BT Studio Digital Cordless

I bought a BT Studio 1500 from Tesco with one handset and answer phone when my old phone bit the dust.

The thing was cheap - about 20 pounds if I recall correctly, so that was a good start.

In use, there are numerous features that are very helpful, like the calls list. To date there are about 30 numbers stored in there and it is often quicker to click down the call list to find the number you want than to use the phone book in the phone.

If the number calling you is in the phones' book, it shows you their name rather than just the number and you can set one of three different ring tones to each phone book entry - handy for distinguishing personal calls from others.

The redial button also remembers plenty of numbers and you can click down the list of calls you've made.

The phone book is nice and simple to edit too, no need for the manual here and all in all, these three features make using the thing really easy.

The answer phone is nice and loud and easy to use, in fact most of the everyday operations are.

Also, the range is good. I can sit at the bottom of my garden and it's quite happy about it. Okay, I'm not some landed gentry type with acres of lawn, but judging from other phones I've had the range is pretty good.

Let me just say one thing about this DECT digital clarity carry on - where's the improvement?

There is still fuzz and hiss on this new phone. Okay, the sound quality is okay and the handset is plenty loud enough, but let's not get too exited here, they make it sound like listening to a CD for goodness sake, which it ISN'T.

If you don't like noise on the line I'm afraid you'll need to get one of those old fashioned phones that is tied to the wall.

Setting the time on the thing is a bit baffling. I've had to do it a few times (once when it was new, once after a power cut and once when I pulled the wrong plug - D'Oh) and I had to look to the manual on each occasion.

Okay, this is something you will rarely have to do and even then the manual can be found on the BT website to save you searching through drawers.

Last gripe, the battery life. I use the phone for business and it gets some use, but when I use it from fully charged I would not expect it to cut my conversation short after half an hour. Unfortunately it does.

The "battery low" beeps give you about half a seconds warning; not helpful; that isn't even enough time to say:

"Oh, the battery's low, I'll call you from the other line..."

Probably just:

"Oh!"

The unit comes supplied with 2 AAA sized 550mAh rechargeables which really could do with being of a higher capacity.

I've since installed a couple of 1000mAh batteries which gives me just over an hours constant use.

Overall, pretty good for the money and once you get into the habit of placing it in it's charger every time you hang up, it'll probably suit you just fine.

It does what it's supposed to do and I haven't hit any memory limits for stored numbers as yet.

Also, it's a curvy little number that doesn't take up much desk space.

Lastly...

I've seen another review that says the display isn't very clear. I have to say I don't have the same problem - the contrast is very good on the unit I have.

I have recently purchased a set of BT Studio Digital Cordless telephones. There are three handsets, and the base. The answering machine is very simple easy to use, and very clear, with pre-set OGM if required. Set up takes only a minute or two. The instructions are simple to follow, and the handsets are neat, easy to hold, and the buttons are of a good size for a small phone. The only criticism I can make, is that the text is not too clear, especially on some letters. However, overall it is a very good product, and lived up to my expectations.