The MA-240 is a 2-line, digital 900 MHz phone system (base and handset) that supports up to eleven additional cordless handsets, all from just one "home base". The handsets truly are tiny -- smaller than many cell phones.
The MA-240 includes advanced features such as Type II Call Waiting/Caller ID display--Caller ID names and numbers are displayed on a two-line LCD on each handset. Users can scroll through the last 60 Caller ID records and dial the associated number with the touch of a button, and any handset can access the Caller ID directory. The MA-240 also features extended life Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.
Casio PhoneMate's features digital Time Division Multiple Access 900 MHz technology powers the phones which allows users to place or receive calls on two different lines simultaneously over the same base unit.
PhoneMate is a easy to set up right out of the box. Just attach the base unit to one or two phone lines and an AC socket, charge the handsets (the MA-240 comes with one phone) in their individual docking stations for four or five hours, and you're on your way.
One of the most convenient features is that the additional handsets do not require a phone jack--this makes it much easier to place the phones where they are convenient rather than where the phone jack is located.
You can put calls on hold, assign distinctive rings for both phone lines and assign up to 10 numbers to speed-dial memory.
We tested the phone at the builder's home office. The feature that ended up being used the most is the intercom function, which lets the user call any other handset running off the base system, making it that much easier to catch up with co-workers or family members in other parts of a home. The phone easily gave clear reception throughout the house.
Designed with small-office use in mind, the PhoneMate prevents two users from picking up on the same line thus avoiding your three year old picking up the phone in the middle of the conversation with your boss. However, a user who's placed or received a call can activate conference calling, allowing a second handset user to join the conversation. Calls from one handset also can be transferred to another--sure prevents a lot of yelling and running around the office.
The Casio PhoneMate MA-240 is truly a useful tool at a reasonable price. In our test "home office" the two handsets have virtually replaced all the other phones scattered about the home and the office. If you're trying to run a home-office or have a large family consider this phone.
