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Step 1
Take inventory of all your home and office equipment that requires a telephone jack. This includes telephones, answering machines, fax machines and modems. Assess which products need to be replaced or upgraded in the near future.
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Step 2
Review the available Panasonic answering machine models, focusing on ones that can function as message recorders and as a fill-in for other telephone products. For example, the popular KX-FG6550 model is a two-line digital answering machine that also works as a plain paper fax.
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Step 3
Decide whether you need the special, high-tech features offered by some Panasonic models, such as the ability to work without interfering with a wireless router or to talk at unusually far ranges. Find models that offer these features. Go to Amazon.com for a list of current models and read the user reviews on Amazone, Eopinions.com or Cnet.com.
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Step 4
Set a budget. Even higher-tech, multiple feature Panasonic answering machines tend to be reasonably priced. However, if you're on a tight budget, you might not want much beyond the basic features, such as caller ID and digital technology. One way to get more for your money is to buy a refurbished or used model on a website like Ebay.com.
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Step 5
Check out a Panasonic answering machine in person before making a purchase. Make sure the handset is comfortable to hold for those long phone conversations--and that the numbers are easy to punch.
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Step 6
Shop for the best price once you've picked the model you want. Look at discount retailers like Target or search price-shopping websites, such as Froogle.com and Buy.com. Coupon codes can reduce your costs. Check for them at NaughtyCodes.com or CouponCabin.com.
