Over the years my family has gone through a variety of telephones, and while many of them have been decent, most of them have had one issue or another with some aspect of what they offer.  Either the line wasn’t terribly clear, or the ringer was obnoxious, or you could barely find a button or hear the message left on your answering machine.

Now that we’ve tried the VTech Connect to Cell Answering System, we know we’ve found the last phone we’ll ever want!  Not only does it offer more than any phone I’ve ever owned, but it follows through with everything on a high end level.

• Two-handset system equipped with DECT 6.0 digital technology for the best sound quality, security and range in cordless phones
• Connect to Cell connects up to two BLUETOOTH wireless technology-enabled devices
• Download cellular directory – up to 200 entries
• Expandable to 5 handsets (uses DS6501)
• Handset speakerphone
• Eco Mode power technology
• Silent Mode ringer control
• Digital Answering System: ITAD accessible from handset, 14 minutes record time and large backlit 7-segment message counter

The digital answering system is clear as a bell, and both of my kids could figure out immediately how to playback the messages.  There are a variety of choices for various rings and tones, and we were able to find one we really like.  In fact, the first time we heard it ring officially, Charlie said, “Wow, that’s really nice!”

Another great feature of this phone is the Connect to Cell option.  You can actually pair your cell phone to the land phone and then use the land phone to make and answer cell phone calls.  This is ultra handy when my battery is low, or when one of the kids wants to make a call, because I prefer that they not take my iPhone out on a trek through the house or their room.  Since we use my cellular phone minutes vs. paying extra for long distance on the land line, this is a fantastic feature for our family.  You can even download and store your cell phone numbers into the directory of the VTech phone.  It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Lastly, the VTech phone uses DECT 6.0 Digital Technology, which translates to providing superior voice and sound quality, and higher protection against eavesdropping than other phone systems.  I could not be more pleased with the quality of this phone, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t mind when I receive a phone call.

• Available at: www.vtechphones.com and at major retail stores such as Target, Staples, Radio Shack, Kmart, Best Buy and others. 
• MSRP: $59.95