Motorola T280 2-Way Radio (Black)

Rating:
Summary: Poor Performer
Review: After reveiwing a number of two-way radios, I decided to buy the Motorola 280 SLK because of Motorola's reputation in commercial communications. The first time I used the radios I had trouble with reception. The range was exremely poor even on a flat surface like a beach. The transmissions tend to have a lot of static. The push-to-talk button is very awkward and there is usualy a slight delay between the time you press the transmit button and the time you can begin speaking. I recently took my 280 SLK skiing and had the same troubles I had encountered at the beach. Some friends using Kenwood radios had no trouble at all on the mountain. I would recommend a different radio at a lower price.

Rating:
Summary: Motorola TalAbout TA280 SLK
Review: Fabulous product - works great - highly recommend - have used on my friends boat and it is great when we are on shore and need some one to come retrieve us - also works great on the boat that is 168 feet long

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful product for the family on-the-go
Review: Fantastic for family vacations and outings. We used our set for communicating while travelling in two cars and had at least a 2 mile range. Really helped coordinate stops and even saved a great deal when my wife spotted a tire losing air on my car! Crystal clear communication. Let the older kids wander on their own at an amusement park while the parents did their own thing...stayed in touch the whole time, coordinated plans and meeting places...even gave a play-by-play during a roller-coaster!! Made life so easy and flexible. Would highly recommend for families during vacations, trips, biking, etc. One of our "best buys" this year. Intuitively easy to use and rugged.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: For the price, and the brand name, Motorola's FRS radios should be more durable - these don't last long in average use (either business use by IT professionals, or the real torture test, with pre-teen boys).

Rating:
Summary: Great value, even better with rebate!
Review: Got the radio for a family trip to the beach and it worked great. Didn't have a problem with too many other people using the frequencies, but appreciated the 38 sub channels. I especially liked the large talk button- made it easy to find when communicating. We had some other radios with us with small same size buttons which made it harder to find to talk. The range was fine, as we also used it in our cars on our way to the beach. Cheaper and easier than making cell phone calls to each other all the time. I also recommend getting the Aquapac waterproof cover. The covers are a little pricey but worth it. I can't tell you how many times I waded into the water to fish only to have a wave come up and drench me. The covers also keep out the sand and other junk from messing up the radio. No problem with hearing or speaking through the cover.

Rating:
Summary: Well Worth The Money
Review: Having read another customers review about the radios usefulness for skiing we purchased two for our most recent outing and we were not let down. Although we never tested the range to the full they provided excellent communication when in areas (such as the tree line)where the other members of the party are not always visable. I also found that the batteries lasted longer than expected. Although i would recommend changing the batteries when they get down to one bar as the reception became quite grainy. Other than that an excellent buy, the secure channel was very useful as is the call feature. Along with the radio we also tried out the PTT ear bud and talk activated mic boom. See my review of those in their section.

Rating:
Summary: Man, this walkie talkie rocks!!!
Review: Hitchiking can really be a drag. That's why I always carry my Motorola Talkabout with me. With its channel scan function, and its 2 mile range, I can almost always find a friendly conversation. Plus - the chicks DIG the attractive belt holster and shiny silver color.
I took off a star for not including rechargeable batteries as a matter of course. Bunch of savages in this town! Didn't Motorola get that memo about battery life, and conservation of this planets material resources? Don't we want there to be batteries for our children, and our children's children? Still, as long as we don't drink and drive, say no to drugs, and take care when operating heavy machinery, this Talkabout walkie talkie will be just swell.

Rating:
Summary: inconsistent
Review: I agree with Fred Kampe below. These things malfunctioned when other brands were working fine right next to me on the mountain.

Rating:
Summary: inconsistent
Review: I agree with Fred Kampe below. These things malfunctioned when other brands were working fine right next to me on the mountain.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty nice!
Review: I bought a pair of these 2-way radios for my long distance move. I used them throughout the entire trip, and they were pretty useful. I don't really have a problem with the button in the middle, but it is kind of in the way. Good clarity when you are in the clear. When I tested it in New York City, I was able to get about 6 blocks before the signal was completely lost. For the casual user though, I would go for the less expensive model though.