Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

BOTTOM LINE: You've probably already discovered the lack of full-featured consumer-level cordless phones out there, especially in the 5.8 GHz category and that you really have to move into the SOHO dual-line systems and spend a good deal more to get a full-featured phone. But the bottom line is if you are looking for a full featured, single line, consumer level cordless phone w/ an answering machine built in, this is it - it's not perfect, but you don't have many other options in this price range. THE ALSO-RANS: Panasonic KX-TG2593 - feature-packed, but 2.4 GHz and bad quality reviews (just releasing 5.8 GHz line - probably will have same quality issues). Siemens 4215 - great form factor and feature-packed, but 2.4 GHz, no headphone jack, no base functionality and lukewarm quality reviews (pricier SL3501 and 8800 lines have headphone jack but are 2.4 GHz). CIDCO's 2.4 GHz D271's - almost perfect feature set but no answering machine and not in same price range (only marketed through your local Bell company so you're not going to find a deal). AT&T phones are not made by AT&T - they are designed and marketed by the VTech (maker of VTech phones like the 5831) subsidiary Advanced American Telephones under a licensing agreement with AT&T. My guess is AAT was a Ma Bell spin-off years back that VTech acquired so you are probably still getting some of the quality you associate w/ AT&T. Enough trivia...on to the phone: PROS: - Call quality/construction - can't overemphasize this (base sits right by my computer setup and still have great call quality) - Full-duplex speakerphone: you can hear and be heard at same time (an uncommon feature on consumer speakerphones) - LCD/Phone Book on base - 3 different mailboxes for different family members CONS: - No Speed dial: No one number/one touch speed dial from either base or handset - they really dropped the ball on this one. However, dialing from phone book takes as few as 3 button pushes. - 15 minutes answering machine record time seems pretty low (all of Siemens' lines have 30-45 minutes) OTHER ISSUES: - Message waiting indicator flashes neon blue on both base and handset - a little much for me but some may like it - Inability to share phone books between handsets is a neutral: small business may want the same phonebook on all handsets; family may want parents/kids to have separate phonebook - Wi-Fi: phone transmits at 5.8 GHz base to handset but 2.4 GHz the other way. If you have Wi-Fi this may be an issue as 802.11(b) transmits at 2.4 GHz. Possible future migration of Wi-Fi standard to 802.11(g) at 5.8 GHz is less of an issue because that frequency apparently is less congested than 2.4 GHz. Note: I actually purchased the 5830 (but tested 5840 also). If you need the digital answering machine (b/c you don't have local phone company voicemail) go with the 5840 but you won't get the talking caller ID or a keypad on the base that you get with the 5830 (see my review on the 5830). The top contenders in this category each have something (different) missing. In this price range, go with the AT&T 5840 (or the 5830) and be done with it before you drive yourself crazy as I did.