Panasonic KX-NT336X IP phone handset (manager)

In a practical sense the Panasonic KX-NT366X IP phone is the top of the line model in the Panasonic NT300 IP series and is designed for serious users or managers. Yes there is the KX-NT400X IP but no one will really get or need this expensive colour touch screen option. The KX-NT343X IP is the next model down and is very similar except the screen is smaller and there are 24 programmable buttons with paper labels.

48 Programmable & Paperless Buttons - makes life easy

The KX-NT366X IP phone offers 48 customisable buttons however it does It differently to the cheaper KX-NT343X IP. It offers only 12 visible buttons and then you are able to scroll across 4 different screens to display up to 48 buttons in total. Other brands like Samsung, Ericsson and Avaya also offer this with some of their handsets. It allows the handset to keep a smaller footprint whilst still providing enhanced user presence. The reality is that you may well be better off with the 24 instantly visible options of the KX-NT343X IP and then simply add either the KX-NT303 Add-on 12 Key Module or the larger KX-NT305 Add-on 60 Key Module. This is actually easier for receptionists. If you have more than about 40 staff using the Panasonic PC console is actually a better proposition again for busy receptionists.

The 48 programmable buttons on the Panasonic KX-NT366X IP handset have green/red multicolour LED status indicator lights and the buttons which can then be programed for:

• Staff presence (if they are on the phone or available)
• Operate as one-touch speed dials (although the system has its own directory)
• Display which phone lines are in use (many customers are used to this)
• Activate paging on the system
• Activate a Panasonic door release, and more

The fact that the labels are paperless is great because changing them is straightforward and you'll never be stuck with an out of date staff list.

Large Size Backlit Screen

By Panasonic standards the KX-NT366X IP handset offers a large 6 line, backlit LCD screen. This size is standard, on premium IP handsets these days as you use them for open XML applications and the like. However, only the KX-NT400X IP handset is really used for this and you do pay a massive premium for the top of the line model.

A Silver Jog Dial That Makes You More Efficient

At the bottom right of the KX-NT366X IP phone you'll find the standard silver navigator button. This is designed to allow staff faster access to redials, directories, call logs and more. This popular feature is one that has been replicated by most leading brands. For staff that use the phone a lot to contact the same suppliers and customers it really is very handy.

4 Intelligent Feature Keys That Think For You

The KX-NT366X IP also offers 4 context sensitive feature keys that sit directly beneath the large backlit LCD screen. They are intelligent and when you're using handset and system features you will be presented with logical on screen options to help you. For example if you're accessing voicemail it will present with delete, replay, save etc which you can do with one touch as opposed to having to navigate around the handset to find these options. This also is such a popular feature that other brands now do the same.

Hands free & Premium Wideband Audio Quality.

As you'd expect from a handset of the calibre, the Panasonic KX-NT343 IP phone also comes with hands free speakerphone for easy calling. The KX-NT366X IP phone also delivers users wideband audio technology (g.722 codec) that delivers a premium, more natural sounding IP user experience. The resultant audio quality is truly superb. Sound quality is something the Panasonic brand has always been renowned for.

Other KX-NT366X IP Handset Features

There are also fixed function buttons that cover everyday features like voicemail access, conference calling, transfer, hold etc. as well as a provision for a headset jack. The handset is well designed and it's a winning formula that has changed little over the past 10 years. Just a note that if you're looking at a wireless headset you won't need to use the jack at all because of the way they connect.

Panasonic IP Phone Benefits

Panasonic IP Phone Benefits:

• Simply connect to a live Ethernet port to be authenticated automatically. Plug and Play at its best. The KX-NT366X IP when logged in then brings all the personalised user settings (including the extension numbers) with it.
• Simply connect remote workers with IP phones so they can work from anywhere
• Great for hot desking scenarios where staff can login to any available handset
• The KX-NT366 IP phone has 2 Ethernet ports (both 10/100MB) so you can use a single Ethernet port in the office for both your handset and your computer.
• Easy to move and swap locations without having to go to the patch panel.

If you're specifically after a larger colour screen for IP multimedia applications then the KX-NT400X is the only Panasonic option available which is a little disappointing.

Is A Panasonic Digital Handset a Better Option?

IMPORTANT - Many customers think that you have to have IP handsets if you're making VoIP phone calls. This is not the case. Panasonic digital series DT300 handsets are cheaper yet they look identical. They just don't have the network switches required for IP connectivity like the NT 366 X IP phone. Plus the Panasonic TDA30AL, TDE200, TDE600, NCP500 and NCP1000 office phone system range allow you to mix and match ANY combination of Panasonic IP, Digital, Wireless or Analogue handsets. Please check out the very similar Panasonic KX-DT346AL digital phone that is considerable cheaper and offers the same user interface. In most cases it would be a better handset for the majority of staff.

You should really only really consider the Panasonic KX-NT366X IP handset for the aforementioned IP benefits above. If these don't apply to your individual staff requirements then save your money and go digital.