Sharp UX-CC500 Review

Sharp's UX-CC500 consolidates a fax machine, copier, 2.4 Ghz cordless phone and answering machine into one compact space saver

Summary

The range on this phone is very impressive.  It is capable of 100 meters easily, but exhibits difficulty with concrete and metal structures.  If you are located in a basement or substructure, or the building is made of thick brick or concrete with rebar, it is possible to experience some interference.  Ironically, if the handset is used next to a microwave while it is running, the user will again experience some interference.  Compared to other cordless phones, these have a more than decent talk time of 5 hours and a standby time of 11 hours.  Overall, this device ranks a very competitive 8.

Introduction

Sharp recently released a new SOHO package designed to help save space, organize and provide flexibility for growth.  Sharp’s UX-CC500 consolidates a fax machine, copier, 2.4 Ghz cordless phone and answering machine into one compact space saver.  Designed with the SOHO in mind, this attractive, frosty-silver machine could be used by anyone needing these features in their home. 

Features

Given the number of things this device does, it is necessary to analyze them in groups. First, let’s start with the fax machine/copier.  The Sharp easily connects to a wall jack and sorts phone calls from faxes.  The fax quality is good.  Copy quality is okay, but make no mistake there is no substitute for a true copier if you are going to be doing any kind of volume.  This devices specialty is a quick fax or copy with no frills and definitely not high resolution. This device uses an ink transferrance roll that most fax machines of this size use.  This could pose a costly problem in an active environment.  The starter roll is good for about 30 copies, while the replacement roll is good for about 160 copies.  Even at fairly low monthly volume, the user could find themselves replacing the roll once a month or every other month.  It may be advisable to look into a laser based fax/copier if the volume is going to be significant. 

Use and Testing

One small gripe is every fax that came through came through slightly crooked.  Maybe as an improvement for future models, Sharp could work on the paper handling capabilities of this device.  The somewhat redundant corded phone attached to the base unit becomes more of an eyesore and will likely collect dust given the short tether its on.  Also the handsets are very enjoyable, so the corded phone on the base should have been left off.  The buttons on the base unit for the fax functions and the answering machine do not have a great tactile touch and they feel somewhat flimsy.  Most Sharp fax machines have a slightly better feel to the base unit’s keypad. This is one area for improvement.

The answering machine is very usable with up to 4 mailboxes.  If you have a staff, this is yet another savings this device will provide.  This machine would also be ideal in a home environment or with roommates; wherever people need their own secure voicemail service. 

The most intriguing quality of this device is its handsets.  The unit comes with one 2.4 Ghz digital Spread Spectrum cordless phone, but 3 more can be added.  This can provide a great deal of functionality and flexibility in any workplace or at home.  The handsets are made of the same frosty silver metallic plastic that the base unit is made of.  The keypad is made of a translucent opaque-white plastic that lights up when the phone is turned on.  This makes it very easy to use in the dark.  The keypad also has a great tactile response to the buttons.  The caller ID display on each handset is a good size and easy to read.  This phone is very comfortable to handle and prop up between shoulder and ear during long conversations.  However, Sharp went one better and included a headphone jack in each handset to ease neck pain.  One unique feature we were quite amazed by was the walkie-talkie feature which allows talking between handsets.  Kind of a cross between an intercom and the popular service provided by Nextel, this function will allow you to keep in touch with everyone in the office or home. 

Conclusion

Lastly, the range on this phone is very impressive.  It is capable of 100 meters easily, but exhibits difficulty with concrete and metal structures.  If you are located in a basement or substructure, or the building is made of thick brick or concrete with rebar, it is possible to experience some interference.  Ironically, if the handset is used next a microwave while it is running, the user will again experience some interference.  Compared to other cordless phones, these have a more than decent talk time of 5 hours and a standby time of 11 hours.  Overall, this device ranks a very competitive 8.