Casio PhoneMate MA240 900 MHz Digital Expandable Cordless 2-Line Phone

The MA-240 offers some fine features that more than offset a couple of nagging limitations. The MA-240 is about the size and weight of a cell phone, so it's one of the more compact cordless units we've tested. The small size results in some sacrifices: many of the buttons, especially those that control caller ID and hold, are too small to operate without looking at them, so you can't operate the phone solely by touch. Other phones in this class are generally bigger but are much easier to control. The MA-240's caller ID memory holds 30 numbers, but the compact two-line LCD screen can't display the caller's name and the phone number simultaneously. Also, the MA-240 supports only two phone lines, while comparably priced units usually handle four lines.

On the positive side, the MA-240 is remarkably easy to set up. To add additional handsets, simply plug them into an AC outlet and they're immediately available as an extension. Also, the signal strength of the handsets is very strong, resulting in a long range of clear transmission. In our tests, we were able to take the handset outside for over 100 hundred feet--with no line of sight to the base station--and hold a conversation with relatively clear reception and minimal distortion. The MA-240 also has important features for small business use, including three-way conferencing, call transfer, and intercom calls between handsets.

Despite a few shortcomings, most home and small-office workers will find the Casio Phonemate a fine choice. --John Frederick Moore

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Long range
• Clear sound

Cons:

• Small buttons
• Small LCD screen
• Supports only two lines

The MA-240 is loaded with features, including type II call-waiting caller ID, which displays the names and numbers of incoming calls. Up to 30 call records are available to all handsets for easy one-touch dialing. The MA-240 supports up to two lines, providing multiline versatility for today's multiline homes and small or home offices.

To expand the system, simply connect the base to a two-line telephone jack, and you can add up to 12 handsets without additional telephone wiring. Each satellite handset only requires AC power to become a fully functional cordless extension.

Two special features--900 MHz digital technology and sophisticated time division multiple access (TDMA) technology--allow the MH-240's base to communicate with up to 12 handsets with the performance, clarity, and security of 900 MHz digital operation. A handset-to-handset intercom allows long-range communication among individual handsets.

The handset boasts a compact design, headset jack with belt clip, 10-number autodialing, call transfer from one handset to another, three-way call conferencing, Do Not Disturb mode (to silence the ringer and intercom), Hold button with audible reminder, and programmable line ringer, providing distinctive ringer tones for each line.