There was a time when your choices in telephones were primarily limited to the style of the phone. That is not the case today. Your choices in selecting a home phone today usually have more to do with the functions available than what it looks like. Below is a list of ten tips for picking out a new home phone.
- Portability. Wireless handsets are currently one of the most popular choices for home phones. With so many individuals using cellphones, people have become used to the idea that they should be able to talk on the phone anywhere in the home. They also don’t want to be limited by the length of a cord. They want to be able to talk on the phone as they work in the kitchen or are working on a project in the garage. Wireless handsets are the way to go, if this is important to you, as well.
- Caller ID. Many people have caller ID included in their phone service options. When you’re looking for your home phone, you will want to keep this in mind. Just because a phone has a screen on it, does not necessarily mean that it has caller ID capabilities. Check the specifications to make sure that caller ID is listed as one of the phones functions.
- Answering machine. If you need or prefer, an in-house answering machine to the voice mail services provided by your phone service provider, then you will want to choose a telephone that includes a digital answering machine along with it.
- Speed dial. If you have certain numbers that you call often and don’t want to have to remember them or keep a list of numbers sitting by your phone, then having a speed dial function built into your phone would be a good option to look for. This feature allows you to program those numbers into your phone and connect them to a single digit on your phone pad. This way, all you need to remember is who you set to #1, #2 etc. This speed dial list is usually available on your phone’s selection screen as well.
- Multiple handsets. Many of the wireless phone sets now come with multiple handsets ranging from two to five. One of the convenient features about the additional handsets is the fact that they can be located anywhere there is an electrical outlet. Only the primary phone set needs to be connected to an actual phone jack. You can set one next to your bed, one in the kitchen and one on the end table next to the couch.
- Internal intercom. If you choose a phone with multiple handsets, you may also want an intercom option. This feature will allow you to call from one phone to another within the home. There are a couple of advantages to this. One is the option to call another extension and let someone know that they have a call that you have picked up for them on another one of the phones. The other use is for simply communicating across the house without yelling or walking from one place to another.
- Mounting options. When looking for your phone, you will want to think about whether you want the phone mounted on the wall or sitting on a desk top. Wall mounted phones are not as common these days, so you will definitely want to check for that capability before you buy, if that is what you want.
- Sound Quality. This is one aspect of a home phone that can be very important and yet very difficult to determine before you purchase it. Thanks to the internet, you do have a means for finding this information as well. Do a search for phone comparisons on the internet. You should be able to find ratings from other consumers that will include sound quality.
- Ringing options. Many phones have a custom ringing feature. This feature allows you to assign different ring tones to different phone numbers. This allows you to know who is calling just by the sound of the ring.
- Style. Although the majority of phones have a modern technical look to them, they are not your only choice. You can still buy fashion phones that look like many of the older style phones, if you want something more unique.
As technology has expanded, so have the features and options available for your home phone. Go through the list and pick out those that are important for you. You’re certain to be able to find a phone that meets your needs.
