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Product Reviews
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The
Universal
Electronics
NevoSL universal controller is a
hybrid between a Pocket PC and a
remote control for your audio and
video equipment in a home entertain-
ment center. You could say that it’s a
remote control with brains. Because it
is such a unique product we award it
with our Best In Class Award for origi-
nality, functionality and price.
There’s virtually no reason to get out
of your easy chair, except to change a
DVD, with the NevoSL as it does most
everything else for you. You’ll communi-
cate between the computer and the device through they
remote’s built in Wireless-B (802.11b) network interface. The
infrared port communicates with the devices as well as other
remote controlled appliances. Between UEI’s
database and the computer-
based configuration program you’ll
be able to download the latest IR
codes to the unit.
The Pocket PC-like product is driven
by Windows CE and features a 3.5” color
LCD touch screen and scrollwheel for
easy maneuverability. The NevoSL has a
rechargeable battery which gets a boost
every time you sit it in the provided power
cradle.
The Universal Electronics NevoSL has
a price of $799 and isn’t found in stores.
Rather you have to visit the company’s web site at
www.mynevo.com
and schedule a trained dealer to contact
you. You’ll also find more information on the device at the
same location.
UEI NevoSL Remote Control
VTECH mi6861 Cordless Phone System
f you’re in the market for a new cordless phone around the
house but don’t want any of the extravagant systems on the
market today, VTECH has a phone solution that provides fea-
tures as well as an affordable price. The mi6861 5.8GHz cord-
less phone system is not only dependable but relatively inex-
pensive. This product wins our Editor’s Choice Award for func-
tionality and value.
A digital signal in the 5.8GHz spectrum provides interfer-
ence free phone communications from the handset to the
base. This VTECH system is expandable with the purchase of
3 additional handset and base combinations (model number
mi6820) and offers easy conference calling or intercom serv-
ices with the other units. You may also choose to purchase a
standard headset device for use with each phone. Because
the mi6861 uses a higher frequency than 2.4GHz systems, we
experienced no difficulties with wireless devices including our
WiFi network and visa-versa.
Among the many features of the mi6861 is an integrated
digital answering machine with 15 minutes of recording time.
You can also choose to utilize the three voice mail boxes so
that callers can leave a message for a specific individual and
separate access codes are used to retrieve caller information.
Each of the handsets has a 50 name phonebook for easy
retrieval of frequent numbers and it was quite easy to store
Caller ID information into the sys-
tem.
Each of the handsets have a
pleasant design and style with an
orange and black display that lights
up when the phone is in use.
Battery life is quite acceptable, last-
ing more than a day of moderate
office use even though it is quite
easy to recharge each unit by plac-
ing them in their appropriate base.
For testing purposes, we were able to retrieve a clear signal
throughout our office complex which should push enough
power for use in any standard home or office setting.
We are very pleased with the performance of the VTECH
mi6861 and the additional handsets as well. You should be
able to find the base phone system for $75 on the internet as
well as several popular electronic chain stores. Each of the
additional handsets is around $38. If you splurge for a four
phone system it will run you less than $200, the price you’d
pay for some competitor’s base unit alone. Find information
on this product at
www.vtech.com
.
