Americans Buying Communist-Vietnamese Phones That RECORD Two-party Conversations? [What Would President Nixon Say? ("BLEEP!")]

Prefatory note #1: This product comes from Vietnam, where "Uniden" (the Japanese company) manufactures some of its many devices.

Prefatory note #2: To view a nice (and relatively sharp) "enlargement" of the above photo of this product, use the following URL (noting that the four or five conspicuously "red" keys in the resultant photo are normally uniformly black/dark (whenever their respective LED lights aren't activated):

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41TbN0TAdzL._SS500_.jpg


This review encompasses the following eight major sections (feel free to skip to any of the correspondingly numbered, boldface headings further below):

1. Preface: Why It Could Be Important to Own at Least One Corded Phone
2. Uniden's affordable model CXAI5698: four devices in one pretty package
3. The "base unit" (corded telephone): noteworthy features and performance
4. The speakerphone: noteworthy features and performance
5. The digital answerer: noteworthy features and performance
6. The cordless handset: noteworthy features and performance
7. The owner's manual
8. The upshot

1. Preface: Why It Could Be Important to Own at Least One Corded Phone

One advantage of a corded phone is that its most basic features can remain functional during power outages. By contrast, cordless phones won't function when electrical power goes out; and a cell phone might not function, depending on whether cell towers are affected by the outage.

The Uniden model CXAI5698 base unit requires no batteries whatsoever for its most basic (corded) telephone features to operate. This means you won't need to remember to replace (and shell out still more money for) batteries about once per year, as is the case with some competing products (including the AT&T model TL74108). You'll always be assured of retaining, at least, basic functionality for making and receiving calls during power outages.


2. Uniden's affordable model CXAI5698: four devices in one pretty package

This "integrated" telephone product encompasses an impressive bundle of harmoniously functioning components.

First, the model CXAI5698 is, of course, an excellent corded telephone, whose stylish, silver-and-"black" (actually silver-and-"charcoal-gray") theme should harmonize in most rooms. Second, it's a superb speakerphone. Third, it's a dependable, easy-to-use digital answering machine providing unusually pure-sounding (distortion-free) messages, outgoing announcements, and memos (not to mention the capability to record a two-party conversation of up to ten minutes in duration--albeit with an intermittent "beep" heard by both parties). Finally, it also includes a satisfactory cordless handset with some likable features, including hands-free headset compatibility.

Both the base unit and the cordless handset feature generally easy-to-use, logical layouts of keys and buttons. By and large (excepting, perhaps, the location of the base unit's "redial" key), this product is an admirable example of "form following function."

I'll next consider the most salient aspects of this product as, respectively, a "corded telephone;" a "speakerphone;" a "digital answerer" (a.k.a. "answering machine"); and a "cordless phone."


3. The "base unit" (corded telephone): noteworthy features and performance

Not only does this Uniden CXAI5698 provide a supplementary cordless handset, but also its corded base unit features an admirably high-contrast (and automatically backlit) LCD display.

The predominantly silver-and-charcoal base unit (including the underlying "wall-mount adapter" and the fully satisfying corded handset resting upon its cradle) measures about 7.75 (W) x 6.25 (D) x 5 (H) inches. [Don't overlook initially attaching the hard-plastic "wall-mount adapter" to the underside of the base unit; that so-called "wall-mount adapter" (pedestal) easily snaps into place, and its underside bears some pre-attached, non-skid feet that provide proper stability for the base unit as it rests upon a desktop or tabletop.]

Note that the base unit can also be mounted on a wall. (The procedure for accomplishing this is well-illustrated and succinctly explained on page 12 of the owner's manual.)

One of the first features you're likely to notice is the pleasingly sharp and legible LCD, which measures about 2 & 5/8 x 3/4 inches and can display three lines of easy-to-read characters. Its legibility is quite satisfactory right out of the box, and so there's no absolute need to avail yourself of the system menu's "contrast-adjustment" option (10 selectable levels of LCD contrast are available).

Although the display's back-lighting feature is automatically activated whenever you press virtually any key or button on the base unit, if your room's ambient lighting isn't particularly bright, you'll still want to keep a small, adjustable desktop lamp nearby for viewing the base unit's various keys and buttons, which aren't themselves illuminated.

The numerical keypad has virtually black (charcoal) keys with white, nicely legible characters. The keys are all nicely responsive and easy-to-press.

