I can back up the reviewer who said the 12 mile range is a lie. We have owned these Motorola SX700R Talkabouts since last July, 2006. We have tested these Talkabouts from LESS than a mile away, two different directions from home, and the reception was poor to non-existent in one direction and average to poor the other. The only obstructions were trees. And remember this is less than one mile apart. The sound quality and reception were awful.If you want something to use around the house, house to yard, yard to yard, very close to home, it will work fine. Reception and sound quality are excellent at close range. But if you want something to communicate with one mile or more apart, look elsewhere. This won't do it.