Perfect SOHO IP phone
I'm actually replacing a couple Yealink touchscreen IP phones with this Cisco model. I had originally selected the Yealink based on features/price and ease of configuration. While the Yealinks are very fine phones, they occupy a large footprint and the touchscreens are just a bit fussy. Eventually I researched Cisco IP phones again, and discovered this model that is fully configurable with just a web browser. Specifically, the idea is to return to hard buttons for all phone operations. The SAP525G2 provides a great color screen and many other features that made it the clear choice. Just as important, it still seems widely available and well-priced for both new and like-new purchase.
I found the web configuration interface instantly familiar, since my first VoIP experience was working with the likes of the old Linksys PAP2T. In fact I still have my PAP2T and fired it up to pull off the dial plan I had worked out, to use as the starting point for my custom dial plan for SAP525G2.
But there remained much new to discover in the SAP525G2's web configuration interface, with the essential help of the downloaded Administration Guide. I had to set up an http-based file server to upload my custom screen background image to the phone. I then discovered that I had to set up a tftp server to upload my carefully curated custom ring tones to the phone. (Note the Ring Tone Utility cited in the Admin Guide does not work with this model.)
Another enjoyable challenge to puzzle out was connecting my iPhone to the SAP525G2 (via Bluetooth), to remote my cellphone service onto the Cisco (just like hands-free cellphone operation in a car). This required reading Cisco's downloadable and essential User Guide, because the first step must be to use the phone button/screen interface to change the Bluetooth mode to "Handsfree" - only then will the Cisco's Bluetooth device scan locate the iPhone. After that, it's easy to complete the pairing. The iPhone appears on an unused SAP525G2 line key, labeled with the name of the iPhone - quite cool.
Our actual usage experience with the SAP525G2 has been great so far. The user interface is highly intuitive and the response to button presses is instant. I just wish it were possible to make "Missed Calls" a default idle-state softkey - as it stands you must delve several levels into the Menu to review Missed Calls (unless you are willing to turn on the rather intrusive Missed Call Banner feature).
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