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VTech CS5111

Price range:

$16.99 - $48.95

Summary: A 5.8 GHz/900 MHz analog single-handset cordless phone.

4 people have reviewed this model.

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Type: Cordless phones

About - VTech CS5111
The CS5111 is part of the cordless phone test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, cordless phone models like the CS5111 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Voice quality: Voice quality considers listening quality which reflects what you hear and talking, what's heard by other phones. Tests were conducted in a quiet environment using a live phone call. Phone ease of use: This score mainly covers handset weight and comfort, talk time, ease of phone setup and use, readability of labels; accessibility, location, and size of controls and buttons; and other convenience factors, such as auto talk, any key answer, lighted keypad, one-touch dial, and others. Talk time (hrs.): Talk time, measured to the nearest hour, is how long you can converse on the handset when it is fully charged.

About - VTech CS5111

The CS5111 is part of the cordless phone test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, cordless phone models like the CS5111 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Voice quality:: Voice quality considers listening quality which reflects what you hear and talking, what's heard by other phones. Tests were conducted in a quiet environment using a live phone call.
Phone ease of use:: This score mainly covers handset weight and comfort, talk time, ease of phone setup and use, readability of labels; accessibility, location, and size of controls and buttons; and other convenience factors, such as auto talk, any key answer, lighted keypad, one-touch dial, and others.
Talk time (hrs.):: Talk time, measured to the nearest hour, is how long you can converse on the handset when it is fully charged.

About This Brand
This market leader boasts a wide-range of phones for consumers that emphasize technological innovation. It was one of the first companies to introduce the 900 MHz cordless phone in 1991, and one of the first to introduce 5.8 GHz cordless phones in 2002. Its current offerings include a large selection of DECT 6.0 phones. VTech's Lifestyle series of phones include changeable back plates, Bluetooth connections to your cell phone, high-resolution screens, and recordable ring tones. The company also offers a cordless phone with instant-messaging capability. Like its other brand, AT&T, VTech has made serious efforts to go green with its packaging.

About This Brand

This market leader boasts a wide-range of phones for consumers that emphasize technological innovation. It was one of the first companies to introduce the 900 MHz cordless phone in 1991, and one of the first to introduce 5.8 GHz cordless phones in 2002. Its current offerings include a large selection of DECT 6.0 phones. VTech's Lifestyle series of phones include changeable back plates, Bluetooth connections to your cell phone, high-resolution screens, and recordable ring tones. The company also offers a cordless phone with instant-messaging capability. Like its other brand, AT&T, VTech has made serious efforts to go green with its packaging.

