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How Do I Choose the Best Touch Tone Telephone?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are many things to consider when you are trying to choose the best touch tone telephone. Among them are how often you will need to use the phone and the amount of moving about you will need to do during phone calls. If you will have to walk around a great deal, you may prefer a phone with a very long cord or a cordless model. You may also consider any special circumstances you have when making a choice; for instance, you might opt for a special model phone if you are hearing or visually impaired.

You can consider the frequency with which you will use a touch tone telephone when you are trying to choose the best one. This particular issue has a lot to do with durability and may depend on whether you have a cell phone that you use more than a landline. Some people have a cell phone that they use for most of their calls and only use their landlines occasionally or in the event of an emergency. If this description fits your situation, you might opt to purchase a cheaper, less-durable phone model with the idea that you will rarely have to use it. If you will use your landline frequently, however, you may find that durability is a priority, and a more durable phone may cost a bit more.

A cordless touch tone telephone.
A cordless touch tone telephone.

Cord length may also factor into your decision making when you are trying to choose the best touch tone telephone. If you will only use the phone in a designated area, such as a chair by the table on which the phone rests, you could choose a phone with a shorter cord. If you will have to move the phone from one location to another, a phone with a longer cord may prove ideal.

A rotary telephone, the precursor to a touch tone telephone.
A rotary telephone, the precursor to a touch tone telephone.

If you know that you will have to move around quite a bit when using your touch tone telephone, you may prefer a cordless model. For example, this type of phone may prove best if you want the flexibility to start talking on the phone in your kitchen but then move to your living room, basement, attic, or even bathroom during your conversation. Some cordless phones even have enough range to allow you to go outside and still enjoy a clear conversation. Additionally, you can choose a hands-free cordless phone model that allows you to talk on the phone without holding the handset. This gives you the freedom to do projects around the house while talking on the phone.

A touch tone telephone.
A touch tone telephone.

Sometimes your special needs may factor into your decision making when you are trying to choose the best touch tone telephone. For example, if you have impaired vision, you may do well to choose a phone that has large touch tone buttons that light up or one that is specifically designed for the visually impaired. If you have impaired hearing, on the other hand, you might want to choose a phone that is designed specifically for this impairment, such as those that include amplifiers. Additionally, there are even some touch tone telephones that use images or codes for dialing, which may prove helpful if you have difficulty remembering phone numbers.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • A cordless touch tone telephone.
      A cordless touch tone telephone.
    • A rotary telephone, the precursor to a touch tone telephone.
      A rotary telephone, the precursor to a touch tone telephone.
    • A touch tone telephone.
      A touch tone telephone.