I decided it was time to replace my home phone and I wanted something that came complete with an answering machine, a second handset, had a reasonably good range and didn't cost too much. So with that in mind I went for a browse around my local Comet store fully expecting to come home with another Binatone. The trouble is that when you get to the store and look around there is a bewildering range of phones from different manufacturers which range in price from the modest to the vastly overpriced.
I did look at the Binatones (I have had them before and liked them) but this time they had nothing which really took my eye and then I spotted a large display with the Siemens Gigaset AL285 on the 'end' of the product island. Now I know from having worked in retail that the 'ends' are used for the hot promotions and the Siemens was reduced from £69.99 to £39.99 which made it look attractive. It wasn't on the top shelf of the end, that was reserved for a more expensive phone they were keen to sell, but nevertheless I felt it warranted closer inspection.
I have no doubt that the keen reduction is due to the fact that there is a swisher, more featured phone available and they want to clear the stock but for the money it had lots of features that other manufacturers were charging more for. As I got to the checkout the customer before me said he had looked at it and thought it was a pretty good buy and he said it had good reviews - of course I couldn't resist asking why he was buying something different, his response was that he liked the colour of the one he was buying better!
Features
The basic features of this phone that appealed were firstly that there were 2 handset/s included, the answering machine offered 12 minutes recording time (and I don't need longer than that!) and each phone offered 25 hours talktime on a full charge and/or 250 hours standby time.
In detail it has:
80 phone number storage
There is a Built-in speakerphone to allow hands free use
Illuminated keypad .
GAP compatible
Can delete individual messages
Last number redial (I use this a lot!)
Wall mountable so that it can be efficiently stored somewhere out of reach of children.
Mute button
Up to 300 metres outdoor range in ideal conditions .
Ringer volume control
Handset volume control
Message received indicator Flashing light to show messages are being stored until you have listened to them
Outgoing call list
Incoming call list (25 numbers) - Records the phone numbers of your received calls so you can see who has called if youve been out or away.
10 different ringer melodies to personalise the handset
Call transfer - Allows calls to be passed between numerous handsets on the same line
Hold button .
Cordless to enable the user freedom with the phone
Digital phone - Digital phones have better clarity than analogue versions
Speed dialling
Remote access facility - Enables you to listen to messages whilst away from home by using another touch tone phone
Low battery indicator Indicator that lights up when battery is low
Call screening - This allows you to listen to whos leaving the message before you decide to pick up the phone.
Missed call log
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Base and Handset control of answer machine enables control of answer machine from the handset and / or base unit
Day/time stamp for each message
Recall button - Redial the number of the last person who called you at the touch of a button
Visual ring indicator - A light flashes to alert you to an incoming call
Answer machine records messages
Pre-recorded answer machine messages so that there is no need to record your own answer machine message unless you want to
In use
As with all of these phones when you buy them the first thing you need to do is to install the rechargeable batteries provided and charge them up before use. They recommend that you charge them up for 8 hours before use and then allow them to discharge fully before recharging in order to get maximum use out of them.
The phone itself is a smart black colour which blends easily with most decor. The display is fairly small but lights up in use so that you can see the number you are dialling or the number dialling in. The keys are small but very intuitive to use so to be honest I have had no problem making the transition from my old phone to this one. The menus are straightforward and the instruction book is well written and easy to follow and I have found reception on the handset very good.
The base station has a clear red light to show when the power is on and also has keys for operating the answering machine although you can also access the answering machine from each of the handsets. The handsets engage properly on the base stations so are unlikely to fall out of the cradle in normal use. I also like the fact that you can page the phones from the base station - handy if you have put the phone down and can't remember where!
I get full range everywhere in my home but don't achieve the quoted 300 m outdoors which doesn't surprise me as I have high hedges as well as the external walls to contend with. That said it works fine all over my garden and only failswhen I go outside of the hedge and keep walking for about 10 metres which is much better that I got with my previous phone.
Would I recommend it?
Yes I would if you are looking for a reasonably priced digital phone with a good range for use around your home.
Siemens also claim it is energy efficient by saying there is a 100% reduction of transmitting power in standby mode and 60% less power consumption due to energy saving power supply.
Hands free and a chirpy ringtone 
