Casio PhoneMate Unveils Sleek 2-Line Digital Multi-Handset Cordless Telephone System. New MA-240 Supports Up to 12 Handsets, Handset-to Handset Intercom; Turns Cordless Phone into Something Truly Mobile - Product Announcement

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 2, 1999

Tired of missing calls? In a perfect world, you'd have a telephone in all of those out-of-the-way places where you need to be connected -- if only there were enough phone jacks to go around.

Plugging in is no longer an obstacle, given Monday's announcement from telecommunications pioneer Casio PhoneMate, Inc. The company has unveiled the MA-240, a diminutive 2-line, digital 900 MHz telephone system that supports up to 12 cordless handsets. More compact than many cellular phones, the additional handsets require only AC power, not a phone jack.

Designed for consumers and small businesses alike, the MA-240 is a telephone system that overcomes the common requirement that users purchase a base for each handset. Traditionally, cordless phones experienced interference when multiple handsets operated in close quarters. Using digital TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) 900 MHz technology, the MA-240 enables up to 12 handsets to work with a single base. Each additional handset -- designated as the MH-200 -- rests in a small charging cradle.

The MA-240 features 2-line operation, handset-to-handset intercom, call transfer, call conferencing, a headset jack and a belt clip. The MA-240's handset and base set -- and the companion MH-200's handset and charger set -- provide Type II Call Waiting Caller ID display, 60-name and number Caller ID memory, and 20-number autodial. Each handset maintains its own two-digit identification number, which supports intercom usage and other handset-to- handset interaction, including call transfer.

"The MA-240's elegant form factor and sleek styling alone make this a 'must have' product," said Dennis Cox, vice president of marketing, Casio PhoneMate, Inc. "But this is also a powerful system phone, with a rich complement of features that appeal equally to consumers at home and small business users in the office. Staying in touch is both convenient and easy, with handset-to-handset intercom and call transfer, and the flexibility of digital 900 MHz cordless technology."

On both the MA-240 and MH-200, 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.

With one handset, base and charging station, the MA-240 carries a promotional price of $199. Additional MH-200 handsets, which includes a charging station, are available for $99 each. Both models will be available in third quarter in office superstores, consumer electronics stores and other retail outlets nationwide.

Founded in 1968, Casio PhoneMate, Inc. is a leader in the development and design of telecommunications products for home, home/office and small business users.

The company has consistently introduced industry "firsts," including one of the first commercially available telephone answering devices (TAD), the first TAD with integrated cordless telephone, the first implementation of synthesized voice prompting and time/day stamp, the first all-digital TAD, the first cordless telephone with Call Waiting Caller ID display, the first combination telephone answering device to let users check their electronic mail and, with Modem Monitor(TM), the first technology that prevents the telephone from interrupting an online session or a fax transmission. Based in Torrance, California, Casio PhoneMate continues to pioneer high-quality, reliable and cost-effective communications solutions.