The Siemens 242 is a single-line, caller ID-equipped phone that operates on the 2.4 GHz band. Its 2.4 GHz technology ensures a clearer cordless transmission without static or interference from other cordless phones operating at crowded lower frequencies. Plus, digital spread spectrum technology provides optimum security from eavesdropping by "hopping" frequencies more than 100 times every second.
To set up the phone, we inserted the battery pack, plugged in the AC adapter, and charged the battery. After the initial 12-hour charge, the 240 normally recharges in four hours. The Siemens 242 has an unusual configuration in that the AC adapter plugs into an electrical outlet; from the AC adapter two cords emerge: a standard RJ-11 connector that plugs into the telephone wall jack and an RJ-45 connector that plugs into the 242 base station. The 240's controls were generally intuitive, but we did have to consult the manual to set the caller ID language (English, French, or Spanish), to manage the caller ID log, to change the ringer settings, and to program memory dialing. The phone is wall mountable, but the base's design causes it to protrude excessively from the wall.
In our tests of the 242, we placed the base on the floor, and the handset performed flawlessly to a distance of only about 40 feet. Distortion gradually increased as we moved away from the base, and the handset stopped functioning at 195 feet. This is not good performance for a phone in this class. We moved the base station in front of a window and repeated the tests. This time, the handset performed well to a distance of 130 feet and stopped functioning at 270 feet. This performance is much better but still not as good as less expensive 900 MHz DSS phones. Within close proximity to the base, sound quality was very good; the handset sounded only slightly softer than our reference corded desk phone.
The Siemens 242 displays caller ID/call waiting information on a three-line LCD. This LCD displays up to 30 calls and provides both redial and the time of the call. The Siemens 242 also features 10 programmable speed-dial numbers, a choice of four ring tones, base-to-handset paging, ringer and receiver volume controls, two-way charging positions, out-of- range alert, and more. An internal antenna protects the phone against accidental damage. The Siemens 242 comes with a lightweight cordless handset, a base with a built-in charger, a battery pack, a user's manual, and a belt clip. Siemens offers a one-year warranty on this phone. --Mike Brown
Pros:
- Very clear signal when close to the base
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Less range than typical 900 MHz DSS phones
Product Description:
The Siemens 242 operates at the 2.4GHz frequency. The result is clear cordless transmission without static or interference from baby monitors and other cordless phones operating at crowded lower frequencies. ADPCM technology offers superior voice quality, and digital spread spectrum technology makes eavesdropping virtually impossible. Never before a cordless phone has done so many things so well.
Siemens 242 2.4 GHz White Cordless Phone with Caller ID
Average customer rating: 
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Siemens 242 2.4 GHz White Cordless Phone with Caller ID
Manufacturer: Siemens ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  With Caller ID
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ASIN: B00004R7OG |
Amazon.com Review
The Siemens 242 is a single-line, caller ID-equipped phone that operates on the 2.4 GHz band. Its 2.4 GHz technology ensures a clearer cordless transmission without static or interference from other cordless phones operating at crowded lower frequencies. Plus, digital spread spectrum technology provides optimum security from eavesdropping by "hopping" frequencies more than 100 times every second.To set up the phone, we inserted the battery pack, plugged in the AC adapter, and charged the battery. After the initial 12-hour charge, the 240 normally recharges in four hours. The Siemens 242 has an unusual configuration in that the AC adapter plugs into an electrical outlet; from the AC adapter two cords emerge: a standard RJ-11 connector that plugs into the telephone wall jack and an RJ-45 connector that plugs into the 242 base station. The 240's controls were generally intuitive, but we did have to consult the manual to set the caller ID language (English, French, or Spanish), to manage the caller ID log, to change the ringer settings, and to program memory dialing. The phone is wall mountable, but the base's design causes it to protrude excessively from the wall.