Above the numerical keypad, there's a cluster of keys for various functions, including: volume (for the great-sounding corded handset, the equally great-sounding speakerphone, etc.); clock setting; and, especially, the digital answerer's various functions.

There's plenty of volume available for such things as message playback, the (corded) handset, the speakerphone, and the ringer--which comes with three selectable volume settings (high/low/off) but only one tone (which sounds, nonetheless, quite satisfactory, in a conventionally pitched sort of way).

Setting the clock is easy and involves inputting the current day (of the week) and the time in hours and minutes (and AM or PM). [Note: Unlike some (but not all) competing models, this model doesn't display (or allow you to input) the month/date.]

The "answering machine" functions (about which I'll have much more to say in a later section of this review) are all pretty easy-to-understand, and the system's "voice prompts" (enunciated by an articulate "male" voice and accompanied by succinct textual cues on the LCD display), make everything so easy that you might never need to consult the 70-page (all-English) owner's manual, which covers all aspects of the answerer's operation on pages 41 through 56.

To the right of the numerical keypad is a column comprising four buttons, the bottommost of which is for activating the speakerphone. The adjacent "mute" button prevents a caller from hearing what you say, while letting you continue hearing what they say. Whenever muting is activated, that button is illuminated with a steady, bright-red hue.

On the opposite (left) side of the numerical keypad is a column comprising four more buttons, including the "hold" key (for putting callers temporarily on hold), which also lights up with a bright-red, steady glow when activated.

Directly above the "hold" key, there's a "do not disturb" (dnd) key, which temporarily deactivates the ringer on both the base unit and the associated cordless handset.

Directly below the "hold" key, you'll find the "redial" key. This seems a somewhat less than ideal location for such a frequently used function; it would've made more sense to swap that button location with the bottommost, "find handset" ("find hs") key; nevertheless, a regular user of this unit should easily adapt in pretty short order.

Like most--but not all--competing phones nowadays, this Uniden model includes "on-hook dialing," allowing you to dial a call before lifting the handset or pressing the speakerphone button.

Also like most competing phones nowadays, once your call is connected, the LCD displays the elapsed time of the call until you hang up.


4. The speakerphone: noteworthy features and performance

Over the years I'd encountered several "speakerphone" products whose prices were enticing but whose capabilities ranged from worthless to unsatisfying. Fortunately, the Uniden CXAI5698 base unit's speakerphone sounds great and fully satisfies not only me but also my callers, which is to say that both the speaker and the microphone (not to mention the associated internal electronics) are well above average.

The tiny microphone port used for this speakerphone (as well as for recording your "outgoing announcement" and/or memos) is located directly below the "#" key of the numerical keypad. Thus the microphone is optimally positioned to provide satisfying, virtually distortion-free digital recordings, which it does. In fact, compared to four other comparable, competing products I've tested in recent months, the Uniden CXAI5698 base unit's digital answerer provided the best and most natural-sounding recordings of the lot. This is about as good as it gets with a mass-market phone, especially at this price level.

Activating "speakerphone mode" prior to dialing a number is simple. Just press the conspicuous "speakerphone" button (located at the lower-right corner of the entire layout), which will immediately glow with a pleasingly reddish hue, and you'll simultaneously hear a dial tone via the speaker. You can then manually dial a number (or easily select one that you've previously stored in the unit's handy "directory" comprising 10-names-and-numbers (or 50-names-and-numbers for caller-ID subscribers).

Alternatively, you can first dial (or select) a number and then press the "speakerphone" button.

During a conversation, you can instantly switch from using the handset to using the speakerphone. Just press the "speakerphone" button and then hang up the receiver.

Conversely, you can instantly switch from speakerphone mode to handset mode. Just pick up the handset (speakerphone mode is thereby deactivated).

In sum, this integrated product's easy-to-use speakerphone component is as good as any I've encountered in a machine of this ilk. Admittedly, it might not be a "full-duplex" speakerphone; otherwise, it's as close to perfection as you could reasonably expect from an "integrated" telephone product at this price level.


5. The digital answerer: noteworthy features and performance

The CXAI5698 base unit's digital answerer can record up to 59 messages, depending on the length of each message. Individual messages can be up to 13 minutes long, which is the total maximum recording capacity of this machine. Messages remain available for replay until you delete them. You can delete a single message, or you can delete all messages. To do the latter, you'll simply press a prominent "delete" key; a voice prompt will then speak the following words, which are simultaneously legibly displayed on the LCD: "To delete all messages press 'delete' again."

