Gigaset GIGASET-S820A-DUO DECT 6.0 1-Handset Landline Telephone

Let me outline my current situation and how these work for me... I work from home and spent about 8 hours a day on calls. Most of my time using the land line and the rest using Lync. I need to be able to walk around freely and also have the ability to make a call from where ever I am, so if I decided to go sit on the patio, I can make that call, etc. Using a desk phone with a DECT headset was not for me since I had no remote call control, i.e. Savi or Jabra Pro. I have been using a Plantronics Calisto for over 5 years so I was spoiled but it finally died hence my search for a replacement. I had several scenarios in line but all had severe limitations then I stumbled on the Gigaset 400a which looked to be the ideal set but unfortunately not for sale in the US and pricing to get one here was a little silly. I did more research and found that the 820a is available in the US but I was a bit apprehensive with the reviews and touch screen. I decided to take the plunge and return if it did not work out. Let me just say, its a keeper but not without some flaws.Pros- Automatically transfers the call to my headset without any hassle, dial the number and press the call button.- screen lock to prevent the phone from going nuts if in the pocket.- Easy bluetooth integration with the handheld.- Talk time is lengthy, I have yet to run it down during the day.- Range seems pretty good, I can walk go outside, down to the basement, and upstairs with no issues.- Call clarity on both sides using the handset or bluetooth device is great.- Nifty features built in such as call screening (compliments the Time Warner service for me), home screen is customizable with the date and time showing up.- Larger buttons make it easy to dial, my Calisto was tiny and occasionally misdialed because of this.- Ability to record a call- Like the one touch mailbox call buttonCons:- Phone interface is a little slow. I can dial faster than the phone recognizes and I have seen a few times where the number is not complete.- Touch screen is a little gimmicky and quite frankly is unnecessary. It will be just another thing that can go wrong.- Placing the handset back on the base while on a call using bluetooth hangs it up. I contacted Gigaset and they walked me though the way to do it which I still feel is overly complicated. I feel its a usability issue and should be corrected via a software update, but they disagree. Basically I have to hold the call button down while placing it back on the base which sends to speaker but keep holding for 2 more sec to send it back to the bluetooth device. Its more of an annoyance but one I can live with it.- mute button is a soft key on the screen and right beside the hold key. Response to the press is not registered at times and I have also accidentally put conference calls on hold to hear music due to them being close together. My work around is to get used to putting from the headset.- Did not work well with my Jabra Motion UC headset and had to buy a new headset. People told me I was very faint. I have had no problems with the Plantronics Calisto headset or the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC. I feel as though this is not a flaw with the phone but the Jabra but it was a little disappointing to have to buy a new headset considering the price for these UC Lync certified devices. Something to be aware if you have that device. Regardless, those headsets are in different leagues and I am happier with the Plantronics as a whole (perhaps another review to be had).- Belt clip is cheap, it will likely not last with heavy use.Overall:Aside from some of the quirks and cons, I think Gigaset has a great product on their hands which serves my purpose perfectly and is the closest thing to what it replaced. I am hopeful to get several years of constant use out of the product but I am at aware they are not designed for the level of abuse my beloved Calisto Pro endured. I am keeping the second handset in the box as my backup in the event that day comes.

Like another reviewer I've read, I had an older Siemens phone system a decade ago and loved it. When it came time to replace, I went back to try the latest goods this company manufactures, and from a functional and feature point of view, Siemens still has it going on. I don't know what the competition is doing, and don't care; these phones feel like a whole-house upgrade. And I don't know about every phone system in the USA, but on Comcast in the SF Bay Area, CA I have no problems using all features (date/time settings, voice mail, etc.) But as with everything, there are a few things I wish I could change:1) Love the way it synchronizes with MS Outlook, but some information isn't duplicated from phone to phone when using the "Copy Directory List" function (eg. avatars, ringtone settings, etc). They need to add a checkbox somewhere that allows all handsets to share the same information, or allow you to truly sync handset to handset. Instead you have to plug each handset into your computer to re-sync any new/modified contacts from Outlook every time. Irritating.2) You actually have to set the date/time manually. I can't believe there's not a way to have this automated. It's 2014, right? These phones should grab the date/time from each phone call that comes in and update as needed, no user intervention required.3) Settings are on a per handset basis. This is a good thing for those who want the kitchen phone set up differently from the bedroom phone, but again there should be an automated way to make all handsets use the same settings (maybe simply ask when making a change "Apply to all handsets?" or something).I know, some of these comments are directed at Siemens, but I already emailed them the same complaints. Other than these few issues though, I really like these phones. Bluetooth headset works great, copying contacts between Outlook and/or cell phones works well, and even the ringtones included are a nice upgrade in my home.

Pricey, but excellent quality cordless phone. Very good user interface (often poor on other models) great screen, excellent sound.Worth every penny!