Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have been using a Panasonic system with a basic call block function and a 250 number memory. It only took a couple of years to fill that up! Then if I want to block a number I needed to remove a previous blocked number first. So that inspired me to look around for a new system and I spotted this AT&T model with a much more sophisticated, customizable call block feature; and it will store up to 1000 blocked numbers! The first thing you have to do is choose one of the 5 configurations for call blocking 1. Allow all calls except those on the block list. 2. Screen any call from a number not saved in the Directory, Allow list, or Star name list. The caller will be prompted to announce their name and press #. 3. Screen only calls that do not display a phone number. The caller will be prompted to announce their name and press #. 4. Screen robocalls only. All callers will be prompted to press # to ring through. 5. Block calls that do not display a phone number, and send any calls from numbers not saved in the Directory, Allow list, or Star name list to the answering system. You can also manually add a number to the block list and from a caller ID. I chose to use option #5 and needed to spend some time completing the Directory, Allow and Star name list entries to make sure all the calls I want to get through are able to. For the rest; if it’s important they will leave a message. The phone will ring once when an unassigned number calls before it goes to the answering system. You do have the option to screen the call from a handset if desired. It won’t ring at all for anonymous callers. The handsets have a dedicated call block button you can use while on a call. Once you press the call block button and confirm the block it will announce; “The number you are calling is not accepting your call. Please hang up”. Annoying: The system will record empty messages fairly consistently if the caller does not hang up right away after the announcement starts. The 10 ring tones vary from,” I could live with that”, to “Please make it stop”. The system has been working like a charm and I’m not bothered at all with unwanted calls anymore. I am using this with VOIP service. I have focused on the call blocking, but this phone system has a lot of handy features including “Push to talk” to use like a two way radio. Included in the box is a 110 page “Abridged” user’s manual. There is an even more detailed manual available online at the manufacture web site. I find it helpful to look at owner’s manuals online when researching products to determine if the item will fit my needs.