Customer Reviews

Motorola TalkAbout T280 2-Mile 14-Channel Two-Way Radio (Black)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We recently took a one month vacation driving from North Dakota to the tip of Baja California. We used our pair of SLK280s a great deal. It made a huge difference while shopping, at theme parks or anytime our family of four wanted to do things apart. We loved having the convenience. Unfortunately near the end of the trip one of the radios got wet. I tried to repair it and failed, in fact I ruined it. I sent it back to Motorola indicating I would gladly pay the cost of repairs. Instead they sent me a brand new replacement at no cost. That is great customer support.

The product performs as well as the mfg says it does. I have never been disappointed. We purchased 6 units for our swim team. They have been dropped, baked and used heavley. The button from one came up missing. We called customer service and they sent us TWO at no charge! I luv it!

We recently purchased the model T280 and used them for an entire week of skiing and highly recommend the radios. They're not only lightweight but small enough to fit in any ski suit pocket. Our favorite feature is the Call Alert, small size and clarity. We had a concern regarding battery life and found by the end of the week we still had two of three bars remaining on the battery status indicator, this was after having the radios on all day, plus some occasional use around the village. We used Duracell Ultras since they were recently tested by our local TV station to actually last longer. We also didn't know what to expect with reception in and around the mountains. We were pleasantly surprised to find they work better than advertised. Only a few times were we not able to communicate and felt it was more a result of being within range or terrain blockage

That the radio works well when used properly is without question. What amazes me is the fact that I dropped mine from approximately 20 feet onto ROCKS, and after putting the batteries back in, it worked just like new.

The TalkAbout 280 is one of the best 2-way radios I have seen.It's operating range is remarkable for a radio in its price range.And the compact, durable build is capable of withstanding some major impacts. It also features a large display that lets you program and view the radio's current settings. I do suggest the AA model over the NiMH model for the operating time is more then doubled. The difference in price between the Talkabout 280 and the Talkabout 250 is only $20, but the 280's advanced features, compared to the 250 are worth the difference in price. END

With two very young children, our outings can be very unpredictable. Time is tight too. The Motorola 280's have been a great time saver. Sometimes we split up in the mall. One of us goes to do some shopping while the other has fun with the kids. We don't have to worry about setting up a time and place to meet up. It's easy to ask a question or change/make plans from 1/2 mile away. We use it on hikes and while walking around the neighborhood. They're also great when you are travelling with more than one car.

The range is supposed to be about 2 miles. It can differ depending where you are.

Everything I've said is a good reason to by any 2-way radio. Why did I choose this model even though it costs a lot more than some of the other ones?

-They're compact. Even more compact than the the 280's that take regular batteries. Their size makes them easy to bring along anywhere. They also have a removeable belt clip. Clip them on your pants or belt or remove the clip and they slip easily into your pocket. -They're rugged. The 280's survived drops onto pavement and gallons of baby drool. -They have 14 channels and 38 privacy codes. If you go somewhere where there is a large crowd, you will run into other people with radios. The extra channels help you find a quiet channel. However, we rarely have to change channels.

We've had ours for almost 2 years now and they have been very useful.

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.

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.

The 280SLK is very feature rich, but Motorola changed the headset plug so no other headsets work with this model. And nobody yet makes a earbud W/VOX (there is a Motorola earbud W/PTT). Sound is clear as long as it is line of sight. Residential housing quickly eats talk distance, but I was able to converse an amazingly long distance in both a several mile greenhouse complex, and thru many floors of the Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas. I would say this is the best product for family communication at amusement parks. And the multiple levels of product mean you can get Dad a he-man Distance model, Mom a TA280SLK, and child the bargin-basement "talkabout" (though I would get child the Talkabout+ for the LOCK feature).

Usage: [5 stars] I keep coming up for new uses for these radios. I have taken them to conventions, paintball trips, ATVing in Glamis, driving, Big Bear, L.B. Grand Prix, swap meets. The SLK is VERY compact and easy to keep on you.

Range: [4 Stars] Impressive to say the least, in Las Vegas I was on the 12th floor of the Stardust and I was able to stay in *clear* contact w/ my co-worker in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Now thats range for a 2-way under $100!

Durability: [5 stars] I have dropped them a bunch of times and they dont break. Antenna is thick and rubber, the battery case is a large one-piece molding, so it doesnt crack easily at all.

Features: [5 stars] They have almost perfected the SLK, it has a very handy page button. It rings like a cell phone to tell you someone is trying to get a hold of you. Also, it has the channel lock to prevent accidental channel changes.

Only one bad thing about these radios,... you need to buy more than one to have fun! :)