How to Shop for an Answering Machine

The answering machine has come a long way since it was first invented in 1904. This device initially used magnetic tape when recording messages from incoming calls, but that tape is now being replaced by the more efficient microchip in digital machines. Once only available as a stand alone equipment, the answering machine is now often incorporated into today's telephones. There are many options for you to choose from when you shop for an answering machine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Plan your budget. Think about how much you would like to spend on an answering machine before you shop. There are many attractive machines with high end features which drive up the prices. It will be difficult to stay focused if you don't have a budget in mind.

2. Decide on the type of answering machine you want. The selection includes stand alone answering machines that use magnetic tapes, stand alones that are digital and telephone systems with incorporated answering machines. You should know, however, that the answering machines which use tape are outdated and not easy to find in stores. Also, digital stand alone answering machines are slowly being replaced by phones that have an internal answering machine.

3. Decide which features you want in your answering machine. Popular features include multiple mailboxes that you can share with others in your household, an LCD screen that lets you know how many messages you have and large memory for digital machines.

4. Seek reviews on the answering machine you are interested in. Reading or hearing what others have to say about the product and brand you are interested in will help you in your final decision (see Resources below).

5. Visit the electronics section of a reputable store to browse through and compare the answering machines available. For ease and convenience, you may want to visit online retailers.

6. Select a brand with which you are comfortable. If you have had a good experience with comparable products from a particular manufacturer, you may want to focus on answering machines made by that manufacturer. You may also want to choose a brand that has been given a lot of positive reviews.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are buying a digital answering machine, make sure that it has the ability to save messages even when the power goes out. Digital machines without a backup battery will lose all the messages in the event of a power outage.

Resources

• Reviews on answering machines at epinions.com