Features
A Short section compared to more expensive units.
One call tone
8 Channels
Requires 3 AA Batteries
Battery Life: Alkaline: Up to 8 hours talk time and 130 hours standby.
Earphone / MIC socket (2.5mm Jack plug)
Range 3km (2 miles)
Colours - any you like so long as it's Silver and Blue

Description
The first thing you can't fail to notice about the TE100's is the price - Dixons and Currys (part of the same chain) have them on their websites and in their stores for an unbelievable price of £29.95 inc VAT for a PAIR!
The units are small and very compact, and although they don't have the quality of construction about them like the Motorola T6222's, they do feel reasonably sturdy. The red LED display simply shows the channel you are using (1 through 8), and a flashing dot signifying that they are in standby mode.
The controls reflect the lack of bells and whistles - no fancy features here - even my nan could use them. A large central "call" button - allows the receiving unit to trill. A trill from the sending unit indicates the call has been sent.
The two smaller buttons either side of the main call button are channel up and down selectors.
On the left hand side are the Transmit button and the Squelch listening mode button - allowing you to have the maximum sensitivity for listening to incoming signals at the expense of a lot of noisy static hiss.
A removeable belt clip adorns the rear, where the battery compartment door can be easily opened without removing it.

This and many of the other radios conform to PMR 446. Therefore, if a two way radio conforms to it it will be able to communicate with another PMR 446 compatible device. Therefore it is not as important that you have the same manufacturer as your mate.

What is PMR 446 ?

PMR 446 is a short range, low powered radio communication service that does not require a license and has no running costs other that the minimal cost of re-charging the batteries.

Who can use PMR 446 ?

Anyone can use the service once they have bought the equipment.

What can it be used for ?

PMR 446 can be used for business or pleasure.

What range can I expect from PMR 446 ?

Maximum range in a built up area is about 2 miles but much better performance is possible in favorable locations

How much will I pay for the radio units ?

Prices start from about £50 per pair and range up to £200 each for the professional models.

Specifications:

Frequency range: 446.000 - 446.100 (8 Channels)

Output power: 500mW ERP

Antenna: Non-removable integrated antenna

Technical Standard: ETS 300 296

Batteries:

Most units operate using either 4 X AAA or 3 X AA batteries. Those using 3 X AA batteries tend to have a much greater operating time before the batteries need replacing/charging.

Zinc Chloride: 'Normal' everyday batteries, cheap but don't last long and cannot be re-used without a specialist charger.

Alkaline: 'High Power' batteries which last up to 6 times longer than Zinc Chloride but again cannot be re-used without a specialist charger. Cost about 2-3 times that of Zinc Chloride.

Nickel Cadmium: 'Rechargeable' batteries. Reasonably priced and last about the same length of time as Zinc Chloride. Can be recharged up to 1000 times. Plug in the wall charger costs about £12.99.

Nickel Metal Hydride: 'Long Life Rechargeable' batteries. Last about 3-4 times as long as Nickel Chloride batteries. Relatively expensive but prices are falling fast. You can expect to pay about £5.99 for 4 X AA or 4 X AAA batteries. Plug in the wall charger and 4 X AA batteries cost about £14.99. Can be re-charged up to 1000 times.

RECOMMENDATION: Without hesitation I would recommend the use of the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries for the regular user. The initial extra cost is paid back 1000 times over. Nickel Cadmium batteries are cheaper for those who don't mind charging their batteries up more frequently and Alkaline/Zinc Chloride batteries should mainly be used by operators who only use their equipment occasionally

Performance - In Use
I bought the two units after struggling to hear my climbing partner on Tryfan a week or so earlier. The wind was not particularly bad, but he was out of sight and irrespective of how hard I shouted - he simply didn't hear me.
We were saved to a large extend by our mobile phones - the tugs on the rope method failing to work becasue the pitch was twisting and the single rope we were using was snagged. It made me think how useful a pair of walkie-talkies could be.
My friend has a Motorola T6222 and urged me to get the same. As I would not always be climbing with him, I wanted two units and didn't want to rush to £120 ish for two Motorolas unless it was necessary. £30 spent on these semed like a good bet and I could easily sell them if they failed to perform as well as was necessary.

Using Duracell Plus AA batteries, I tried a few simple tests around the area. In the short time I have had them the most conclusive so far was from inside my workplace into town - a distance of about half a mile - but quite built up. Apart from some crackle when I was in between the shopping precinct buildings, reception and transmission was good. Not crystal clear, but perfectly acceptable. Power was possible suffering somewhat as the volume was not excessively loud and given slighty worse conditions may have been harder to hear. The call trill was excellent though and couldn't be mistaken for anything else. (Turn it down in a public area or shop!!)

I shall be using them in North Wales on Saturday - either climbing or walking. I shall also be communicating with the Motorola T6222 in the same area as a comparative test. Come back next week around 16th April for an update.

A Word of Warning - DON'T buy the America equivalent units operating on the FRS (Family Radio Service) - at 466MHz!!

They...

(a) Don't work in the UK with the UK motorola or other PMR 446 equivalents, and

(b) they're ILLEGAL over here because they interfere with Police frequencies!!! -

Check out DELBOY's Excellent Site for more info on PMR 446

UPDATE: 14th April 2002
Yes - after using the devices in Wales this weekend - I can conform that they not only have excellent range, but worked well when talking to my friend with a Motorola T6222. One MAJOR flaw with the Telcom - the CALL button on the front is constantly pressed by accident when the device is in your pocket or wherever. This results in lots of annoying call bleeps. A RECESSED button would be ideal!!
We used them over a distance of a mile, from Ogwen cottage to the base of Little Tryfan from one car to another.