Editor's Choice Two-Way Radios
Uniden's GMR 1588 Two-Way Radios
Reviewed by Terrance Kibiloski
GMR 1588 Two-way Radios
Uniden's GMR 1588 two-way radios (Retail $79.95) are top of the line radios with a range up to 15 miles. With most two-way radios at the low end of the 2-15 mile two-way radio range, you will be thrilled with this high-end range whether you are a seasoned two-way radio user or this is your first experience with this incredibly simple communication device. When you use the NOAA weather channel feature, to keep you up to date on weather forecasts and alerts, you quickly realize that the value of these radios during both normal and emergency conditions extends far beyond simple radio-to-radio communications.
With the current popularity of cell phones, you might think that two-way radios are no longer needed. At Computer Times, we find two-way radios invaluable on a daily basis. How many times have you been at a public event where the cell phone circuits are so jammed you cannot get a connection? How many times have you been unable to get a connection inside a mall, convention center, or some other building when all you want to do is call another party in the same area to find out where they are and where you can meet? What about when you need to keep in touch with someone at a casino, a state fair, a concert, in two separate cars on the highway, or at home when checking fuses between floors, and so many other places that need communications where cell phones are either impractical or simply cost too much to operate for long periods? Are you beginning to understand the value of two-way radios?
When we tested these radios, we were very impressed with their features. As avid users of two-way radios at computer shows, public events, casinos, on road trips, and at other places where cell phones suffer drop outs, failed connections, and are just too impractical, we truly appreciated every feature of these fine radios. While the range of all two-way radios is affected by environmental and/or topographical conditions, we found that the GMR 1588 had excellent range and clarity in all situations.
Uniden's GMR 1588 two-way radios come packed with great features. There are 22 built-in channels with voice scramble to increase your privacy and security, "direct call" to call one person in your group without calling everyone, and auto channel change to automatically change everyone in your group to a new channel to avoid interference for the clearest communication. In addition to the 22 channels, you have 142 privacy codes to further protect your privacy. To save battery life, there is a PowerBoost key to give you the extra power only when you need it, and a battery strength meter to let you know when you need to insert a backup battery or when to recharge your unit. Some nice convenience features are the belt clip, keypad lock, channel scan, channel monitor, silent mode, roger beep, and 5 selectable call tones to help you find a tone that will be evident even in the noisiest of locations. For low light situations, these radios provided a backlit LCD display. The built-in NOAA weather channels let you keep abreast of the latest weather forecasts and alerts. Hands free operation is optionally available, plus there is a headset jack if you need to further block out background noise. The GMR 1588 two-way radios come complete with charging cradles and rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Uniden's GMR 1588 two-way radios easily earned our Computer Times Editor's Choice award as they performed admirably in all situations. These are great communications devices for everyone and would make an excellent gift. For details on purchasing this item, click on the following hyperlink - Uniden GMR1588-2CK 22-Channel 15-Mile Two-Way Radios (Pair)