There's no word on refunds if the product does not live up to Microcrap's
written promises on accessibility below.

kelly


                       MS PHONE: ACCESSIBLE BY DESIGN

                               David Bolnick
                           Microsoft Corporation
                                Redmond, WA

   The Microsoft Cordless Phone System is much more than an ordinary
   phone or answering machine. It is the first 900MHz cordless phone that
   links to the PC to help the user manage calls and messages with
   greater control and flexibility. By combining the power of the PC and
   the Microsoft Call Manager software, the Microsoft Cordless Phone
   System helps users manage their calls.

   Once the software is installed and the user has entered some names in
   the address book, they can start using the phone system like any other
   phone, in any room in their house. The Microsoft Call Manager software
   running on the PC gives the user more convenience and flexibility than
   other phones because it includes Voice Command dialing, enhanced
   Caller ID features, and a sophisticated voice mail system. The user
   places calls by speaking into their phone and saying a simple phrase
   like "Call Mom" or "Call the Office." The Microsoft phone recognizes
   up to 40 different names and numbers. In addition, the user can
   navigate through their messages using voice commands. The phone has
   Caller ID. As a result the user can let their phone or PC announce the
   caller's name before they pick up the phone. The user can either
   answer the phone, or let the call go to voice mail. The Microsoft
   Phone also supports Private Greetings. The user can create private
   greetings for different callers, like "Hi Tom, we're not home right
   now. Please leave a message." Caller Priorities (assign priorities to
   incoming calls) lets high priority callers ring through while the Do
   Not Disturb feature is turned on. The system can also send calls right
   to voicemail and block unwanted calls.

   With the Microsoft Phone, users can create multiple mailboxes for
   personal or business calls and track calls automatically. The Call
   Manager application records name, phone number, date, time and
   duration of the last 1,000 calls made by the user. Phone users can
   retrieve messages stored on their PC from anywhere - the cordless
   handset, the PC, or from a remote phone. The 40 channel, 900MHz
   cordless phone gives the user greater range and clarity than a
   standard cordless phone.

   Microsoft Phone includes many features that benefit individuals with
   disabilities. From TTY compatibility to the shape and positioning of
   buttons for ease of use by individuals who are blind, Microsoft Phone
   is the latest example of a Microsoft product that addresses
   accessibility by design. In addition, the Microsoft Phone was the
   first Microsoft product to benefit from a review by the company's
   Access Review Boards. These boards cover issues for users with a range
   of disabilities. Microsoft's Hardware Group incorporated the boards
   feedback which shaped the final product and made it accessible.

   Microsoft Phone has the following accessibility features for users who
   are hearing- or visually-impaired, or have some disability that makes
   it difficult to pick up the handset:

     * The printed manuals are available on the CD-ROM in a format that
       can be read by a screen reader.
     * A TTY window is available in the Microsoft Call Manager software.
     * A full audio description of the buttons on the handset is
       available by pressing the Help button (0) on the handset, and then
       pressing 1.
     * Voice commands help to reduce keypad use.
     * Blind and visually-impaired users can use the voice command
       "Report System Status" at the handset to hear what features of the
       answering system are turned on or off.
     * The earpiece on the handset is hearing-aid-compatible.
     * The buttons on the handset provide both tactile and audio
       feedback.
     * Variously shaped buttons on the handset provide easier orientation
       for blind and visually impaired users.
     * Indicator lights on the handset provide visual feedback when the
       phone is ringing, in use, or on hold, when you have messages, and
       when Do Not Disturb is turned on.
     * The enclosed hook-and-loop fastener strip can be attached to the
       bottom of the charging cradle to enable a user to dial the handset
       without having to remove it from the cradle. Attach one piece of
       the fastener along the bottom front lip of the cradle, and the
       other piece to a hard surface where you want to locate the phone.
     * The loudspeaker enables a user to take notes without holding the
       handset.
     _________________________________________________________________


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