Cingular Go Phone: AT&T 5830 5.8 GHz Cordless Speakerphone System Review

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, this is it - it's not perfect, but you don't have many other options in this price range.
THE ALSO-RANS: Panasonic KX-TG2563F - feature-packed, but 2.4 GHz and bad quality reviews (just released 5.8 GHz expandable system out - probably same quality issues). Siemens 4215 - great form factor, but 2.4 GHz, no headphone jack (pricier 2-line 8800 has jack), no base functionality and lukewarm quality reviews. CIDCO's 2.4 GHz D271's - perfect feature set but not in same price range (only marketed through your local Bell company so you're not going to find a deal). AT&T's 2355 - basically the 2.4 GHz version of the 5830/40. Bought it/returned it due to poor speakerphone (don't believe it's full duplex) and handset call quality (I believe it's being test marketed only through Best Buy (as of 5/03) which indicates they may be trying to work the bugs out of the phone).
FINALISTS: The finalists were the 5830/5840 and the VTech 5831, both 5.8 GHz expandable systems. Both are made by VTech, which explains nearly identical feature sets and form factors (and model numbers). AT&T phones are designed by the VTech 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). As mentioned by another reviewer, it's a matter of preference whether you choose the AT&T or VTech - minor differences in feature sets (VTech 5831 has LCD and phone book on base, AT&T has talking caller ID) but similar quality. Anyway, on to the phone. I purchased the 5830 - if you want a digital answering machine, go with the 5840 but you won't get talking caller ID or a keypad on the base. Key points:
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)
-Talking Caller ID: comes in handy if you don't want to get off the couch to know who's calling
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.
-No LCD or phone book on base unit: makes phone book dialing a little more difficult.
OTHER ISSUES:
-Message waiting indicator flashes neon blue on both base and handset - a little much as others have mentioned
-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 phonebooks
-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. Side note: probably did this to save money - calls sound good to you at 5.8 GHz but not as good to party you are calling at 2.4 GHz (but you'd be oblivious to this).
The top contenders in this category each have something (different) missing. In this price range, go with the AT&T 5830/5840 (or the VTech 5831) and be done with it before you drive yourself crazy as I did.

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Product Description:
This innovative cordless telephone operates on the powerful 5.8 GHz frequency. Its classic design provides comfort and ease of use. Advanced features include adjustable sound settings, the ability to use up to six handsets, a speakerphones in the handset, and a duplex speakerphone in the base. (Duplex technology lets both parties talk and be heard simultaneously.)
The dual-band (5.8 GHz/2.4 GHz) design allows the base unit to transmit with more power in the 5.8 GHz frequency band or with greater efficiency at 2.4 GHz. The phone's true duplex transmission keeps the incoming and outgoing signals from interfering with each other.
The LCD on the handset provides caller ID/call waiting information (subscription required though your local phone company). The 5830 also provides talking caller ID, which announces the name or number of incoming callers.
The 5830's expandability, up to five additional handsets for a total of six, eliminates the need to hard-wire multiple extensions throughout your home. One phone jack and one power outlet is all you need to connect the 5830 base station and handset, while each additional model 5800 handset requires only a power outlet for its compact charger/cradle. Calls can be transferred from one handset to another.
The handset receiver lights up with incoming calls and can also be set to vibrate. It stores 50 names and numbers and works with your caller ID service to remember the last 50 callers. Sound Select lets you adjust bass, treble, and midrange to your liking. A spare-battery charging system enables the telephone to work even during a power outage. Choose from eight ringer melodies. The system is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
User's manual, quick start guide, base unit, handset, NiMH battery pack, telephone line cord, AC power adapter, wall mounting adapter