Entered CNET Catalog: 08/02/2001
SKU: 0723755538344
Manufacturer: Motorola Corp.
Manufacturer description
Don't let the stylish design fool you. Keeping in touch in the neighborhood, at the park or at that secluded fishing hole has never been easier. The Talkabout T5200 is perfect for small groups of family and friends. Push a button to talk, release to listen. With 14 channels, you don't have to worry about others disturbing your conversations. The Talkabout T5200 proves that communication doesn't have to be complicated. Product summary
The good: Competitively priced; decent range; long battery life.
The bad: Bulky antenna and power button; crowded faceplate buttons.
The bottom line: The T5200 may not be the most attractive Motorola radio available today, but it's a good performer for the money.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/09/2001
Not all FRS radios are created equal, especially when it comes to Motorola's extensive product line. There's a world of difference between the company's top-of-the-line T6300 series, which won our Editors' Choice award for the T6320 and its no-frills T5200 model, which is geared toward the budget-conscious consumer. Unfortunately, the T5200's design is not up to the standard set by its feature-rich sibling.
Not all FRS radios are created equal, especially when it comes to Motorola's extensive product line. There's a world of difference between the company's top-of-the-line T6300 series, which won our Editors' Choice award for the T6320 and its no-frills T5200 model, which is geared toward the budget-conscious consumer. Unfortunately, the T5200's design is not up to the standard set by its feature-rich sibling.
Conspicuous casing
As noted above, the T5200 isn't Motorola's most attractive radio. In fact, it comes in only one color: Rosewood Red. Housed in a plastic casing, the radio weighs a hefty 6.18 ounces. All six of the rubberized function buttons are located on the face of the unit, with the exception of the bulky on/off volume knob, which sits atop the radio next to the antenna. The placement is fine for radio use, but its poor placement becomes obvious when the radio is worn on a belt (a removable belt clip comes with the package), making for an uncomfortable fit.
The T5200 has all the features we've come to expect in a midlevel radio, including a 14-channel/38-subchannel receiver, five audible call alerts, an onscreen battery meter, roger alerts (talk confirmation tones), and an accessory jack for hands-free use. You'll have to purchase a headset separately.
Banking on performance
On the plus side, we found the T5200 provided a decent range of clear communications. We managed to get reception for up to 1.5 miles in a neighborhood setting where trees and buildings were abundant. Out in the great wide open, the range improved but still fell short of the 2-mile limit (in fact, few FRS radios actually transmit at this range).
Another plus was the battery life. Motorola claims up to 30 hours of use (3 hours talk, 27 hours standby), but we managed to squeak out almost 40 hours under normal operating conditions before running out of juice. The three AA batteries needed to power the T5200 aren't included, and this model doesn't work with rechargeable batteries.
The T5200 performs well enough to compete with other radios in its price range, such as Uniden's 420, but if comfort and style are important, you may want to upgrade to Motorola's T6200. However, if you're a first-time buyer and can find the radio sold as a pair for $40, it's a decent starter set.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 User Rating: 4.5 stars
out of 11 user reviews
Great looks, easy to use, fair price, works greatby - August 10, 2003
Pros: Very lightweight. Sub channels. LCD display with backlight. Multiple call tones. Headset plug. Accurate battery levels. Fair price, considering all FRS radios aren't too cheap ($40.00 Canadian)
Cons: NONE! This is an excellent product! I can't complain!!
Review:
User Rating: 3.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
okay for what i use it forby - December 26, 2002
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Review: I got a set for me and my mother to use when we go to camp. I don't really like the talk button in the middle of it other than that i love it
User Rating: 4.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
Excellent range in a variety of conditions.by - November 16, 2002
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Review: The Motorola T5200 is a fine FRS radio. Its range never ceases to amaze me. I have two of them and they are a lot of fun to use. My only complaint is if you have the audio level cranked all the way up, the sound quality deceases a bit. This isn't really a problem since its highest volume is far to loud for regular use anyway. I also enjoy listening in on other people's conversations. That alone is enough reason to buy this toll/toy (you'll use it for both purposes).
User Rating: 3.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
It´s very nice for meby - September 21, 2002
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Review: I´m amazed to see the signal range it has, it was for me more than 3 kilometers with no obstacles. It´s tiny and easy to carry on and very useful too. Unfortunately doestn´t have an included battery charger.
User Rating: 1.5 stars
out of 11 user reviews
Great low-end choiceby - June 20, 2002
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Review: Very good reception and easy to operate. Multiple channels and codes reduces liklihood of interference. Shop around since prices vary significantly
User Rating: 3.5 stars
out of 11 user reviews
Great radio for the priceby - May 29, 2002
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Review: I have a pair of 5200's that I took down to Tennessee from Michigan. Worked great throughout various terrains and weather conditions. Made the trip entertaining.
User Rating: 2.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
it doesn't look nice at all.by - May 24, 2002
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Review: you should have made it more beautiful and the support and value could surely be improved
User Rating: 4.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
Great radio for the price!by - March 7, 2002
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Review: It is hard to use the buttons, but I love everything else about this radio!
User Rating: 2.5 stars
out of 11 user reviews
Alright for first timersby - February 28, 2002
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Review: This two way radio I would say is okay for the first time buyers. Great for the kids, or when traveling in two or more cars on vacation. I wish they could have done a little better with the sound quality. Sometimes its great and at other times its not so good. If they could get the sound to be consistant then this would be an even better buy.
User Rating: 1.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
It is a very good two-way radio which I would recomend to anyone. Trust me I have it!by - February 15, 2002
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Review: It is very good! It is evrything that I was looking for when I bought it! But I think that they could make it so that the distance was farther!
User Rating: 4.0 stars
out of 11 user reviews
It has the same important basic features as its more expensive siblings with an affordable price.by - January 21, 2002
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Review: AS A MOTHER, WHO JUST BASICALLY NEEDS TO BE IN TOUCH WITH HER KIDS AND NANNIES WHILE IN THE MALL, THE TALKABOUT T5200 DOES ITS JOB VERY VERY WELL. I THINK THIS MOTOROLA MODEL IS VERY MUCH UNDERATED BY THOSE WHO THINK EVERYONE WHO USES A TALKABOUT ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED FRILLS.
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Motorola Talkabout T5200 specifications
- General
- Product Type Two-way radio
- Width 2.3 in
- Depth 1.4 in
- Height 6.4 in
- Weight 6.7 oz
- Body Color Red
- Localization English
- Radio System
- Type FRS
- Channels 14-channel
- Power 0.5 watt
- Max Talk Range 2.0 miles
- Call Alerts 5
- Controls Monitor button , Call button , Channel selector/scroll buttons , Power/volume knob , Push-to-talk (PTT) button , Menu button
- Indicators TX
- Two-Way Radio Display Information Lock indicator , Sub-channel indicator , Channel indicator , Battery level indicator
- Sub-Channels Qty 38
- Radio System Features
- Audible Call Alert Yes
- Keypad Lock Yes
- Time-Out Timer Yes
- Additional Features Talk confirmation tone
- Display
- Type LCD display
- Features Backlit
- Miscellaneous
- Antenna External
- Connections 1.0 x Headset jack
- Included Accessories Belt clip
- Battery
- Battery 3.0 x battery - AA type
- Technology - Alkaline
- Run Time (Up To) 30.0 hour(s)
- Audible Battery Alert Yes
- Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
