Small Business Phone System - Need Advice!

[LittleAsh]

I need to update the phone system in my dad's dental office because the existing phone system is dying (Static, dropped calls, etc).

I tried getting a quote from ATT and their estimate for 5 phones with installation was $4800!

There seems to be 2 major companies that sell small business phones: Fonality & Nortel.

I am pretty saavy with computers and electronics.

1) Any way I could get a slick deal on a small business telephone set?
2) Anyone know of a video tutorial series that would teach me how to install the phone system? (Might be small chance...but I've seen similar products, so maybe ya'll know the inside scoop).

There are 5 lines at the practice....4 lines + 1 fax, all on "hunting" service.

Any advice from you guys is much appreciated...you guys never failed me before!

[NASAdude]

great question.
I've been considering a PABX system. (multi-line, multi-extension, but uses analog phones)

My preference would be to use a PBX or digital system, so each person's phone shows multiple lines, line activity lights, etc. I haven't found a cheap way to do this. Even Asterisk gets pricy when you add up all the hardware costs.

[LittleAsh]

great question.
I've been considering a PABX system. (multi-line, multi-extension, but uses analog phones)

My preference would be to use a PBX or digital system, so each person's phone shows multiple lines, line activity lights, etc. I haven't found a cheap way to do this. Even Asterisk gets pricy when you add up all the hardware costs.

Funny how 120 people have seen this request for help and people are giving it a thumbs down! Haha...guess I expected too much. Wonder if others will pitch in some thoughts...

[theeogflip]

Heres a decent deal.

ebay auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Nortel-norstar-Phone-System-with-8-sets_W0QQitemZ260470833602QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item3ca54581c2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

That system can support up to 6 CO lines and up to 15 phone extensions, does not support voicemail though. If you want voicemail, you need a different KSU. The KSU shown in the auction is a 6x16, you will need a 6x16DS with a DR5 software.

You can get the manual here (http://www.1800laphones.com/programming_meridian_norstar_6x16_users_guide_manu al.html)(its the first link, 6x16 DR1)

Installation of system is pretty easy if youre a tech savy person.

Remember to use Ebay BING 10% cashback to save more.

rep me if this helps you.