Strengths: Nice display, ability to import phones from PCs, ability to have cell phone style addressing
Summary: I bought this handset to go with a KX-TGA5777S unit I recently picked up. You can check out the review below from the 5777 unit, but I do think that this is the device you'd like if you have a base series that can support it. I know that there are greyscale versions of this phone, but the color screen is just so nice. Related to the accessory handset on its own, it really should have an \"off in charger\" mode.
My PriceGrabber Review From 5777 Unit, which includes two of these accessory handsets individually-------- This is the best cordless phone system I could find. The 5.8GHz frequency eliminates the possibility of interference with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (802.11a users may have interference), and the voice quality seems to be nice. I like that there are two options to improve voice quality depending upon conditions: Boost and Voice Enhancer. The boost can be used to increase the signal strength if you are really far from the base (at the cost of battery life and the ability to use the normal max. number of handsets simultaneously). Voice Enhancer is designed to improve the quality of the voice, which seems to just be processed on the handset.
The Caller ID settings are cleared (as they should be) when one phone is used to view missed calls. You can copy the address book from one phone to the other, which is an essential feature, and you can import phone numbers from a CSV file through the USB connectivity and Gigarange utility. However, the phone only supports 50 numbers in the directory, which is strange because it can support a large number of pictures and ringtones. Ideally the phone would support adding people, who have multiple phone numbers (like most cell phones), but the 50 spots get filled when some people have home, work, mobile, etc. While you can copy the address book between handsets, you can't copy the pictures, which is a shame. Since you associate some photos with address book entries, it just makes sense that you would copy those to the other handsets as well.
Unfortunately there is no speed dial option from the handsets, but there is speed dial from the base speakerphone (requires 3 button presses to dial the call). While this unit does have an answering machine, I use it for voice mail, which properly registers. Related to speed dial from handset, I would like a soft key to dial voice mail from the handset when the display shows that voice mail is waiting.
I keep one in my bedroom, and it's a bit bright to be in there at night with the display on. There should be an option to have the display turn off once in the charging cradle a while, but there isn't.
My biggest complaint is the total lack of Mac compatibility. I would like to use this device with the USB Skype attachment, but there is no support, so I won't buy it. I can boot a MacBook Pro into Windows to use the Gigarange utility to update the phone as is, although I wish I didn't need to.
Reviewed by: dvdirv on 20-Oct-06Rating:
Strengths: Handset loaded with features. Great high resolution color display!
Summary: This is one of several handsets for the 57x series of Panasonic systems and is the only one featuring a color LCD display.
This color handset uses a high definition LCD (65,000 pixels). It has most features you would expect in this style of phone: page feature, phonebook, Caller ID, speakerphone, etc. It uses Panasonic's Caller ID feature which lets you hear voice announce your calls before you pick them up.
Two major complaints: Since my computer is a Mac, I cannot use the included software to download pictures and music. Secondly, this handset is pricey. For a list price of $89.99 you could buy at least two handsets made by the competion--not just one!
Overlooking price, this is a solid performing handset with excellent audio quality.
Reviewed by: wecotu on 11-Oct-06Rating:
Strengths: Very satisfied with the range and clarity. Very easy to register the new handset with the base.
Summary: I love the color LCD, custome ringtone/picture and the sleek design. Shows time on the LCD is a plus. I am quite pleased with my Panasonic. The unit has functioned as described.