"Things fall apart." It eventually happens. My 900 Mhz answering machine, which lasted for years, has been failing to date and time stamp accurately for a while. However, I don't want to be like this whiner at Amazon.

Reviewer: An electronics fan from Ann Arbor, MI USA

The predecessor to this model (MA350) has what appears to be the same handset. We had the phone for a little over a year (just beyond warranty) and the buttons started malfunctioning — which is maddening! I thought Motorola would be a good quality brand, but now I must add it to the list of companies whom I don't buy phones from: Panasonic, Motorola.

Better to accept the inevitability of products having limited life spans (like people). I received an answering machine as a gift after missing the immediacy of a friend's messages one time too many. It is the Vtech 2656. I must decide whether to keep it. On my own, I selected the Motorola MA361. Though a smaller, less complex unit, it seems to be tailored to the kind of use I engage in. I also like getting just as much recording time, fifteen minutes, as more ritzy models offer. Both meet my basic requirements - 2.4GHz, digital and cordless.

The description of the Vtech 2656 is pretty impressive.

Features Include:

2.4GHz Digital Spread Spectrum Cordless Technology

95 Communication Channels

Operating Range: Up to 50m Indoors/300m Outdoors

LCD Display (Number Dialled, Call Duration and Icons)

SUPERFLEX Speakerphones on Handset and Base Unit

Multi-Handsets (up to 4 handsets per base unit)

Intercom Calls and Call Transfer Between Handsets

Conference Call (1 external and 2 internal)

50 Name & Number PhoneBook

Call Waiting & Caller ID Ready (50 # Log)

2.5mm Headset Port

5 Last Number Redial, Recall, Hold and Mute

Handset Receiver Volume Control

Digital Answering Machine Features

Up to 90 Seconds of Outgoing Message

15 Minutes Recording Time

3 Mailboxes

2 Outgoing Messages (Record and Announce Only)

Time/Day Stamp

Voice Prompt Memu

Full Remote Access including TURN ON/OFF

Selectable Ring Delay (2, 4, 6 or Toll Saver)

Includes Rechargeable 600mAh NICAD Battery Pack
and Built-in Belt Clip on Handset

Handset Size: 171.5L x53W x45D mm

Handset Weight: 134 grams (including Battery)

Colour: Silver

Another attractive, if iffy, feature is this model promises to be compatible with 802.11b. I am not sure whether this is a solution to a problem or not. I've not encountered interference with my wireless network from my previous answering machine. Nor am I seeing lamentations about such a problem online.

The Motorola MA361 is a more basic unit, not intended for expansion.

Features