The cordless phone is, in some sense, the phone v2.0. Finally freeing ourselves from the constraints of the wall and the long, unbroken chains of conductive wiring which make up the phone system, the cordless phone is seemingly more modern and high tech in every regard. While there is no doubt the cordless phone is the technological successor to its humble corded ancestor, there are a few challenges presented to the cordless which the corded phone doesn’t need to worry about.
This is largely thanks to its inherent simplicity: a corded phone, unlike a cordless, doesn’t even need outside power to operate. If the phone line works, the phone works – as simple as that. In contrast, a cordless phone needs not only one but two sources of power – one for the wireless handset, and one for the base which is plugged into the phone line and acts as a transceiver for the handset.
The Benefits Of Simplicity
As we’ve already noted, the corded phone can work with no external power except that provided by the phone line. But this is only one of many benefits the corded phone offers thanks to its classically simple design. By being directly connected to the phone line, the corded phone is not prone to significant interference.
Cordless phones, like Gigaset’s E495, which operates using radio signals, can pick up interference which takes the form of static and reduced call quality. Although not that common anymore with modern phones, it’s still a possibility. It can be caused by things like radio broadcasts, electronics such as microwaves and other common items. Since a cordless phone operates by broadcasting these radio signals, it is also substantially less secure than a corded phone. In theory, anyone with a fairly simple radio receiver set up could eavesdrop on the phone calls of cordless phone users, although cordless phone manufacturers (Gigaset, Panasonic, BT) do occasionally take steps to prevent this.
As Many (Or As Few) Features As You Need
The corded phone has been around for a long time. It is a standard, ubiquitous piece of equipment in homes and offices around the world. In its long service, it has picked up a huge array of features – indeed, just about every feature available on phones was pioneered on a corded device. While there are so many possible features on a corded phone, it can also operate independently of all of those bells and whistles and just be a plain, simple phone.
This power-free operation makes them much handier in an emergency situation, but it is nice to have the luxury of being just one AC adaptor away from a rich array of options such as caller ID, contact lists, hold, programmable keys and much, much more.
Clarity Of Conversation
Corded phones still remain the kings of call quality. A cordless phone is prone to cutting out and receiving interference, especially should you find yourself having wandered too far from the receiver. Being able to hear clearly and understand inflections and subtleties in conversation is a key part of effective communications, and an element which relies on a sure connection to allow for crystal clear call quality.
It’s a close battle, but there are still situations where a humble corded phone beats the cordless.