Keeping in touch - Holiday Gifts Galore - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Nov, 2001

* We're not usually given to fads and trends, but the walkie-talkie craze we've witnessed on recent vacations, at the beach, and in the shopping malls proved too tempting to resist, and with good reason--having walkie-talkies is fun and, more important, practical.

The Talkabout T6200 Two-Way Radio ($75.99) from Motorola, Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., and UFR-850CM-2 camouflage unit ($129.99) from Unwired Technology LLC, Farmingdale, N.Y., both have a range of up to two miles.

The Talkabout has 14 channels, each with 38 subcodes, and can suppress noise and chatter from outside the user's group. Moreover, there are Eavesdrop Reducer codes that enhance privacy by scrambling your voice to anyone not on the same code--so this year's holiday gifts can remain a secret. The Talkabout also can receive National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio broadcasts, especially convenient for all us skiers, sledders, and snowboarders on constant snow alert.

While the UFR-850CM-2's camouflage look is aimed at the younger set--when did dressing like a jungle fighter become the in thing? --this unit's many features and rugged water-resistant endurance will appeal to all age groups, especially parents trying to keep track of their children and each other. For starters, you don't have to worry if you get caught in the rain, or even drop these two-way radios in the water--the waterproof gaskets ensure that the electronic components will not get wet. Also, like the Talkabout, there's a battery level indicator; 14 channels with 38 subcodes that provide up to 532 different frequency options; an LCD display with LED for operation in dim light; and a voice-activated transmission for hands-free usage. The key lock prevents accidental changing of settings, and the field strength indicator lets you know reception condition.

Both products can be found at mass merchandisers and electronics stores.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any, also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.