SmithGear News

NEW Panasonic KX-TG95812B 2-Line Cordless Phone with Extended Long Range

2015-05-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

NEW Panasonic KX-TG95812B 2-Line Cordless Phone with Extended Long Range

A SmithGear exclusive, this 2-LINE CORDLESS KX-TG95812B EXTENDER BUNDLE includes (2) Range Extenders, so conversations can be extended up to double your existing range AND the maximum of (12) additional handsets (for a total of 12, part # KX-TGA950B).

This system is ideal for small businesses and larger homes that need greater coverage and a larger quantity of cordless handsets. System offers handy intercom features and Bluetooth Cell phone connectivity.

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SmithGear ID06PS Headphones Ideal for Student Testing in Stock

2015-05-08T11:14:00.003-07:00

SmithGear ID06PS Headphones Ideal for Student Testing Now Back in Stock

SmithGear ID06PS, a popular disposable headphone for student testing purposes, is now back in stock and available for bulk order.

These popular headphones are not only great for schools, but also fitness centers, hospitals, hotels, libraries, museums and more.

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2014-10-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

NEW 2014 Panasonic KX-TG958XX 2-Line Bluetooth Cordless Phones

Brand new for October 2014 Panasonic KX-TG958X 2-Line Corded/Cordless System Supports up to 12 Handsets. Features include Bluetooth and Range extender compatible.

The system is a 2-line telephone that utilizes Link2Cell® technology, allowing for up to three calls to be placed simultaneously. With its convenient new features including the dual answering machine system and power back-up operation, it's is ideal for home office and small business use.

Block unwanted calls by entering caller ID information into the phone's memory -- system blocks up to 250 numbers. The system automatically disconnects any callers on the block list and emits no sound to the caller.

BASE CLOSE UP:

The phone has a 2-answering-machine system that can be used separately on each land line for private and professional use. Each land line can be registered with a certain time zone and separate outgoing message for incoming calls. Power backup operation allows users to stay connected during a power outage by providing an extra battery in the base unit for up to three hours of usage time.

With an optional Range Extender accessory, conversations can be extended up to double your existing range.

More details here

2014-06-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

NEW SmithGear ID-08 Headphones now available for Bulk Order

Our ID-08 Headphone headphones are ideal for fitness centers, spas, gyms,, hospitals, prisons, hotels, motor coaches, libraries, rental cars, trains, dentists, museums, and more.

They also are a great low-cost option for students and educational use.

Each headphone is packaged individually and offers a standard size 3.5 MM plug. Compatible with iPods, ChromeBooks iPhones, iPads, Tablets, Computers, CD Players, Fitness and Audio Equipment. Bulk buy your headphones and save.

More details here

NEW 2-LINE Cordless Bluetooth: Panasonic KX-TG9546B RANGE EXTENDER BUNDLE

2013-12-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

For those with larger homes or offices looking for a full-featured 2 Line Cordless phone system -- SmithGear has bundled together the latest and greatest from Panasonic to make it easy to order a terrific extended—long-range system.

The exclusive KX-TG9546B-EXTENDER-BUNDLE from SmithGear maxes out the new Panasonic KX-TG9542B with (4) More Handsets (KX-TGA950B) and then we add (2) KX-TGA405 RANGE EXTENDERS for maximum possible range and handsets.

The KX-TGA405 Range Extender doubles the effective transmission distance between the base unit and the cordless handset when compared with previous models.

Check out more details and features HERE

Using a Bluetooth Headset with a Landline Phone

2013-11-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

The easiest way to use a Bluetooth headset with a landline phone is to buy cordless phone that has Bluetooth built into the base. There are many cordless phone models that offer Bluetooth link pairing in the base including both single line and two line models.

All you do is simply pair the headset (as you would with any other device) to the cordless phone base and then you are able to both make and receive landline calls using the Bluetooth wireless headset.

Over here at SmithGear we tried it with several phones and headsets, and experienced several drawbacks:

(1) The Bluetooth headset pairs only with the base of a cordless phone (not the portable handsets).

(2) Since headset pairs only with the base of a cordless phone the range is limited to "25 feet from the base"

(3) 25 feet is the edge of the range and you should be closer to the base, say 3 feet, for optimal calls. The 3.3 feet is range actually the recommended for "best performance" in Panasonic's user manuals.

(4) The limited range severely limits the freedom of using a Bluetooth wireless headset.

(5) Depending on what Bluetooth headset you use may have to “re-pair” the headset each time you use it, which is a hassle.

(6) Calls will not sound as clear as when you use your normal landline.

The Bottom Line:

If you’re using a Bluetooth headset with your landline occasionally to make personal calls every now and again the Bluetooth headset could work nicely for you.

However if you plan using the Bluetooth headset to make business calls with customers, or you spend a large part your day on the phone calls, the Bluetooth headset not the best option.

There are other wireless headset options for use with a landline to consider, many that offer superior range and clear reception.

High Quality Bluetooth Desktop Speakerphone for the iPhone

2013-11-06T20:10:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been using my iPhone for a lot of speakerphone calls, and I've found myself speaking louder and louder, to the point I'm being heard from down the hall.

The iPhone's speakerphone function largely works great, but lately I've longed for a better solution. If you do lots of calls with the iPhone speakerphone, the $99 Phone Station Plus by Ion looks to be a perfect alternative.

