Home > Consumer Reviews > Motorola Digital Cordless Phone MD481 - Cordless phone w/ call waiting caller ID & answering system - 2.4 GHz - single-line operation

My favorite feature is having access to all features, including all answering machine functions, from the handset. Although I don't yet have any of the MD41 expansion handsets - those will also be able to get the messages off of the base unit's answering machine. Throw in all the other features like paging other handsets, handset to handset intercom and monitor, a handset handsfree feature that works as well as any speakerphone I have ever used and the days of needing phone line run in every room are over.

The software is very well thought out throughout the feature set. Quality of calls is excellent although I have yet to be on the receiving end of a call from the MD 481.

Two dislikes would be that the useful belt clip can NOT be removed and the warning stickers on the back left a goey residue that was nearly impossible to remove. I would also not describe battery life as spectacular.

Warning: If you want to keep the silver paint on the back of the handset don't use Goo B Gone to remove the sticky residue.

I bought this with two expansion handsets 6 months ago. The "on" button stopped working (can't answer or call out). Swapped it with another handset and the 1 doesn't work on that. Two down , now the last one won't answer or pick up either. Three phones, none work. Am shipping to Motorola at my expense for repair.

Pros: These phones are very cool, I hated taking them back. The list of features is the best of any multi-handset system and the product design is stunning. The intercom function is outstanding. This is the only phone/intercom system where you can dial another handset -- have the other handset automatically pickup -- and switch to speakerphone so you can tell the kids in the basement dinner is ready.

Cons: The phones don't work. The sound quality when used as a regular phone is terrible and the speakerphone isn't that loud either (what can you expect from a tiny speaker). Worst of all the battery needs to be charged several times a day.

I purchased a Radio Shack model that is half is cool, but the sound is great and the batteries last forever (or at least 4 or 5 days with frequent use).

I've been using this Motorola phone with an extra handset for just about a year now. It's been a pretty good experience, but for two issues. One, that the battery life is poor. Even using a fully charged handset, you need to recharge after using the phone for about an hour. On conference calls lasting 2+ hours, I've actually had to change instruments midway. Two, the keypad is getting pretty bad . . it's almost impossible to use some of the keys to dial numbers. Paying $100 for a phone that lasted just a year . . . not such a good deal.

I am a Motorola employee who purchased this phone via the employee purchase plan. Conveniently after the warranty expired, the phone was defective. The numbers on the phone keypad stopped functioning. Do not purchase this phone or any other Motorola cordless products due to their very poor quality.