Sharp UX-CC500 5-in-1 Communication Center with Expandable Cordless Phone and Answering Machine

I purchased this 5-in-1 based on a 5 star recommendation from another Amazon user for the previous model. I was going to use this in my home office and I have experience setting up fax machines, printers and answering machines.

The phone is poor quality, too small and the battery is not as good as my 4 year old Sony. Regardless of the settings the fax machine tries to kick in everytime you place or receive phone calls - you get the annoying digital handshake 30 seconds into any call.

The speaker phone on the phone has an inexplicable control. You cannot switch to the speaker on the handset once you have received a call.

The answering machine is also a dud - you don't know when you have new messages (no LED) and that digital handshake kicks into any message you receive so you can't hear the messages being left.

The documentation and configuration is poor - I could find nothing that shows me how to properly troubleshoot my phone.

As a 5-in-1 it flunks. The fax may or may not...Read more

I purchased the Sharp UX-CC500 for use as a home telephone/digital answering machine and occasional use for fax/copier. I like the fact that this unit is expandable, and I intend to purchase another cordless handset to give me three phones throughout the house for easy accessibility. There are up to 4 voice mailboxes in addition to the general greeting, so everyone in the house can have their own voicemail.
A neat feature of this unit is the intercom function between the handsets and the base unit which allow you to talk to people in other rooms just by pressing the intercom key and selecting the other phone that you want to ring. You can also program a name to each phone that shows up in the display.
In addition to that, there is a walkie-talkie feature between the handsets which allows you to take the handsets anywhere away from the base unit and they will communicate within 1200 feet of each other.
This 5 in 1 has so many features it is very important to READ...Read more

First, I want to address "shadysprings"- I think you were sold a malfunctioning fax machine. Mine works great, in all aspects. I was able to set it up in 5 minutes and send a fax within 10 (you have to program in your information first). I do agree with the other people's suggestions that you read the manual carefully. It is LOADED with FEATURES like a 4 person mailbox. But overall, I am thrilled with my purchase. It faxes, copies, and takes phone messages, and takes up relatively little space. What more can you want?