Olympia OL-5815 5.8 GHz Twin 1-Line Cordless Phone

Pros: Price was cheap, interchangable face plates, and built in answering machine.
Cons: The list of cons basically boils down to: horrible reception, noise, static.

muffled static noises make it almost impossible to hear anything, changing channels, volume etc... has no effect. Just a horrible phone.

Pros: Good sound quality, good build quality, NiMH batteries should last longer, great price.
Cons: None yet. Potential interference from rarer high-band Wi-Fi, no problem here with 8 nets.

Much better sound quality than my old Vtech 2468 (2.4 GHz), good range, no hissing or interference problems.

Seems a bit sturdier than the Vtech, I think it will last longer.

When "picking up" a call on the Vtec, it took on average 3 key presses due to the switch getting worn out in perhaps 1,000 clicks.

The Olympia also has NiMH batteries with virtually no memory effect, compared to the Vtech's NiCds.

Finally I was beyond pleased to pick up this phone on closeout at Staples for $24.50, everything included (with 2 handsets and chargers). As of this writing, most Staples stores in L.A. at least had at least a few of these, but you may have to ask for them.