PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Good: Fixed function keys such as Hold, Conference, Transfer and Redial in addition to 8 programmable feature keys make the NEC Cordless DECT phone much more user friendly than standard analog cordless phones.  Convenient 3 line display shows messages waiting, extension name and caller ID information.  The Backlit keypad helps with dialing in low light environments.  Range of the NEC Cordless DECT phone can be extended with the use of NEC DSX Cordless DECT repeaters.

The Bad: At over $275.00 it is the most expensive telephone for the NEC DSX system.  Base unit is a bit bulky (around 8″ by 5″).  No way to scroll through caller ID on the cordless phone.

The Bottom Line: For environments where you need mobility and don’t want to miss calls the NEC Cordless DECT phone offers significant improvements over NEC’s previous cordless solution the NEC DSX DTH-4R-2 Cordless Lite II Telephone

REVIEW

The NEC DTL-8R-1 is a cordless telephone that is adapted for digital NEC telephone systems (DSX-40, DSX-80, DSX-160 and UX5000).  The NEC DTL-8R-1 Cordless DECT phone consists of a base unit, which is connected to a digital station port, and a handset.  A deskphone can also be connected to the base unit and share the same extension number as the cordless phone but they CANNOT both be used at the same time in this configuration.  A button on the base unit allows you to switch back and forth between the deskphone and the cordless phone.

The NEC DTL-8R-1 Cordless DECT phone offers considerable advantages over 3rd party analog cordless phones.  For example on standard analog cordless phones there is no way to easily tell what telephone line you are on (there is no indication of whether you are talking on line 1, line 2, etc.)  The Cordless DECT addresses this problem by providing 8 feature keys that can be programmed to give you a visual indication that you are on line 1, line 2, line 3, etc.

Dterm Cordless DECT Phone Feature Keys

If you place a call on hold and you are on line 3, the line 3 button on the Cordless DECT will flash making it easier to process calls using the NEC Cordless DECT.  There are 4 fixed feature keys that are used for common functions as well such as HOLD, Conference, Transfer and Redial.  On Analog cordless phones these features can only be accessed by dialing feature codes (Flash + 11, Flash + Extension number, etc).  The  Dterm cordless phone also features a convenient speakerphone option allowing you to use the phone hands free (a headset plug is also available).

NEC Dterm Cordless DECT Backlit Keypad

Maximum range on the DECT cordless phone is listed as up to 350 feet (in our experience this depends on the building material of your office).  The range can be increased however by adding NEC DSX Cordless DECT repeaters throughout your office or home.  The repeaters only require an electrical outlet for power (no connection to the phone system is required).  The frequency of the DECT cordless phone is 1.9G, transmission is TDMA/TDD, and there are 5 channels.

The NEC Dterm DECT cordless phone package includes the base unit, base unit wall mount adapter, base unit stand, base unit power supply, cordless handset, handset charger and power supply and a belt clip.