The Phone Station Plus pairs to your iPhone wirelessly via bluetooth, then offers crystal-clear voice quality for making and receiving conference call phone calls. The phone station's built-in dial pad and controls make taking, or making a call, a breeze.

A built in microphone with two stereo speakers make conversations loud and clear.

You can also play music though the system while not taking calls. Also works with Android phones, or any cell phone with Bluetooth.

I can't help but wonder if this is the future of the desktop phone.

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Wireless TV Headphones with Optical Digital (TOSLINK) Connection

2013-10-03T10:34:00.002-07:00

Does your new HDTV have no analog outputs on the back? Not a problem. Sony now has TV headphones with optical connection.

With the new Sony Wireless Stereo Headphones MDR-DS6500, you can use the supplied optical digital connection cable to the digital output jack on a satellite/TV receiver, HDTV, TV, DVD, GAME device or other digital component to the DIGITAL IN jack of the processor for true digital sound.

The headphones also support media formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS, DTS-ES Matrix, and DTS-ES Discrete.

The connection of AV component may need to be set up for optical digital output. Refer to the operating instructions of the connected device.

NOTES: The optical digital connecting cable is an extremely high-precision device and is sensitive to jolts and external pressure. Therefore, be careful when inserting and removing the optical cable plug.

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Phone Alerts User if Handset has been Left Off-hook by Accident

2013-09-17T06:35:00.004-07:00

When a loved one does not hang up their phone completely, their phone can remain busy for hours. The only way to check on them is to call a neighbor, drive over to their house, or even worse, call the police. Then it turns out it was simply a phone left off-hook by accident.

To help with this problem the Serene HD-60 phone features a unique OFF HOOK alarm feature which alerts the user if the handset has been left off-hook - by accident -- or just for too long. The phone detects the warning signal on the phone line and alerts the user with special loud rings and bright flashes.

Whole House Coverage

The phone will also sound it's OFF HOOK alarm if any other phone, for example, in another room (on the same line) -- is left off hook.

If the OFF HOOK feature works just once it can help reduce the worry and stress associated with caring for elderly or loved ones who lives alone.

MORE DETAILS HERE

How to Choose the Right Hearing Impaired Phone in 5 Easy Steps

2013-09-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

If you're straining or not hearing telephone conversations clearly, a hearing impaired telephone can help. With a built-in volume amplifier and hearing aid compatibility, a hearing loss telephone can make telephone conversations normal again.

Serene CL-60A Loud Cordless w/Answering Machine 3 HANDSETS

It many cases these phones are purchased by sons and daughters for their elderly parents who are having difficult phone conversations due to hearing loss. Or maybe you’ve noticed a decline in your hearing and you need a little boost.

STEP 1 | Determine Hearing Loss Severity - Severe, Moderate or Mild?

If your Mom is 95 years young and you are shouting with her on the phone, she likely has severe hearing loss. However, if she just misses a word here and there and needs the phone just a bit louder, she has mild to moderate loss.

If you think you (or a loved one) has moderate loss, but could be close the severe category, it’s best to err on the side of louder. That’s because you can adjust a very loud (severe) phone’s volume down, but you can’t adjust a moderate phone louder than its maximum volume. And let's face it, our hearing isn't going to be getting any better going forward.

STEP 2 | Corded Phone or Cordless?

This one simple step will narrow down your choices by about 50%. Advantages of a cordless phone is mobility and convenience. Advantages of a corded phone is larger, easier to see buttons and in some cases easier controls. Need both? You can always get one of each.

STEP 3 | Feature Requirements

It’s probably a good idea to write down features that are required, if any. If your mom is 95 you’ll probably want the most basic phone available without any confusing features. However, if Caller ID or an Answering Machine is a requirement, this will further narrow down your choices.

STEP 4 | Browse by Category of Hearing Loss, Looking for Required Features

Categories: Severe | Moderate | Mild

Sure there’s a lot of phones available, but that’s a good thing. That means there is likely the perfect phone for you. If you find the perfect phone except for it does not have an answering machine, consider the ClearSounds ANS3000 stand alone answering machine as a separate add-on. It’s designed for hearing loss, and it’s simple to use.

While browsing through the phones available, use your instinct. If one phone appears easier to use than another, and you think that would be best for your Mom, you’re probably right. If you are purchasing a phone for an elderly loved one, it can be a great idea involve them, if possible. Email them a picture. If you can’t do that, print one out and show/US mail it to them. Describe them the features, and ask for feedback. You don’t want resistance after the purchase.

STEP 5 | Devil is in the Details

Nit-picky about features and want to preview how the phones operate? You can download the phone’s user manual to preview the details and specific functions of how to program and operate. A download link to a Abobe PDF format user guide is listed on most of the phone’s item pages, after the features listed. Product videos are also featured on select items.

What about Brands?

Is one better than the other? No. The brands are all comparable. I would only shop by brand if you have had some positive experience with one already, or if one was suggested to you by an Audiologist.
Keep in mind what works for Bob doesn’t work for Betty. Everyone’s hearing loss if different, and not every phone works perfectly with every user. But, if you make decision based on need, type and features, you should better your chances of a successful purchase.

Phones for hearing loss: Severe | Moderate | Mild

Take your Android or iPhone to the beach with no worries!

2013-09-16T06:29:00.001-07:00

The Eco Terra waterproof iPhone/ MP3 audio case with built-in waterproof speakers (x2) and Audio Jack even floats, making it ideal for boating, beaching or anything outdoors.

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