Features & Specs - VTech CS5111
Number of handsets included The number of cordless handset(s) with a charging cradle included with the product. Number of handsets included	1
Maximum no. of cordless handsets The manufacturer stated maximum number of cordless handsets that can be registered to a multiple handset capable phone. A phone that can support up to eight handsets, for example, can have eight handsets registered to the base, but you may only be able to use four at once, say two using handset to handset intercom, while two others conference with an outside party. Others may just allow one handset to be used at a time, so can't be used like an additional (extension) phone you have connected to the same phone line. NA represents not applicable. See Buying Advice for more information. Maximum no. of cordless handsets	1
Handset conferencing Also referred to as handset-to-handset intercom, and other terms. Many multiple handset capable phones allow conversation handset to handset, or among handsets for conferencing. For some phones the handsets have to be within range of the base, while others also allow a direct link between two handsets so you can take them with you to use like walkie-talkies. Multiple handset phones without this capability can't be used to conference. Handset conferencing	No
Caller ID Caller ID with a three-line display shows the name and phone number of a caller and the date and time of the call, provided you subscribe to caller ID services. Some phones have an additional display line that shows which line, say line 1 or line 2, the call came in on, or indicators such as a battery strength or voice mail. If you have Caller ID with Call Waiting, the phone displays the name and number of the second caller if you're already on the phone. The display is usually on the handset; some phones also have one on the base. Phones with Call Waiting Deluxe provide you with more choices on how to handle a second call when you are already on the phone assuming you subscribe to the service, but not all features may be available in all areas. Some of the choices that the service supports; facilitates conferencing with two outside parties, or a prerecorded message states that you will be available shortly, and the caller is put on hold, or prerecorded message indicates you are busy, and the waiting call is disconnected, or the caller is sent to your voice mail. Caller ID	Handset
Voice-mail indicator (Telco) A visual indicator on the handset or base to notify you that you have new messages awaiting from your telephone company message waiting service, such as an LED, or an envelope icon on the display. That means you don't have to pick up the handset to respond to a message waiting signal. Voice-mail indicator (Telco)	Yes
Base speakerphone A base speakerphone offers a hands-free way to converse or wait on hold and lets others chime in as well, and allows you to answer a call without the handset. When used with a base keypad, you can make a call from the base and have a hands-free conversation. Base speakerphone	No
Base keypad Also referred to as Dual or Second Keypad. A keypad on the base supplements the keypad on the handset. It can be handy for navigating menu-driven systems, because you don't have to take the phone away from your ear to punch the keys. When used with a base speakerphone, you can make a call from the base and have a hands-free conversation. Base keypad	No
Base ringer All phones have a handset ringer, and many phones have a base ringer, but not all allow you to set them on or off, adjust the volume, or change the auditory tone. Base ringer	No
Handset speakerphone A handset speakerphone offers a hands-free way to converse or wait on hold and lets others chime in as well conveniently anywhere in the house as long as you stay within a few feet of the handset. Handset speakerphone	No
Lighted keypad Also referred to as backlit keypad. A keypad that either glows in the dark or lights up when you press a key, and when the phone rings; makes the phone easier to use in low light conditions. Lighted keypad	Yes
Wall mountable The phone base can be mounted on a wall, and includes with the product any parts that may be needed, such as a wall mounting bracket. Wall mountable	Yes
Mailboxes For phones with an answerer, some phones have several mailboxes where a caller can direct a voice message to an individual family member, or to separate business and personal calls, for instance. This allows the convenience of listening to messages just meant for you. We show the maximum number of mailboxes. Mailboxes	NA
More features and specs

User Reviews - VTech CS5111

Average User Rating

(based on 4 reviews)

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Displaying Reviews 1-3 of 4 See all 4 user reviews

Too basic for our needs

By Trivia guru from San Francisco, CA on 11/6/2009

Pros:

Compact design, Easy To Set Up

Cons:

Lacks Features, Poor Battery Life, Produces Static

Best Uses:

Home Use

Describe Yourself:

Quality Oriented

Primary use:

Personal

How long have you owned it:

One-to-three months

Bottom Line:

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

This phone is too basic for our use at home. A speakerphone isn't needed on a basic cordless phone, but I thought a mute button was. We often use the other line - my work phone - instead since it has both of those features, much longer battery life and sturdier construction.

Worst experience ever

By Mountain guy from W. NC on 5/26/2009

Pros:

Good Sound

Cons:

Not Durable

Best Uses:

Home Use

Describe Yourself:

Value Oriented

Primary use:

Personal

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line:

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Went dead in less than 6 months

Good Value for a No-Frills Cordless Phon

By Geezer Jock from Centennial, CO on 4/18/2009

Pros:

Comfortable Handset, Compact design, Easy To Set Up, Good Sound

Best Uses:

Everyday Use, Home Use

Describe Yourself:

Value Oriented

Primary use:

Personal

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I got this phone for less than [...], and it works fine. At first it was a little echoey when I talked, but that went away after the first day. I am using it with a Magic Jack (internet) connection, and that may have been causing the echoes. I am now realizing that I want a phone with speakerphone for when I'm on hold a long time, so I will probably return this phone, since it doesn't have that feature. I have not had a problem with the range, but I have a fairly small house (1600 square foot ranch). If it were not for the lack of speakerphone, I would be happy with this phone.

See all 4 user reviews

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