Customer Reviews

Olympia OL 3000 Infoglobe Digital Caller ID with Real-Time Clock

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I ordered this item out of a catalog, as an alternative to a mundane Caller ID device, and because I collect unusual clocks. I found the Globe's display very easy to see from acoss the room (about 10 feet), and liked how the time of day alternated with a call count, and programmable message. All of those features work just as described in the product description. BUT, I ended up unplugging the thing, and packing it away, since the spinning display device within the blue plastic dome made a constant whirring noise that was too noticeable, and very annoying, in my opinion. I called the manufacturer's info line, to see if this noise was normal, and was told that as the unit continued in operation, the noise should lessen; however, after 2 weeks, I heard no improvement. It wasn't, to me, a tolerable white noise, like from a fan, but rather like hearing an electric razor in use by someone down the hall. I guess if you intend to place it in a relatively noisy area, the sound would not be an issue.My only other (small) complaint was that the Globe didn't have call-waiting Caller ID capability. When I placed the order (by telephone), the Customer Service Clerk advised me that it did have that feature)So, if ever a quiter version comes, out, especially with call-waiting Caller ID, I'd be interested.

I saw this in the store and was excited by its geek appeal, so I had my girlfriend get this for me for my birthday. It has so much potential, but unfortunately it is wasted by the simple fact that it does not do its job well. I checked the other reviews on Amazon which mention many of the same problems, so I know it's not just my unit. These things just were not programmed well, which makes it basically worthless since it doesn't do its job.

* Misses many incoming calls.
* Gets confused and displays random question marks instead of useful info.
* Randomly loses its settings (messages, auto-off time).
* Hard to program.
* Constantly displays annoying "Olympia InfoGlobe" message instead of something more interesting.
* Numbers never expire from the unit unless you manually display each one.
* Poor interface requires excessive button pushing to display each number.
* Makes a good bit of noise unless you sit it on a pillow.
* When it does show a call, it often takes too long for the number to scroll into view.

In short, find another way to get caller ID.

I liked this concept so much, however the actually function was not as good as I expected. The machine uses a spinning electrode to display information. This make a fairly audible humming sound that bothered me.

My biggest complaint is that the globe displays information all the time. I was hoping the unit would have a "sleep mode", and would only display a incoming call, but it doesn't. Thus if the unit is turned on, the unit displays date and time, or other messages 24-hrs a day. This was distracting, we sent the unit back for a refund.

I consider myself lucky after what I have been reading. I do have the version that takes the 3 aaa batteries and for a week have not had a problem. A little noise but when you normally set things up, it is quiet and you have to understand how it works. It is bound to make a little noise....hey, it is a toy! Have fun and enjoy.

The only thing I agree with is the setup is somewhat confusing. Read the instructions a few times and you will figure out how to do it but there are still a lot of "clicks" to enter your 6 messages.

I do want one at work too.

When I first set up the Infoglobe, I was impressed by the unique, bright spinning display. But the whirring noise and vibration were VERY evident right from the start. Then the REAL trouble surfaced a day or so later. It misses about 1 out of every 10 calls as far as ID goes. It just keeps spinning date/time etc. and acts like phone isn't even ringing! Later, when it is displaying ID for that missed call (or another) it displays ???????????#???????? instead of any actual name or number! VERY ANNOYING! I called tech support who acknowledged this "bug" but was told there was no firmware update available (even if sent back to factory). I WAS told that there was a newer version which uses AA or AAA batteries instead of the 9V one in older version, but supposedly, the firmware/software is same in both, so problem will most likely be apparent in all infoglobes. Newer version also has 6 programmable messages, but you give up 3 caller ID's in their place.

Another feature missing is Caller ID on Call Waiting. I discovered this while on the phone and got the beep to discover no info popping up on globe. Another disappointment.

Not a bad idea, but if you want it to ID ALL your calls, you just can't count on it since it misses at least 10% and just keeps on twirling oblivious to your ringing phone.

I've had mine for almost 2 years now and love it. I've noticed a few people complaining about an EEPROM ERROR after a lightning storm. i recently experienced that as well. just unplug it and take the batteries out for 10 minutes, plug it back in, put the batteries back in and reset the memory per the manual and all should be fine!

I never used caller ID because I never made it to the phone before it kicked over to take a message. But this Globe thing has changed that. A half second after the phone rings the caller's name is circling the globe in bright letters I can see across the room. It also tells you how many caller ID's are stored so if you come back from lunch and that number has ticked up then you know you misssed a call without having to check the phone.

The kids love it because I program the globe to say hello to them. These messages randomly come up in between the time and date. It even tells the dog that she is a good girl.

I got this for my parents for Christmas after their other caller ID died after an electrical storm.

My mother called to tell me that it was working and quite entertaining to watch. She said it made an audible noise, but since neither of my parents hear too well AND since they sleep with the TV on, it doesn't bother them.

My less than perfect rating is that the thing shipped with almost dead batteries. Batteries are included, but after my mom hooked it up, the message it read out was "Batt Low."

This is our 3rd time buying one of these. It is fabulous for checking caller ID from across the room without squinting, as well as the date and time. These things don't last that long - maybe one or two years - but they're still worth it. You can program it to turn off at night too.

An excellent item, but a little on the fragile side, which is to be expected with this sort of technology. The blue ambient light is nice, and the readability from a distance is superb.
We had the first one for over a year (20 months) with no problems. The "noise" is minimal, but does increase over time. Could be dry bearings? Design flaw?
The eventual demise was signified by spelling errors, which steadily became worse.
It went totally stupid in the end, displaying confused caller ID numbers, and popping punctuation in odd places when displaying messages, that were already full of spelling errors. Replacing batteries helped for a day or two, but then it would revert back to its illiterate state. It was fun to watch ...
I think heat was an issue, and the machine probably needs to "sleep" during slow periods. It does have a shut down function, and can turn itself on and off at programmable times.
We left ours on constantly.
I am replacing the machine because we all became quite attached to it.