Product Reviews

VTECH i5871 Phone System

When cell phones came out with picture taking capabili- ties, many of us couldn’t wait to take a snap shot with the camera of our friends so they’d be easily recognized when they called us. Today, you can have that same technology with the VTECH i5871 5.8 GHz digital phone system and we award it with our Best In Class Award for performance, features and functionality.

The i5871’s size and shape somewhat resembles that of a TV remote control device. The big difference though is the color screen that’s located on the front of the phone. This screen not only displays caller ID information and dialed phone numbers but like the new cell phones can also display a picture of the caller if it’s loaded in the system. Pictures, ringtones and Microsoft Outlook contacts can be uploaded to the phone through a USB port that’s available on the unit.

The base of the VTECH i5871 not only recharges the battery of the handset, it also has a handy answering machine to record messages when you’re away. Although this a one line phone system, you are able to add up to seven additional handsets to the system for easy use by other family members or that are strategically located throughout the office. Each of these additional handsets can share phone book information, images and sounds amongst each other without having to load the data manually. The intercom feature available from handset-to-handset was appreci-

ated for easy communication between individual users of the system. A hands-free speaker produced a quality sound that

wasn’t overbearing like some phone systems we’ve used.

Since this is a digital communications device, we experienced no break-up but rather a consistent signal during our testing period. The 5.8GHz signal produced no interference with our wireless networking equipment and the same could be said for any computer equipment interference with the phone’s communications. The i5871’s signal strength was steady throughout our entire office building and parking lot which should be more than enough for any average resi- dence. Battery life was around two days with moderate use while the base unit and handset bases offer recharging capa- bilities, but you have to remember to place it back on the base!

The cost of the VTECH i5871 base unit is around $200 while each of the additional handsets you wish to purchase (i5808) is $100. This is a reasonable price for the functionality, expandability and features of the phone system and you can read up on the device at www.vtech.com.

The Complete System

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