To activate the base unit's answerer, you simply press the conspicuous "answer on/off" button in the upper-left corner of the entire key layout. That button glows a bright, steady red once you've activated the answerer; however, it doesn't blink or flash whenever you've received at least one new message. Instead, directly above (to the left of the lower-left corner of the LCD) there's a "messages" label that normally merely consists of white characters; however, those characters light up with a red, flashing glow whenever at least one new message has been received.

Although that flashing indicator isn't exactly huge (in size), it is a pretty big deal insofar as it provides you a rather reliable means to be sure never to miss new messages. This is because that flashing red light, smallish though it is, is, nonetheless, rather bright, and so it's much more conspicuous than a mere "LCD" indicator, which is the only "visual" message indicator you'd get with some competing models (including the aforementioned AT&T TL74108).

Along with that nice, bright, flashing red indicator, you can also activate the base unit's "message-alert" feature to provide you with a conspicuously audible signal whenever you've got at least one new message. This signal consists of a single, reasonably loud beep about every 15 seconds. Even if you overlook the bright, flashing red light (which you likely won't), you're bound to notice those intermittent beeps, trust me! And you can temporarily disable the beeping by pressing any key on the base unit.

Setting up the answering system's several "menu options" is easy. Just press the top-row "menu" key (directly right of the aforementioned "answer on/off" button); this will bring up a menu on the LCD comprising various options, including the following:

Number of rings.

You can set the number of rings (before the answering system answers an incoming call) to any of the following options: 2 rings; 4 rings (the default setting); 6 rings; or "toll saver." Here's how the "Toll Saver" option works: If the system has received any new messages, it answers after the second ring; but if there are no new messages, the system answers after the fourth ring. You can hang up after the second ring and thereby spare yourself any pay phone or long-distance charges.

Call screening.

Regarding the base unit, if its answering system is activated and its volume isn't off, you'll automatically hear the "greeting" followed by the incoming message (if any) that the caller chooses to record. You can opt to "intercept" the call by pressing the speakerphone button or by lifting the corded handset from the base unit. By default, this "call screening" feature is "on." However, you have the option of switching it off (and back on again) via the answering system menu option.

Remote Operation.

Many users will appreciate this answerer's "remote-operation" capability. In other words, wherever on earth you might roam, you can always easily access this phone's answerer by entering a two-digit "code." [Note that the "remote- operation" feature won't be accessible if you're dialing in via a "pulse" ("rotary") phone.] The default security code is "80;" you can change that code to any number from 01 through 99.

Message alert tone.

I explained this feature earlier in this section. The "default" option for this feature is "OFF." But you might strongly consider changing it to "ON," such that you'll be doubly assured of never overlooking recently received messages from callers.

Regarding the "greeting" (that callers hear before recording their messages), the unit comes with the following prerecorded, default announcement spoken by the system's articulate, synthetic, "male" voice: "Hello. No one is available to take your call. Please leave a message after the tone." But you can temporarily replace that prerecorded (and always available via the "greeting" button) greeting by recording your own greeting, which is very easy: Press the "greet" button, and then press and hold it again. Audible (as well as on-screen) instructions are provided for easily recording your own greeting, up to 30 seconds long.

I found the sensitivity and effectiveness of the unit's built in microphone (whose tiny port is on the upper surface of the base) to be so excellent that it was easy to produce a satisfyingly clear announcement after only one attempt. (I can't say that about every competing product I've tested!)

All in all, this unit's digital answerer component is eminently easy-to-use, dependable, and gratifying. I can't praise it highly enough!


6. The cordless handset: noteworthy features and performance

First, note that, unlike some comparable competing products (such as the AT&T TL 74108 and the General Electric 28871FE3), the Uniden CXAI5698 isn't "expandable" insofar as it doesn't allow you to separately purchase and use more than one compatible cordless handset at a time with its base unit. In other words, before choosing and buying this Uniden product, be sure that you'll never want or need to use more than just the single cordless handset that it already includes. Uniden does also manufacture comparable products (most notably the slightly costlier model DECT-2088) that do include the capability to use more than one handset. [However (and curiously), those "higher" Uniden models don't include the CXAI5698 answerer's built-in capability to record two-way phone conversations (albeit with an intermittent "beep" heard by both parties), which, to some consumers, might seem a key selling point for this model.]

