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You've likely heard the ballyhoo after every major cordless phone technology update. This Megahertz and that Gigahertz were all supposed to provide incredible range and amazing clarity. Well, the new-to-the-U.S. DECT cordless phone technology (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications or 1.9 GHz) really does live up to the hype. Although all DECT 6.0 cordless phones are not created equal, most DECT phone models provide a winning balance between exceptional voice clarity and suitable-to-fantastic range.

Why is DECT so special?
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications is nothing more than a digital wireless communication technology that operates at 1.9 GHz. Its popular with manufacturers (a good thing for consumers) because its a global standard, enabling them to produce fewer models to satisfy the needs of all countries. In general and all other technology components being equal, the lower the frequency, the longer the physical range youll get with your cordless phone. Phones that operate at lower frequencies (remember your old 49 MHz cordless phone from 1988) are also prone to much more interference, which significantly reduces voice clarity. When manufacturers launched phones at the higher frequencies, the opposite occurred as you might expect. Voice clarity improved dramatically with digital 5.8 GHz models, but physical range became a genuine problem..especially in all the growing number of McMansions in the U.S. Some DECT 6.0 cordless phones can get up to 1000 ft of range from the base outdoors.

Though frequency is only one feature to examine in the search for a cordless phone, a DECT 6.0 phone is the best bet in todays cordless phone market as long as all included features meet your needs. Its also dedicated to cordless communication in residential, commercial and public environments, so youre unlikely to be interfering with other home electronics. Besides premium voice quality and extended range, DECT technology is inherently more efficient with battery life. Its not uncommon to see some DECT models with up to 12 hours of talk time, which can be ideal for those who work at home.

Which DECT phone to Select?
First and foremost, look for a global brand you can trust. Because DECT is a global standard where launching a U.S. product is much less expensive than in the past, youll see lots of import brands hitting the market. Price points vary depending on brand and features, but most DECT phones are at the same or lower cost than the 5.8 GHz phones theyre succeeding. Consider your usage as well. Will you be using the phone in a home office where youll need a headset jack? Surprisingly, only some DECT models have included a headset jack. Will you need multiple handsets? While most models are expandable, be cautious that a few are locked into the one included handset. There are many more features available, but most DECT phones handle core functionality (excellent voice quality and good range) really well. Look for reviews and comparisons online and consider asking your retailer for recommendations.

Bill Nagel, a veteran in the consumer telecommunications market and founder of Cordless Workz, is always on the hunt for the best performing cordless phones. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that the authors name and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

posted by 45193  # 1:56 PM 0 comments

If your holiday gift list includes electronic gifts, then here's a clue for you - shop online to get the best prices anywhere. Whether you're looking for a digital camera for your dad, a PC game for your little brother or an X-Box 360 for yourself (hey, why shouldn't YOU be on your holiday list?), you'll find the cheapest prices when you shop online.

Why Buy a Digital Camera Online?

The better question is - why not? It's not as if you need to try on a digital camera to be sure that it fits - they're one size fits all. You can compare reviews on each digital camera online to check out features and drawbacks, then shop for the cheapest price at any one of several different shopping search sites. Unlike the High Street shops, online retailers don't have to pay for fancy carpeting and window signs that drive merchandise prices up. They can pass their savings on to you - and that means you pay less for the digital camera than you would if you spent hours fighting bargain hunters in the shops.

Is it safe to buy a digital camcorder online? It's just as safe as shopping for the latest models in the shops. All the usual cautions apply. Be sure that you're shopping on a secure, trusted site. Do your comparison shopping in advance. Skip the auctions and fly-by-nights and shop at trusted sites that can guarantee your delivery. And thanks to the laws, if you shop online with a credit card and something goes wrong, you're protected from fraud.

Buying PC Games Online

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a mate, little brother or friend, you'll seldom go wrong with a PC game - but the prices in the shops are outrageous. When you shop online, you're not confined to the local shops and stores. You're shopping the entire world - and that means lower prices. The top PC games and cheap prices for this holiday season include:
The Sims PC Game as low as 17.99
World of Warcraft Online PC Game as low as 9.99
Age of Empires 3 as low as 17.99
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas as low as 14.99

You'll do even better if you shop the bargain bins and online auctions, where you'll find prices as low as 2.99 for The Sims or Roller Coaster Tycoon. How can you go wrong?

The Year's Hottest Online Gift: XBOX 360

And the Xbox 360 is about to get a major boost. According to the latest news from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 team is working to redesign the Xbox 360 chip and drop their price by about 200 this holiday season. If the retail prices for the Xbox 360 drop to about 220, you can bet that you'll find them online for about 30%-50% cheaper.

Whatever your pleasure in electronic gifts this holiday season, you're bound to find it cheaper online. Keep your eyes peeled for the best shopping bargains as the holidays heat up. When the price wars start, the winners will be the consumers - that's you.

posted by 45193  # 2:44 AM 0 comments