Motorola D802 > Reviews (2)

The MotoLivn D802 is a DECT cordless phone pack from Motorolla. It comes with two handsets [there is a D801 which has one handset].

Cordless phones have a transmitter [or basestation] that plugs into phone socket and allows the handsets to make the calls. The handsets have rechargeable batteries and need to be plugged into a charging station to be powered. One difference between this and other cordless phones I've used is that here the basestation itself is not a charging station. This allows you to position the handsets separately to the basestation, which may be an advantage depending on the layout of the phone sockets in your home [or work, I suppose].

The D802 has lots of features, some of which I've not seen on a home phone. Whether they are useful or not will depend on personal preference.

Years ago I used to be quite good at remembering phone numbers. Since phones now tend to have memories, I find I know hardly any phone numbers. The D802 has 250 memories, which is more than enough for me [I've had other phones with 50 memories which I thought was less good]. It also has caller display: it's funny how used I've got to wanting to know who's on the phone before I answer it!

There is a facility to copy numbers into the handset from a SIM card. I've not used this [I store numbers in my mobile phone rather than the SIM as I have so many contacts listed] so I can't comment on how well it works. If you have less than 250 numbers on a SIM, though, I can see it would save a lot of time on set-up. [There's even a "dialling code" function that converts international style numbers beginning with +44 to normal UK numbers.]

The handsets will remember the last 30 numbers that have called [and also the last 20 dialled numbers].

The handset is mobile phone type in design; though it is quite long [18cm, cf 10.5cm for my SE C902], I suppose that size is less important in a house phone rather than a mobile. It does feel as though the microphone is some way from your mouth, but it doesn't seem to affect the sound quality.

The handset has a colour display, which defaults to show an analogue clock face when not in use. The display is not up to quality seen on mobile phones, but does the job of displaying text. The text size is a little small, which may be a problem for some.

The sound quality is good and as clear as any DECT phone I've used.

The handsets also have a few other features such as an alarm function, and a reminder function for up to five future events. I would generally use a phone or pc to do this, so have not really found a use for these.

The D802 has SMS ability. Again, I find it easier to use a mobile for this, so don't really see the point. Occasionally people may mistakenly send a text to landline, so this may be of some benefit.

The twin set costs about £58 to £65.