Which models are good, but not expensive.   Is there a place to get
last years model or factory close-outs?

I just need one line, no answering machine.  need a lot of distance. 
Caller ID would be a plus, but not required.

The answer may depend on where you live. The best resources I have
found on the web for finding stuff like this are the following (after
each one, I'll list the search results)

My Simon - Online store price comparison engine
www.mysimon.com
http://www.mysimon.com/isrch/index.jhtml?c=telephones&pid=C1003020&pgid=shop&InputKeyword=2.4+Ghz%7C2.4Ghz&InputPriceMax=125&_ttag=b1clk&key=UC_20020904_044916_0411014451&v=2&InputType=Cordless&sort=Price&dir=i&pg=1

There is a specific page for 2.4GHz phones. The cheapest is the
Panasonic HHR-P509A from etronics.com for $14.99
Buy.com has a GE 27930GE3 2.4GHz Cordless Phone With Caller ID Call
Waiting for $44.99. While I can't make definite recommendations on
Google Answers (we researchers try to be impartial to brands) - I have
yet to have problems with my GE cordless phone.

If you want to find a discount coupon for one of these stores or use
their own price comparison you might want to try :

Dealcatcher
www.dealcatcher.com
or more specifically (for their price comparison)
http://dealcatcher.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php/?page_id=145&sortby=priceA&vendors%5B%5D=0&popup1%5B%5D=1%3A498&popup1_attr_id%5B%5D=498&popup2%5B%5D=0&popup2_attr_id%5B%5D=476&popup3%5B%5D=0&lo_p=0&hi_p=0&form_keyword=&ut=88a7741c74656b27
(note - they don't have a 2.4G phone under 60.

My favorite site if I want to just run out and buy something is
Salescircular
www.salescircular.com

This site compiles all the weekly sales circulars from stores in your
area, and has a section for 2.4G phone. For example, I live in
Massachusetts, so I go to the Mass. section and then find 2.4G C. ID
phone under Electronics - Audio.

This takes me to
http://www.salescircular.com/ma/audio/24Cidp.shtml

Where I can see a whole host of phones on sale. Circuit City has our
General Electric 27930GE3 phone on sale for 39.99. So if there is a
circuit city in your area (and you live in new england) then this is a
good deal. If you live elsewhere I'm sure there are similar offers (I
checked Kentucky and Circuit City is running the same sale there).

Finally, if you want more than just my opinion on cordless phones,
your next best resource is

Epinions
www.epinions.com
or more specifically (for 2.4Ghz phones under $70)
http://www.epinions.com/elec-Comm-Cordless_Phones-All-2_4Ghz-Price-0_to_70

This site has hundreds of reviews written by enthusiastic members of
the public about their experiences with (among other things) 2.4GHz
phones. (I say enthusiastic because they get a royalty of about $0.01
for every 20 people who view their page). But their enthusiasm is your
gain because a well reviewed item normally has enough reviews to give
you both sides of the story and a list of potential pitfalls. The GE
phones I had generally received 4 or 5 stars (which is the minimum I
would require for buying one).

I hope this provides you with the information you were looking for and
good luck selecting one.

Regards

Calebu2-ga

Google Search Terms:
Price Comparison
shop sales circulars
cordless phone reviews and opinions

---

Clarification of Answer by calebu2-ga on 04 Sep 2002 11:44 PDT

I should add (to completely answer your question) that, yes, there are
places to get old models and factory closeouts. In terms of online
places - egghead was (and still is under amazon.com) a good place to
get refurbished and outlet (ie. old) models.

Here's a link to egghead's refurbished phones :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/863214/ref=br_bx_c_2_3/102-4084706-8250537

Regards

calebu2-ga

awesome answer!   you rock!

Hi,

If you live in the U.S., you can obtain good quality factory
refurbished cordless phones which still have the manufacturers
warranty at http://www.Uniden.com/store/

They have many models in the price range you seek.