I recently purchased the Motorola 5.8 GHZ MD761 Digital Cordless Phone and Answering System and two expansion handsets when I signed up for Vonage’s internet phone service. I needed to upgrade my home phones if I wanted to use the service at more than one extension. Only one phone jack is required for the expandable phone system and up to eight handsets can be added.
I was able to get the MD761 cordless phone and answering machine and the MD71 expansion handsets on sale at Target. So far, I’m pleased with the features this phone system provides.
One of my favorite features of the Motorola cordless phone is the ability to listen to messages on any of the handsets. This means I don’t have to go to the base unit in order to hear my messages. Not only does the answering machine have a large display showing the number of messages, each Motorola handset displays a text alert as well as a flashing green light in the antenna when a message is waiting. The Motorola answering system also works in conjunction with the phone company’s voice mail and alerts me when I have a voice mail waiting from Vonage.
Another feature I love is that each handset shares a phone book listing all of my contacts and their phone numbers. In addition, each handset has a private phone book which would be handy if the household has teenagers or grandparents living at home.
The intercom feature is nice for communicating between family members scattered throughout the house but what I like most about the intercom feature is it also acts as a room monitor. With a newborn in the house, this has been convenient. To use the monitor, I must first initiate the handset that will act as the monitor by following easy-to-follow prompts on the handset. Next, I go to the unit that will act as the listening unit and simply page the other unit using the intercom. Since each Motorola handset is also a hands-free speakerphone, I then hit the hands-free button and begin monitoring. Each handset also has a belt clip, so I clip the handset to my belt and listen for baby squawks.
This model of Motorola expandable cordless phone system has a battery backup which means even if the power goes out, the system still functions. In my case, I would lose power to my computer and cable modem so I’m not sure I’d be able to access Vonage should the power go out.
This 5.8 GHz phone system comes with many other great features such as caller ID, visual call waiting, 4 line display, message forwarding, voice memo recording, last five number redial, and is headset compatible. Being 5.8 GHz, it doesn’t interfere with my wireless network either.
A few minor things about the Motorola phone system bug me. First, the batteries were difficult to install but now that they are in, I shouldn’t have to deal with them for a while. Next, the handset itself is a little clunky. And finally, Motorola’s expansion handsets aren’t wall mountable. But all in all, I like the system.
