Features
As the name implies, the Amstrad E-Mailer Plus is more than just a telephone--it's a multi-functional data communicator. With its bright LCD screen, full QWERTY keyboard and combining all the features of a hands-free telephone/digital answering machine with e-mail, Internet access, FAX and SMS text sending and more, the E-Mailer Plus packs a mean technology-filled punch. The E-Mailer plus also features a 700 entry address book, Smart Media Card slot for extra storage, a calculator and the facility for an optional databank mini organiser. Ideally aimed at the novice or family without Internet access, the E-Mailer Plus is a good stepping-stone to full-blown Internet and e-mail access. It lacks the sophistication of surfing or e-mailing on a computer, but what it achieves considering its small size is rather good. When you first switch the unit in, you have to go through a registration process--without doing this, the E-Mailer is unusable (even as a phone). There must be continuous power to the E-Mailer for it to function. So, if you have a power cut it won't work--so keep a spare phone handy. It's also recommended that Caller display is enabled. Currently, BT charge £4.50/quarter for this service. This makes e-mail notification easier, and you can see who is calling.
E-mails, faxes and SMS messages are all typed using the pull-out QWERTY keyboard and the LCD screen is bright and easy to read. It is possible to set up up to eight Amserve e-mail addresses on one account. The E-Mailer Plus will also allow you to receive certain attachments such as JPG, GIF or BMP image files and WAV audio files. You can also forward e-mails to fax numbers and send e-mails to multiple recipients. Sending and receiving e-mails is very easy and a complete novice could start e-mailing the world within minutes of registering. Sending and receiving e-mails cost 12p plus local call charges per session. You can also attach a USB or Parallel printer to the unit--allowing you to print out messages.
The major problem with the E-Mailer Plus is the inability to save e-mails/faxes mid-way through writing. Surfing the Internet isn't the easiest thing to do as you have to scroll through all the hyperlinks on a page to get to the one you want. The manual is very comprehensive, and there is a handy quick start guide included which will prove invaluable for novice users. An added "bonus" feature of the E-Mailer Plus is the ability to download and play a selection of classic ZX Spectrum games such as Manic Miner and Chuckie Egg. The downside to this however is the fact that you have to pay 50p to rent the game for three days.
There is so much technology squeezed into this box, it's surprising it doesn't leak out over the table. The call charges and the inability to save e-mails or faxes as you go may put some people off, but for someone just wanting to e-mail every now and again, it's well worth the money. If you've got a family member who isn't yet connected to the Internet, this would make an ideal present as all that is required is a phone line. Overall, the E-Mailer Plus is a good all-round multi-function device that even granny would have fun with. --Martin Snelling
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