Uniden TCX905 5.8 GHz 1-Line Cordless Expansion Handset

The TCX905 Handset is the 'heart and soul' of Uniden's new TRU 9480 Series Cordless Phone Systems (see my Guide on those), and is also compatible as a replacement or add-on with most of Uniden's other 5.8 Gigahertz cordless systems.

The Handsets are full-featured. They are a long and trim design, comfortable for both the small-handed and large-handed. The backlit buttons and LCD display, along with some of the other features, will make anyone who has ever used a good cellphone feel right at home. When making a call, you can first punch the call button for a dial tone and dial the number, as you're used to with home phones, OR you can punch in the number first and hit the call button, like you're used to with cellphones. These will also support a Headset, via the cellular standard 2.5mm jack, if you prefer that. The Antenna is completely internal, in the earpiece end - no extendable piece to wear out or break off, and no stub to poke and snag everything it comes in contact with. There is a switchable 'T-Coil' support for Hearing Aid Compatibility - On if needed, of course, or Off to extend battery life if it isn't needed.

The handset supports Caller ID and Call Waiting Deluxe, storage of up to 100 Names with Two Numbers for each, Direct Link intercom among any pair of these handsets (which can also serve as a Room/Baby Monitor, while the other handsets continue handling calls), Speakerphone in each handset, 10 Speed Dial numbers, Redial (which remembers the last 3 numbers), Call Transfer, Conferencing, and Hold. There are 20 different Ringers to choose from (10 ring tones and 10 musical tunes), with Volume Adjustments for both ringers and earpiece. Battery Life is rated at 7 days on standby and 5 hours talk time - which I haven't personally put to the test yet, but it's certainly an improvement over previous cordless phones. Text Menus on these can be set to do their thing in English, Spanish, or French - per the North American NAFTA standard.

Also included with each Handset is a plastic snap-on Belt Clip - though personally I prefer just sliding the phone in a pocket. The placement of the belt clip, if you chose to use it, wraps around the antenna area of the handset, which would have some potential for reducing usable range.