BeoCom 2

Now this really looked like a B&O phone! A single aluminium extrusion anodised in a range of colours, BeoCom 2 certainly made an impression. Initially launched as a stand alone phone, the BeoCom 2 was re-launched as a fully featured DECT phone able to be used in a network with both other BeoCom 2s as well as BeoCom 6000s. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

In some ways however the BeoCom 2 suffered in comparison to BeoCom 6000. It lost the excellent wheel control, relying instead on a raised track point and, due to the shape, the normal numeric keypad was lost and placed in two rather than the usual three columns. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Also lost was the ability to change ring tones but this formed another unique feature of the phone. A specially composed ring tone was present which was apparently based on the noise of a metal tube being dropped. Rumour has it that the designer, David Lewis, dropped a piece of metal tubing and was so enamoured of the sound that a composer was brought in to sample the sound and devise the ring tone. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

In many other ways, the BeoCom 2 followed the pattern of operation set by the BeoCom 6000. A 200 number phone book was present and both Caller ID and number redial were available. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

In common with BeoCom 6000, it was possible to control the volume of a B&O audio or video and both wall and table chargers were available. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The initial stand alone phone had the base station built into the charger but the later models had a separate base which could be either PSTN or ISDN. The early models could be updated by B&O dealers. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Destined to become a B&O classic, BeoCom 2 was an inspired design and attracted a large number of consumers into B&O outlets who could then be exposed to the full B&O brand. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.