The first thing that strikes you when holding the A245 gigaset is that it feels like a mobile phone rather than the cheap lump of plastic that so many DECT phones seem to have been created from, the style of design is quite minimalist with a black finish with silver highlights around the screen and along the centre of the keypad.

Siemens have provided a good screen although it is limited to a single line of text capable of showing 12 digits on screen, there are lines for icons including battery and signal strength meaning that a screen which isn't exactly mobile phone spec conveys everything you need for a DECT handset.

The 127 gram handset serves as the control for all functions even those contained within the rather utilitarian base station, while some base units are works of art and you want to put them on display this one measures 122 x 166 x 61mm and is something best tucked away out of sight.

Beneath its dull exterior beats a 15 minute digital answering machine which is controlled from at the A245 handset, the menu system allows easy retrieval of messages and even the ability to record outgoing messages. It all works very very well with a good choice of loud ring tones and 20 number memory and support for caller line identity as long as your network provider supports it.

Siemens claim the A245 will work over 50 meters from the base station we found that this means that its up to the job all around the house with clear, loud and interference free calls even with multiple walls in between the headset and base. battery life is good with 170hrs standby and a 10 hour talk time from the DECT handset, plus a great extra is the hands free calling which works a treat freeing you to continue to browse the internet while taking part in that conference call with work.

Although the initial package contains one handset the base station can support up to 4 connections and also allows walkie talkie style paging between them plus the ability for them to join the conference facility.

Priced at just £35 we have to recommend the Siemens A245 as it represents real value for money and a solid if perhaps little unexciting DECT handset, there are many more handsets in the gigaset range right up to the SL44 which has every imaginable mobile phone style feature. But for good honest wireless telephone calls for under £35 you really can't fault the A245.

Published - 20/04/2005

More DECT Phone Reviews-

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