Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased the original Sentry Call Blocker awhile back. Though the original is already a great device, the version 2 model adds some improvements and addresses some issues which users of the version 1 model asked for. I've been using an old fashioned answering machine on my landline to screen out calls. Whenever the caller ID shows an unrecognized number, I simply don't pick up the phone. This method works to avoid having to talk to the callers but then I'd have to listen to my greeting or their full message each time which can get annoying. I needed a better solution. Mainly, I needed a call blocking device as soon as the phone rings. In looking for a call blocker, I was looking for one that met certain criterion: 1) Effectively blocks out robo and telemarketing calls 2) Easy to use 3) Not cheaply made 4) Not too expensive I considered several call blocking devices, but decided to go with the Sentry Dual Mode Call Blocker (version 2) as that best meets what I am looking for. It does effectively block both robo calls and telelmarketing calls by the use of "Accept" and "Reject" lists and an "Advanced" mode for callers not on either list. In "Advanced" mode, a pre-recording asks live telemarketers to remove your number from their list, and then leaves the option for important callers to press "0". If a caller chooses to press "0", the first time the caller presses "0", only the Sentry device rings and the caller's number automatically gets saved to the whitelist. This is new with version 2. The reasoning for the auto save is that important calls from live people (such as family and friends) aren't totally blocked out from reaching you, but that on a second try, they will get through and not get stopped by the pre-recorded screening. Of course, this opens up the possibility that a persistent telemarketer or former friend can press "0" to automatically get on your whitelist. Yet, if they do, placing them on the reject list manually is as easy as scrolling to that number on the call list or accept list and holding down the reject button until the "done" indicator shows up on the LCD. From an email response received from the manufacturer, according the them, live telemarketers rarely, if ever go to the effort of pressing "0" when encountering the pre-recording. Though made in China (aren't most things today?), the call blocker is designed in the USA. The call blocker is actually quite intuitive and easy to use. The instruction sheet is only a few pages and contains instructions on how to set up and use the different features. There are easy to read lettering indicating a button's function above or below each button. The buttons on the device doesn't feel cheap as in breaking anytime soon. The buttons are responsive and don't feel like they are about to cave in when pressed. Version 2 of the Sentry call blocker tackles many of the concerns of the earlier model. First, now there are 3 ways to have numbers added to the whitelist. They are (a) view the call list and press the "Accept" button (this is the same method as with version 1), (b) Add whitelist numbers directly using the buttons on the device (the instructions are straight forward. I was able to add about 20 numbers in 30 minutes), and (c) in "Advanced" mode, a caller presses "0". This automatically saves the caller's number to the whitelist. Second, by using the Down button, it's easy to toggle the Sentry ringer on or off. Third, the screen brightness is easier to adjust. There are three levels and the LCD screen is easy to read during adjustment. Fourth, the recorded Sentry greeting no longer uses a British sounding male voice, but instead has an authoritative sounding American male voice which clearly says to the caller that this number is screened by Sentry and only if the caller has a valid reason, then press "0". Fifth, if receiving a call, and the caller presses "0", the alarm rings as usual. But unlike the Sentry 1 version where the alarm rings even after pick up, with Sentry 2, once the phone is picked up, the alarm stops and one can talk to the caller freely. Sixth, to correct issues of the Sentry needing to reset due to power fluctuations (the Sentry 1 version ran strictly off the phone line's power), the Sentry 2 version, in addition to using the phone line, uses two AAA batteries as a back up power source, which should last about 6 months before needing a change. Not only does using batteries eliminate the need to unplug and plug back in occassionally with the Sentry 1 model, but this is also handy when inputing numbers on the whitelist as now one can do so without being connected to the phone line. In summary, here is what I like and dislike about the Sentry Call Blocker version 2: Likes ----- - Effective call blocking, easy to use, should last, competitively priced - a large capacity limit (9999 each) of numbers for both "Accept" and "Reject" calls - Advanced mode blocks automated, robo calls - (new with version 2) Battery backup eliminates freeze up and resetting issues. Can use device cord free to input whitelist numbers - Numbers are retained even if phone line disconnected - (new with version 2) clear, American accented greeting (though I kinda of miss the English butler's voice!) - (new with version 2) ability to add numbers to the call blocker directly to the device - (new with version 2) auto save to white list gives important callers not yet on the white list a second chance to reach you - (new with version 2) easier to use LCD setting. Even during set up, as long as three is surrounding light, the LCD isn't too dim to read. The LCD display shows a sharper contrast - (new with version 2) ability to turn off the ringer Dislikes -------- - Only captures the phone number and not the name - In darker areas, LCD may be a bit dim, would like a backlight button, especially now since there is battery backup Overall, I really like the Sentry call blocker, version 2. It feels nice reminding myself that the phone usage belongs to me and not the telemarketers. In other words, "bring it on" robo callers and telemarketers, the sheriff is ready for you!