a bargain system priced in the $125 - $150 range, given it has five handsets, and the clarity is excellent. If you find this system for under $100, and need a cordless phone system, that is definately a buy point...
