Consuming: Electronics buy tests decision making
Things fall apart. It eventually happens. My 900 Mhz answering machine, which lasted for years, has been failing to date and time stamp accurately for a while. However, I don't want to be like this whiner at Amazon.
Reviewer: An electronics fan from Ann Arbor, MI USA
The predecessor to this model (MA350) has what appears to be the same handset. We had the phone for a little over a year (just beyond warranty) and the buttons started malfunctioning -- which is maddening! I thought Motorola would be a good quality brand, but now I must add it to the list of companies whom I don't buy phones from: Panasonic, Motorola.
Better to accept the inevitability of products having limited life spans (like people). I received an answering machine as a gift after missing the immediacy of a friend's messages one time too many. It is the Vtech 2656. I must decide whether to keep it. On my own, I selected the Motorola MA361. Though a smaller, less complex unit, it seems to be tailored to the kind of use I engage in. I also like getting just as much recording time, fifteen minutes, as more ritzy models offer. Both meet my basic requirements - 2.4GHz, digital and cordless.
The description of the Vtech 2656 is pretty impressive.
Features Include:
2.4GHz Digital Spread Spectrum Cordless Technology
95 Communication Channels
Operating Range: Up to 50m Indoors/300m Outdoors
LCD Display (Number Dialled, Call Duration and Icons)
SUPERFLEX Speakerphones on Handset and Base Unit
Multi-Handsets (up to 4 handsets per base unit)
Intercom Calls and Call Transfer Between Handsets
Conference Call (1 external and 2 internal)
50 Name & Number PhoneBook
Call Waiting & Caller ID Ready (50 # Log)
2.5mm Headset Port
5 Last Number Redial, Recall, Hold and Mute
Handset Receiver Volume Control
Digital Answering Machine Features
Up to 90 Seconds of Outgoing Message
15 Minutes Recording Time
3 Mailboxes
2 Outgoing Messages (Record and Announce Only)
Time/Day Stamp
Voice Prompt Memu
Full Remote Access including TURN ON/OFF
Selectable Ring Delay (2, 4, 6 or Toll Saver)
Includes Rechargeable 600mAh NICAD Battery Pack
and Built-in Belt Clip on Handset
Handset Size: 171.5L x53W x45D mm
Handset Weight: 134 grams (including Battery)
Colour: Silver
Another attractive, if iffy, feature is this model promises to be compatible with 802.11b. I am not sure whether this is a solution to a problem or not. I've not encountered interference with my wireless network from my previous answering machine. Nor am I seeing lamentations about such a problem online.
The Motorola MA361 is a more basic unit, not intended for expansion.
Features
2.4 GHz analog operationTapeless digital answering systemCaller ID with call waiting6-hour talk time, 6-day standby battery life
