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Not to be confused with the similarly named Doro Arctic brand of DECT phones is the Doro Arc brand.  Any confusion is easily understood.  Not only are the brand names very similar but both types of product are DECT digital cordless phones with answer machine capabilities.  However there are some difference but most of these are concerned with improved functionality rather than additional features.

Although there are single and double handset versions of the product, this review is based on the Arc 9r+2 which features three handsets with accompanying docking stations.  The supplied handsets are identical in appearance, measuring 157 x 45 x 24mm, and are interchangeable with regards their location and ranking position.  Two styles of docking stations are provided.  The main unit, with connection sockets for mains power and telephone line, is larger as a result of containing the answer phone module.  The two supplementary units only have a connection, which is of a different size to that on the main unit, for mains power.  Power leads, with the appropriate plugs are provided along with a standard UK telephone connection lead for linking whichever docking station to the telephone wall socket

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As with the Arctic kit, it does not matter which handset is paired with which docking station.  Supplying power to any of the handsets, via the provided rechargeable set of two AAA batteries, immediately reveals a major difference between the Arctic and Arc brands.  Instead of the blue backlit screen, the Arc screen display is in colour.  Admittedly the resolution is hardly high definition, not even VGA standard, but it is more than adequate for portraying wallpaper images and other feedback information.

Setting up the kit is straightforward with the slim User Guide providing the necessary instructions for selecting the date/time format and adjusting these settings.  You can then work through the other options from the phone’s menu system.  The Arc’s phonebook can hold up to 100 entries with designated ring tones if you subscribe to a caller ID service.  A basic search feature is built into the phonebook.  A selection of 10 polyphonic and 5 monophonic ring tones are supplied with the ability to adjust the volume level.  Memory redial can hold up to the last 20 numbers dialled while you can check on the last 30 calls missed.  When necessary you can block the calling of certain numbers through the use of a Call Barring feature.

As mentioned earlier, the Arc 9r+2 incorporates an answer machine.  This module gives you the choice of selecting either Answer & Record or Answer Only modes.  The latter mode denies the caller the opportunity to leave a message.  Depending upon the size of the outgoing message, the answer machine can record up to 30 minutes of incoming messages or a maximum of 59 messages.  A remote access feature allows you to listen and manage messages by calling the number yourself and entering the appropriate PIN code.

This DECT phone kit can be used for internal calls within a location and allows you to transfer calls between handsets and conduct conference calls.  The Arc 9r+2 has a range of up to 300 metres outdoors and 50 metres indoors.  On a full battery charge (taking approximately 10 hours), you get 100 hours on standby and 10 hours talk time but as the handset will probably be constantly recharged while sat on the docking station, these figures are hardly relevant.  This three handset unit has been priced at £79.99.

http://www.doro.com//global/businessunit/doroHOME/Product?c=1000&p=ARC%209R