This is my second Panasonic Phone set. Both basically the same. My first set which was just like this lasted for about 3-4 years. My second set is replacing the first set as about half of the handsets started having issues, such as when answering the phone the other person on the line couldn't hear me, etc. No charging issues. There were a lot of things I liked about the Panasonic Set and after doing careful research I decided to buy the set again. The pros outweighed the cons in my book. This is one of those purchases you want to buy (not have to return) and be satisfied with from the get go. Though Panasonic has the same set in three different models. My first set was probably the "Good" model and this time I bought the "Best" model (this one). There are slight variations in the handsets but in general it is all the same. Definitely this model is the way to go over the others. The price difference is so minor, but the value in the better system far exceeds the price difference. What I love about the Panasonic handset is that you don't have to be near a phone to know who is calling. For instance, say you're in the kitchen, you're cooking and can't stop what you're doing to see who is calling, you don't have to as the handset will tell you who it is. And, nine out of 10 times I don't want to take the call. Also, for some reason in my household even though there are 5 handsets, no one can ever seem to find one. You use the phone, put it down and then someone calls and suddenly you are looking for a phone. Well, since the phone tells you who is calling and you can hear where it is coming from it is easy to find a phone if you need to. I have to admit sometimes it is funny to see how the handset pronounces the Caller ID. You get some pretty good laughs. It is entertainment all on its own. Never had an issue with the batteries, nor the handset not being clear. I always use the speaker which the receiving and sending sound is clear. The phone system is easy to set-up. I am an average person and the phone system was up and operational within minutes. First use after getting the handsets in place they have to charge for 12 hours. After that, you are ready to go. This is coming from someone that has own many phone systems. ATT, VTech, Radio Shack, and other brands. My first set of this type of model was the first time I purchased anything Panasonic. And this second set is the first-time I ever repurchase the same phone set. This phone system has lasted the longest. I can, but I don't connect my cell phone to the phone system. It is just my preference not too, but you can do it. I usually do everything from a handset and not the base unit. In fact, in the four years of my first set I think I checked messages maybe once or twice from the base unit. You can do everything you want to do from the handset (any one of the handsets) so it makes it very convenient. Now you can mute a handset if you want from calling out a Caller ID. This is a down side for me on this phone system as if you have guests and the phone rings your handset is going to say who it is. That could be annoying or considered an interruption. So, just before I mute all the handsets prior. As with a different phone system someone calls, the machine gets it you check it later or glance at the handset. This phone system is vocal, which is great 99% of the time. It is just that 1% and still it wasn't a big enough deterrent to get me to purchase a different brand. The other issue I have with the phone system is no longer an issue with the new system. I LOVE IT. The old system had a little light (see pictures). It would flicker and have a range similar to a night light. If you have a message and nowadays most my messages are from telemarketers. The handset will flash periodically. Well, not a big deal unless you are in your bedroom sleeping and you have this flashing orange tinted light blinking periodically. It was like a beacon. Of course, if you wanted to move around the house at night, ALL the handsets could light your way as they all blink when there are messages. BUT, NO MORE. This models does not do that which might make it harder to find a phone in the dark, but I will manage.