While listening to callers via the cordless handset, I found its sonic clarity to be very good. It was more than "close enough" to the high quality of the still better corded handset (of the base unit) to satisfy this reviewer's somewhat finicky sensibilities.

With its battery pack installed, the included "5.8-gigahertz digital" cordless handset weighs 6.4 ounces and (including the "antenna" extension) measures about 7.5 (L) x 2 (W) x 1 & 3/8 (D) inches. A hard-plastic "belt clip" is also included in the product box for (optional) attachment to this handset. Additionally, any (widely available) 2.5mm headset can be plugged into a corresponding jack on the side of the cordless handset to allow hands-free headset conversations.

Unfortunately, however, the cordless handset--unlike the base unit--doesn't include any built-in speakerphone, and this, to me, amounts to a significant shortcoming when I contrast it with the analogous handsets included with some competing "integrated-phone" products, such as the Uniden DECT2088, the AT&T TL74108, or even the General Electric 28871FE3 (which includes TWO cordless handsets but whose base unit's answerer doesn't produce announcements and messages sounding as distortion-free as those of this Uniden model).

I'm altogether satisfied with the performance of the cordless handset. I've tested it in all areas of my multi-level suburban house (including the basement, garage, and back yard), and I never noticed any diminution of volume or sound clarity in any of those locations. I did enjoy using this handset; but I would've doubly enjoyed it if it had included "speakerphone" capability.

Like many competing products' cordless handsets (but unlike the cordless handset of the Uniden DECT2088 or the competing AT&T TL74108), this handset doesn't have an illuminated keypad to make nighttime dialing easy. This fact is not such a big deal to me, but if you'll be regularly using it at night, you should be aware of this.

Be aware that the cordless handset can't download the base unit's directory of (up to 10) "speed-dial" numbers (and corresponding names). This means that the user must manually reenter all such data from scratch if he wants the respective directories (of the base unit and the cordless handset) to be identical. By contrast, Uniden's model DECT2088 can wirelessly download such data between its base unit and its cordless handset; and the competing AT&T TL74108 cordless handset automatically, wirelessly shares all "directory" data that the user enters, regardless of whether the entries are made via the base unit or via the cordless handset. To me, that's a point in favor of the AT&T product over this Uniden CXAI5198; but each user will have to decide for himself. Personally, what I consider a far greater--indeed, the greatest--shortcoming of this Uniden product is the simple fact that (unless you subscribe to caller-ID service) there can only be a paltry ten such "speed-dial" numbers in memory. By contrast, the aforementioned AT&T model--as well as the GE 28871FE3--allow you to enter and save up to 50 speed-dial numbers. [However, as with this Uniden product, the GE 28871FE3 base unit and cordless handsets don't share their respective directory data.] Moreover, the only slightly costlier Uniden DECT2088 allows you to enter and save up to 70 speed-dial numbers.

This handset's illuminated LCD display is sufficiently sizable (1 & 3/16 inches wide x 3/4 inches high) and has agreeably crisp resolution. Indeed, when (for example) I behold a directory number on the cordless handset's backlit LCD, it's essentially the same fully pleasing experience as I derive from the base unit's own, somewhat larger display. The alphabetic characters include both uppercase and lowercase letters, making this unit more appealing than some other comparably "integrated" products at this price level.

However, unlike some analogous competing "integrated-phone-bundle" products' cordless handsets' displays (and unlike the LCD display of this Uniden product's own corded base unit), the standard display mode of this Uniden cordless handset doesn't include the current time and day information.

Initially, you should allow the cordless handset to charge for at least 15 to 20 hours before using it. Although I might be overlooking something, I don't see any mention (in the owner's manual or elsewhere) of maximum estimated "talk time" for the cordless handset after removing it from its charger base. In any case, a "low battery" indicator will appear in the handset's LCD display whenever the handset needs to be retuned to its charger base. To be on the safe side, whenever you're not using the cordless handset, consider returning it to its charger base.

Also note that when you're initially preparing to install the included battery pack inside the cordless handset, you must first "press down" (inward!) on the rear door of the battery compartment. If you merely try to slide that door toward the bottom of the handset (without first/simultaneously pressing down/inward), you won't be able to remove that little door!


