Panasonic KX-NT343X IP phone handset (executive)

The Panasonic KX-NT343X IP phone is the executive model in the Panasonic NT300 IP series. The cheaper model is the KX-NT321X IP and is much more basic in every way. The model up is the KX-NT366X IP and they're virtually the same except you get a larger screen and self-labelling buttons (explained later). This is probably the most popular IP option because it ticks all the boxes without offering additional features very few people will ever use. The KX-NT343X IP phone also comes in a choice of either white or black to best suit your office.

24 Programmable Buttons - makes life easy

With 24 generous buttons the KX-NT343X IP is designed for executives and even receptionists. Many IP handsets offer more programmable options but they do so by accessing everything on screen. Actually seeing the physical buttons is something that many customers still prefer as it's what they're used to. In the unlikely event you need additional visibility you can always add either the KX-NT303 Add-on 12 Key Module or the larger KX-NT305 Add-on 60 Key Module.

The 24 programmable buttons on the Panasonic KX-NT343X IP handset have green/red multicolour LED status indicator lights and the buttons can be programed to:

• Show staff presence (on the phone or available)
• Operate as one-touch speed dials
• Display which phone lines are in use
• Activate paging on the system
• Activate the door release, and more

Many modern IP phones, including the KX-NT366X IP also now offer paperless inserts but the KX-NT343X IP handset still requires you to manually write names etc next to the buttons.

A Silver Jog Dial To Make Your Life Easier

At the bottom right of the KX-NT343X IP phone you'll also notice a round silver jog dial. This multidirectional jog dial and accompanying button are designed to make access faster for speed dials, directory dials, incoming/outgoing call logs and other Panasonic phone system features. It's a very good feature for everyday phone users.

Decent Size Backlit Screen

The three line 24 character display is more than adequate and what you'd expect to find on an IP handset at this price point. We also like the fact that's its backlit unlike the cheaper model. When you start looking at larger (KX-NT366X IP) or colour touch screens (KX-NT400 IP) you can pay dearly for the privilege and it's often not worth the additional expense.

4 Intelligent Feature Keys That Think For You

The KX-NT343X IP also offers 4 feature keys that sit directly beneath the LCD screen. They are contextually sensitive which means that when you are using a particular feature, say making a call, the phone system will work out what are the most likely functions you may need (transfer, conference etc). It does this continually just to make your life faster and more efficient.

Other KX-NT343X IP Features and Audio Quality

With the Panasonic KX-NT343 IP phone you also get hands free speakerphone for easy calling. 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. If you're looking at a wireless headset you won't need to use the jack at all.

The Panasonic KX-NT343X IP phone also comes with wideband audio technology to offer a premium user experience and sound quality. This makes VoIP calls sound more natural. In fact the quality can sound better than a narrowband call on a normal digital telephone.

Panasonic IP Phone Benefits

Being an IP phone the KX-NT343X IP handset comes with the typical VoIP benefits:

• Simply connect to a live Ethernet port for automatic registration.
• The KX-NT343X IP automatically self-detects when logged in and brings all the customised staff settings (including their extension numbers) with it.
• Easily connect remote users with IP phones so they can work from anywhere
• Great for hot desking scenarios where staff grab any available phone
• The KX-NT343 IP phone has 2 Ethernet ports (both 10/100MB) so you can use just a single Ethernet port in the office for both your PC as well as your handset.
• Easy to move and swap locations without having to change at the patch panel.

If you're specifically after a larger colour screen for IP multimedia applications then the KX-NT400X is the only choice available to you.

Do You Really Need A KX-NT343X IP Phone At All?

IMPORTANT - you don't need IP handsets just to make VoIP phone calls on a Panasonic pbx phone system. Panasonic handsets are cheaper because they don't require internal network switches yet still look virtually identical. All the Panasonic TDA30AL, TDE200, TDE600, NCP500 and NCP1000 IP Pbx phone system range allow you to mix and match ANY combination of Panasonic IP, Digital, Wireless or Analogue handsets. For example the Panasonic KX-DT333AL digital phone is IDENTICAL and cheaper - it's just not IP!

You should really only really consider the Panasonic KX-NT343X IP handset for the aforementioned reasons. If you don't tick those boxes then stay with the cheaper and moer than adequate digital handset offerings.