In our tests of the 242, we placed the base on the floor, and the handset performed flawlessly to a distance of only about 40 feet. Distortion gradually increased as we moved away from the base, and the handset stopped functioning at 195 feet. This is not good performance for a phone in this class. We moved the base station in front of a window and repeated the tests. This time, the handset performed well to a distance of 130 feet and stopped functioning at 270 feet. This performance is much better but still not as good as less expensive 900 MHz DSS phones. Within close proximity to the base, sound quality was very good; the handset sounded only slightly softer than our reference corded desk phone.
The Siemens 242 displays caller ID/call waiting information on a three-line LCD. This LCD displays up to 30 calls and provides both redial and the time of the call. The Siemens 242 also features 10 programmable speed-dial numbers, a choice of four ring tones, base-to-handset paging, ringer and receiver volume controls, two-way charging positions, out-of- range alert, and more. An internal antenna protects the phone against accidental damage. The Siemens 242 comes with a lightweight cordless handset, a base with a built-in charger, a battery pack, a user's manual, and a belt clip. Siemens offers a one-year warranty on this phone. --Mike Brown
Pros:
- Very clear signal when close to the base
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Less range than typical 900 MHz DSS phones
Amazon.com Product Description
The Siemens 242 is a single-line, caller ID-equipped cordless phone that operates on the 2.4 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz technology ensures a clearer cordless transmission without static or interference from other cordless phones operating at crowded lower frequencies. Digital spread spectrum technology provides optimum security from eavesdropping by "hopping" frequencies more than 100 times every second.With built-in caller ID/call waiting ID capability, the Siemens 242 features a three-line LCD display that shows up to 30 calls and provides both redial and the time of the call. Another feature of the display is that it can show information in English, French, or Spanish.
Other convenience features of the Siemens 242 include 10 programmable speed-dial numbers, a choice of four ring tones, base-to-handset paging, ringer and receiver volume controls, two-way charging positions, and out-of-range alert. An internal antenna guards against accidental damage. The Siemens 242 comes with a lightweight cordless handset, a base with built-in charger, a battery pack, a user's manual, and a belt clip. Siemens also provides a one-year warranty on this product.
Product Description
The Siemens 242 operates at the 2.4GHz frequency. The result is clear cordless transmission without static or interference from baby monitors and other cordless phones operating at crowded lower frequencies. ADPCM technology offers superior voice quality, and digital spread spectrum technology makes eavesdropping virtually impossible. Never before a cordless phone has done so many things so well.Customer Reviews:
Attractive design and function, but wireless network interference--inconsistent and not especially durable.......2005-10-02
***Update several months later: I bought a number of these units (refurbished or used) to put all over my house. The failure rate of the units is quite high, and at times the WiFi interference is horrible, even when I'm not surfing the web. On second thought, looks great, but not recommended. Less than a year after purchase, I am looking to replace my entire system with a 5.8 GHz one that will not interfere with my wireless network.
This phone eats batteries.......2003-08-15
Good feature set marred by unexpected inconveniences.......2002-07-12
For example, it is, in fact, imbued with a reliable caller ID service, speed dialing, and a helpful caller log. But the LED screen isn?t backlit. As a result all those neat features aren?t usable at night, when you perhaps need them most. Likewise, its small size at first seems a convenience?until you remember that comfort is more important in a home phone than portability. Bigger phones are better around the house, where you tend to want a phone you can actually rest on your shoulder.
But its bigger offenses, I think, have to do with the way it performs its most basic functions: power and reception.
It requires much more recharge time on the base than much older phones, and that charge evaporates quite quickly?even when the phone is not in active use. Worse, my particular unit?and maybe all of them--doesn?t reliably snap into the base. It?s possible to put the phone in the cradle and yet not have the contacts touch. As a result, the phone could spend hours in the cradle without recharging at all.
Its reception, too, is baffling. While does have a fair range, it seems to pick up background noise more clearly than the sound of my voice--clearly the opposite of how you want a phone to work.
I don?t mean to sound too negative, here. Most of the time it works like it?s supposed to. But I can?t help feeling if it had been tweaked with a little more market research, Seimens might have come up with a more practical product.
nice simple phone...but.......2002-04-07
242 is defective.......2002-03-12
would never buy a siemens phone again.
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