i have had mine for a few years.  It is still on the original 
batteries, and i have had no problems.

Andy
At 09:05 PM 6/16/2008, you wrote:
>I have the same one and really like it.  It is great and is one of those
>things I wonder why I waited so long to buy.
>73s
>Butch Bussen
>wa0vjr
>
>On Mon, 16 Jun 2008, Richard
>Fiorello wrote:
>
> > Hi Fred;
> > I've been using the vip1000 made by you guessed it "talking thermostats" in
> > MN.  Also I believe that if you tell them you are a handiham member they
> > help with the shipping.
> > Works great.
> > Richard
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Fred Olver" <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 6:43 PM
> > Subject: Talking thermostats
> >
> >
> > I'm looking in to buying a talking thermostat. Was wondering if any of you
> > would or would not recommend a particular one and let me know???
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Be sure to let me know who manufactures it, and where you 
> purchased it from.
> > [log in to unmask]  Fred Olver
> >
> >