Hello All,
I have been looking at phone systems, and have a few specific needs. I just did a Panny KX-TG4000B, and it seems pretty nice, but I am looking for a corded solution, and I would like to stay away from the Panasonic product.

What I would like to do is the following, with a combo of corded deskphones and multiple wireless handsets, however, I want the handsets to be wired to the wall, not part of a cell like system:

-Voicemail (multiple mailboxes)
-Room to room intercom or paging
-at least 2 line capebility.

And info is much appreciated!

And whats wrong with a Panasonic KX-TA624 with a TVS-50? Sounds like exactly what you need...

Except for the Wired Cordless phones thing..... Thats got me completely baffled....

There isn't really anything wrong with the 624, I just think Panasonic kind of screwed me a few weeks ago. I had a customet sold on the KX-TGA4000B, with 6 cordless handsets, and one desk unit. Upon ordering the product from the distributor I use, they (the distributor)told me that Panasonic now considered that model a "consumer" product. I called every distributor I could find, and they were all in teh same boat. I was lucky enough to get the base unit before they sold out, but now have no avenue for the rest of the system, other than Officemax, and I really dont feel like paying retail.

To clear up the "wired cordless" thing. The KX-TG4000B system can support up to 8 extra handsets, but they are all wireless in the sense that they all have to talk to the base unit via RF. Not usually a big deal unless the base unit is in the basement, and you want to page the phone on the third level,through through 2 layers of gypcrete.

I would like to have the standard cordless phones that talk to the charging base that is plugged into the wall, but that can be on the system as far as paging goes.

The KXTGA4000 has ALWAYS been a "Consumer" labled product. Sounds like you got screwed by your distributor.... Not Panasonic.

Heres the hint.... If its Sold at Circuit City and Best buy, its NOT a Commercial Panasonic Phone system.... Heck the KX-TA624 isnt a true commercial phone system.... But it does exactly what your asking.

I just spent the last 4 hours installing a Vodavi Starplus STS system in my house. I have yet to get into the guts of it, but my initial impression is positive. I bought one of the cordless "Wanderer" handsets, which ties off an extension and allows cordless operation. It does everything you want it to do.

My personal favorite is the Avaya Partner ACS system hands down. Rock solid system, great looking phones, voicemail option for ~$250 vs. $600-$800 for others, COMPUTER PROGRAMMING! I could go on and on. I got the Vodavi to evaluate it and decide whether or not to offer it as a lower priced alternative to the Partner ACS. I have put in the Panasonic 624s and there is no doubt they are popular, but I hate that you cannot program it with a computer.

Yea, I guess your right, it's a consumer product. But it was Panasonic's decision to stop selling through distribution. I'll look into the 624 a little more. Thanks

BTW, the Panasonic 624 does program by computer if you want to.

Several points. There is an aftermarket program that will do the Pana 624 through the SMDR port. I have no positive experiences with it; if you know me, you will understand why.

Panasonic just introduced the new KXTAW848. Feature highlights include:
1. Programming by computer
2. Ability to install up to four "cell repeaters" in a home, so that a conversation can pass from one cell to another as you move throughout the home,
3. Integrates with voice mail
4. Integrates completely with SLT devices, with no extra card required (Vodavi at one time required that. Avaya does not....)
5. Room to room intercom, natch
6. Speakerphone on the cordless (!)
7. Lots more.

Product is less then two months old. We got our first one just before EH Expo (good thing, since we ran training on the product there.)

The KXTG4000 is a consumer 2.4 ghz product. It's ok, but the first day is the best day, and performance will slide from there. As said earlier, do you want to be selling a product sold at Best Buy?

Lastly, Panasonic has instituted serious territory restrictions on lots of products, but Business Phone Products are not in that category. A distributor who can't supply the 4000 system to you is following rules that Panasonic has imposed. Don't dump on him/her. He's trying his best.

Thanks guys. I'm going to look into the Vodavi and Avaya, as well as the new Panny product. Computer programming is important to me. The KXTAW848 sounds like it might work for the customer.

I don't want to be pushing a best buy product, and the reps have really been going out of their way to try and get me fixed up on this.

I'd love to know the details on programming the 624 via a PC, and also about the new Pana 848. Can you post any links on it? Thanks.

[Link: catalog2.panasonic.com]

Software for the 624.

[Link: pbxsoftware.com]

Dave

|

I've been eyeing this product with interest. Any feedback yet on how the 2.4 GHz cell system gets along with 802.11b/g networks?

Hey Max,

Great question. I talked with our techs, and at this point, nobody has brought it up. It's early, so it certainly can be an issue. D-Link brand wi-fi devices have the ability to set frequency groups, and when pressed, their tech support recommended specific frequencies when their system is employed with other 2.4 ghz systems.

It's important to remember that Pana does give you a signal strength meter to use (built into the cordless handset) that improves the placing of cell repeaters.
I'm suggesting that folks not put them in the attic, as the manual discourages use above 104 f.

Also, the Pana manual cites metal as an effective shield against frequency transmission in the 2.4 ghz neighborhood.

Lastly, even though it says Panasonic, it is a completely different program that old 624 style systems. Please, take some time ahead of the install date and play with it on your bench.

Well, a client is pretty well sold on the KX-TAW848 system. I've done a few 624's and am hoping the learning curve will not be too steep.

I just called the tech who did the trim out on the prewire when the house was first built. He heard I was going to put in a Panasonic system and said the Partner system is far better.

I don't believe he's installed the new 848 system but he does have extensive experience with the earlier Panasonics, plus he installed for Lucent (previous name for the Avaya).

I am supposing they are both decent systems. It may be the built in caller ID plus less expensive voice mail option gives an edge to the Partner. However, this client does his voice mail thru the phone company. So that takes away some of the edge.

Can you give me some more feedback on these two systems?

Thanks!