Panasonic kx prw120 Cordless phone with "Smartphone Connect"

Forums › Off topic › Panasonic kx prw120 Cordless phone with "Smartphone Connect"

SteveC

448 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#135172 17-Nov-2013 15:44

This phone looks interesting: http://panasonic.net/pcc/products/telephone/products/kx_prw120_110/#r=s

Theory is that it connects to your wireless network, and then you run an app on it, and the app running on your Android or i phone essentially behaves like it is another handset attached to your cordless base station.
An announcement article I read suggests they came out in August, but I've yet to find any independent reviews. We are prompted to order one after seeing it in an ASB True Rewards brochure, and about $50 less than Noel Lemmings online. Haven't seen it for sale anywhere else.

Anyone come across this device in any context at all?

Thanks.

Steve

hawaiianconcierge

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#936522 18-Nov-2013 11:46

Steve, I've been looking into this handset also. It appears on the Panasonic Australian webpage but not yet on the NZL one. I've contacted Panasonic NZ this morning & they say it is in stock, just not yet on their webpage. From what I can ascertain from my investigations is that only Noel Leeming is showing it as a retailer to buy it from.
I'm wondering how it will stack up against their other products. They usually put out great quality products.
I'm seriously considering getting one.

SteveC

448 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#936582 18-Nov-2013 12:46

My partner was more successful than me at finding a review (she is a reference librarian!) Still only one review, but it was positive.
We agree that Panasonic have a good record, so we have ordered one. Seems excellent value at $170. I'm keen to see what ports / protocols it uses - see if I can connection to my home phone from the Internet!

hairy1

3332 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#936596 18-Nov-2013 13:05

I have a mate using one of these I think. I will see if I can get a short review out of him. From memory he bought it in from the States. Haven't seen it in action.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

SteveC

448 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#942665 29-Nov-2013 09:23

OK - had the phone for two weeks. Initial notes:
* turned up very quickly (day after we ordered it)
* stunningly nice looking phone
* basic Android app functions work most of the time
* sound quality craps out on Android every so often
* app doesn't always connect with the base, and sometimes looses connection (not during a call yet)
* can't work out how to change wallpaper or upload ringtones (phone confirms wallpaper changed, but it still looks blank to me)!

Panasonic seem reasonably active on their Australian Facebook page. I might try posting on the New Zealand page - see what happens.

Anyone had a good experience getting technical support from Panasonic NZ?

Steve

morocco

62 posts

Master Geek

#1310188 22-May-2015 21:43

SteveC: OK - had the phone for two weeks. Initial notes:
* turned up very quickly (day after we ordered it)
* stunningly nice looking phone
* basic Android app functions work most of the time
* sound quality craps out on Android every so often
* app doesn't always connect with the base, and sometimes looses connection (not during a call yet)
* can't work out how to change wallpaper or upload ringtones (phone confirms wallpaper changed, but it still looks blank to me)!

Panasonic seem reasonably active on their Australian Facebook page. I might try posting on the New Zealand page - see what happens.

Anyone had a good experience getting technical support from Panasonic NZ?

Steve

I just picked up one today, no real chance to test the audio, but I'm hoping another year and a bit has helped.

Not sure if you sorted the wallpaper, but it's the clock display that sets that, there are 4 options with blank wallpaper & 2 with imagery, though only 2 images able to be uploaded :(.

How did you find the speakerphone ?

richms

28168 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1310191 22-May-2015 21:45

hairy1: From memory he bought it in from the States. Haven't seen it in action.

I hope not. US dect is ontop of one of the HSPA bands here, which will make telcos angry.

Richard rich.ms

SteveC

448 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1310203 22-May-2015 22:10

morocco:
SteveC: OK - had the phone for two weeks. Initial notes:
* turned up very quickly (day after we ordered it)
* stunningly nice looking phone
* basic Android app functions work most of the time
* sound quality craps out on Android every so often
* app doesn't always connect with the base, and sometimes looses connection (not during a call yet)
* can't work out how to change wallpaper or upload ringtones (phone confirms wallpaper changed, but it still looks blank to me)!

Panasonic seem reasonably active on their Australian Facebook page. I might try posting on the New Zealand page - see what happens.

Anyone had a good experience getting technical support from Panasonic NZ?

Steve

I just picked up one today, no real chance to test the audio, but I'm hoping another year and a bit has helped.

Not sure if you sorted the wallpaper, but it's the clock display that sets that, there are 4 options with blank wallpaper & 2 with imagery, though only 2 images able to be uploaded :(.

How did you find the speakerphone ?

* Yep! Got the wallpaper going fine thanks!
* Support didn't get any better - The New Zealand support people were good, but had to refer my questions to Japan, who, as far as I could tell, never replied. :-( Last update to the app was Feb 2014 according to the Play Store.
* For other reasons, we replaced a Balkin AP with a Ubiquity, and that helped the app work better. Audio is still not as good as using the handset, but does work most of the time now.

We are pleased we got it. Hope you like yours too!

Cheers!

Steve