I recently bought an AT&T model 265 from an online store, to replace one of the original AT&T Trimline phones (one of the classic designs of all time in telephones, IMO) because I need caller ID on all my phones, alas. Based on the image with the item description, I expected a compact, flat base, and a phone which would not be significantly uglier than my well-loved Trimline. Imagine my disappointment when it arrived, and I found that the base was very, very deep - and designed to hang on the wall. If you want to use it as a bedside (table) phone, you have to remove a part of the base, and reattach at the opposite end. The result is a phone slanted like a large desk phone - not what I’d had in mind at all. Further, it was not clear that the phone required batteries. Those aren’t the only things I don’t like about the phone, but they’re the most important ones.
I then did considerably more research in the same large site, and decided I liked the looks of the GE Slimline phone GE 29281GE1. But there were no reviews on it. Then I was in Walmart, and saw a phone apparently identical to GE Corded Slimline 29267GE3. I didn’t recall anything about the reviews, and I liked the looks of it, so I bought it, along with a 25’ replacement cord. When I got home, I discovered what those others who bought it and reviewed it had - the cord is molded in place. The user is stuck with the minuscule cord length installed by the manufacturer, and when it goes, the phone is trash. I’m returning it, of course.
In the meantime, I still need another corded Trimline-style phone for my bedroom. I won’t have that silly looking AT&T 265 model in there on a permanent basis. As it happens, the phone I keep on my computer desk went out, so I can transfer it in there when I’ve found one more to my liking for the bedroom. I am looking for a phone that is attractive, compact, and modestly priced. I’d like to spend no more than $20, if possible; otherwise, as modestly priced as possible. My pockets are very, very shallow, and I’ve already had to buy two new phones lately. The only feature I NEED on it is caller ID, with a display that’s easy to read. I’d prefer one powered with an adapter to one that takes batteries, but at this point, I realize that I dare not be too fussy. But it absolutely must allow me to install longer cords on it!
I realize this question is one of those borderline questions that could be a GQ or an IMHO question. I posted it in GQ because I need information more than opinions, please. 