7. The Owner's Manual

Uniden did a nice job on the "Owner's Manual" included in the attractively designed product box. This 70-page booklet measures about 7 inches wide by 4.5 inches high, is entirely in English, and is well-illustrated with black-and-white sketches and line drawings. The logically presented, step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating the base and cordless units are easy-to-follow.

But you likely will find yourself resorting to the manual only occasionally (if ever), given that the base unit's own excellent built-in "help" instructions (simultaneously visible/audible via the system's LCD and its articulate, synthetic, "male" voice) should answer the vast majority of your questions regarding how to use the various features.

In any case, you can also peruse the complete manual on-line. Here's the web address for the authentic "PDF" edition:

http://uniden.com/pdf/CXAI5698om.pdf


8. The upshot:

Regarding the Uniden model CXAI5698, here's a summary of the tiny handful of things I deem less than ideal:

1. Given the "not-bottom-end-cheap" price of this model, there should've been a much larger standard ("non-caller-ID") directory or "phonebook" in which any user could store "speed-dial" names and numbers. As things stand, you can store only ten such numbers (unless you subscribe to your local phone company's caller-ID service, in which case you can store up to 50 names and numbers).

2. You can't "expand" the system with additional cordless handsets. Thus, you'll only be able to use the single cordless handset already included with this product.

3. Unlike the corded base unit, the cordless handset has no speakerphone.

4. Unless you subscribe to caller-ID service, the cordless handset's LCD (unlike that of the base unit) doesn't display the current "time and day" information. [Many, albeit not all, competing products' cordless handsets' displays do include such information.]

Otherwise, there's scarcely anything not to relish about this stylish, high-quality product. Both the base unit and its associated cordless handset are well-made, reliable performers.

Available new for as little as $59.99 at (for example) neighborhood Target stores, this product represents good value, especially when you factor the virtually distortion-free, high-quality sound of its answerer's recordings of callers' messages (as well as the user's own outgoing announcement or memos).

Encompassing an excellent corded phone; a superb speakerphone; a first-rate answering machine; and an altogether "satisfactory" cordless handset (which, I re-emphasize, lacks a speakerphone), the Uniden CXAI5698 is a pleasing, handsome, and reliable product that I can wholeheartedly endorse, provided that its teensy handful of (above-summarized) shortcomings doesn't amount to a deal breaker for you.

I'll finish with an afterthought for the sake of consumers having highly sensitive ears or nervous dispositions:

The occasionally emitted, characteristic "beep" of the base unit (whenever you're doing such mundane things as exiting this or that menu or operational mode)--not to mention the key tones emitted whenever you're dialing numbers--might seem a bit irritatingly loud for some users' refined sensibilities or for certain business or domestic settings. Though I myself found that "not-user-adjustable" beeping to be no big deal, some users might be happier with a quieter model, such as the chicer (and only modestly costlier) Uniden DECT2088--which, incidentally, is one of the various corded/cordless models I regularly use. (Watch for my review of it in early December.)

***

Addendum:

I've noticed that this Uniden model's features and performance are essentially identical to those of a previous and (arguably) less stylish Uniden model, namely, the CXAI5198. (In other words, this CXAI5698 is basically just a CXAI5198 with a total cosmetic makeover.) I've also noticed that (at Amazon Marketplace) "refurbished"-but-fully-like-new specimens of the CXAI5198 are being offered (by third-party sellers) at remarkably low prices (i.e., the so-called "refurbished CXAI5698" units listed at Amazon Marketplace are, in actuality, model CXAI5198 units--at least that was my experience when I ordered and received one such bargain-priced unit). Therefore, if you're a frugal shopper who cares more about underlying price, value, and performance than the latest-and-greatest "looks" (styling), you could save yourself at least half the current street price for a CXAI5698 by settling for a "refurbished" (generally virtually indistinguishable from "new") CXAI5198. Personally, although I do like both models, I must admit to strongly preferring the more (outwardly) appealing appearance of this newer CXAI5698. (Sometimes "looks" DO matter!)

I also feel compelled to reiterate that--for only about 15 bucks more than the cost of this model CXAI5698--you could instead get Uniden's much superior model DECT2088, which offers a standard 70-name/number directory (even if you don't subscribe to caller-ID service) and longer talk/standby time (per battery charge) for its more compact and elegant cordless handset, which does include a speakerphone. [I'll have much more to say about the DECT2088 in one month.]