Customer Reviews

Motorola MD791 5.8 GHz Digital Expandable Cordless Phone with Corded Base and Answering System (Silver/Black)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I bought this phone based on the the different functions that it offered. It has not been all bad, but after 2 months the cordless stopped holding a charge. Well, these things happen. I figured a quick call to Motorola would solve the problem. Boy, was I wrong. I can't get anywhere with them. So, I have to warn you. My phone barely works now (three months later), and Motorola refuses to make good on it. My advice is to stay away from all Motorola products, and most certainly this one.

I purchased this phone with 3 extensions based on the company's reputation and the array of nice features. Unfortunately the phone system behaved in unpredictable, erratic ways and require lot of time for debugging. For example, the answering machine would stop picking-up for no apparent reason. Technical support did their best - but after resetting the whole system and still having problems, I have gave up, swapped it for the similar Panasonic system that so far has performed superbly.

We bought this unit plus 3 expansion units (MD71) to replace an old answering corded phone plus separate cordless system. We had no problem with set up or with "registering" the expansion units with the base. We've particularly liked the intercom feature, the shared phonebook, and being able to screen or listen to messages on any of the handsets.

We've only had one bug, and I don't know whether there is something that we can adjust. The answering machine doesn't seem to recognize hang-ups, and thus records the loud "If you'd like to make a call. . . " message from the phone company each time. Also, the quality of the outgoing message isn't the best, though the recorded messages sound fine.

Overall, a great system, especially for the price.

1-on a desk, the craddle doesn't hold the receiver that well
2- no signal or light to be seen or heard re: messages on answering machine

Nice compact system with easy set-up. Clarity is fine. I would compare it favorably with phones twice the price.

I, too, bought this phone with 3 extensions based on reputation and features. The range of the cordless handsets is mediocre (compared even to my old cheap Vtech). Worst of all, the handsets won't hold a charge ! Even after overnight on the charger, I pick up a phone to answer it, and get beeping for low battery.
There is something bad with the circuitry, because I bought a NEW battery for a handset ... and it is somewhat better, but still runs out of gas after only 40 minutes or so of talking.
I'm tossing it out

Re: previous review

The volume must be adjusted when the answering machine picks up incomming call. It will then retain that volume setting unless u adjust it again. Good Luck!!!

Well, it looks nice, it's small, setup isn't hard, the sound is good, and it has several cute little ringtones. However, this phone has a major design flaw that makes it unusable for me:

There is no way to tell the answering system to record silently! Every time it answers a call, it broadcasts both the OGM and the message that the caller leaves, through the speaker! There are volume buttons but they make only a slight adjustment, from loud to medium loud.

Sometimes, you might not want other people in the room to hear the messages being left on your phone! Sometimes, you might be sleeping, and don't want to be disturbed.

Apparently, this never occured to the Motorola product designers. DOH!!! What a boneheaded mistake. Mine is for sale.

Have had my Motorola system for well over a year now. Many, many complaints:

1. the handsets buzz
2. battery life is bad - one of the handsets now lasts about 3 minutes
3. no headset plug on the base unit, which I have to use often because the handsets are so bad.
4. You can't read the display on the base unit unless you stand over it and look straight down.
5. If you take the time to assign names to all of your handsets, you lose the names when the power goes out! This happens even if you put batteries in the base unit.
6. The headset jack on the handset units is nestled into a soft plastic area. Some headsets also have a soft area on the male piece that plugs in. Two soft areas do not connect well... the headset falls out. I finally found a headset that stays plugged in.

Outstanding features such as expandibility, different ringtones and speakerphone. The best phone I have ever owned, but a bit overpriced.