Digital answering
machines have become the standard answering machine, replacing the old micro-tape variety. However, they still have a high-tech mystique about them, causing some people to be confused as to the best one to buy. In truth, shopping for a digital answering machine is easy.
Instructions
1. Head to an electronics shop such as Radio Shack or Best Buy, and get a sales clerk's opinion on the best digital answering machine. On the Internet, Amazon has several consumer reviews about answering machines sold on the site, while websites such as Consumer Reviews and Consumer Search have a thorough guide detailing which digital answering machines perform well (see Resources below).
2. Focus on voice quality while shopping for a digital answering machine. The AT&T 1722 has exceptionally clear voice quality. Some digital answering machines have a lower voice quality, making messages sound as though they were recorded underwater.
3. Examine the casing of the answering machine. An LED light showing exactly how many messages the answering machine contains is one of the best advantages, although most digital answering machines can only show up to 9 recorded messages. Less convenient answering machines show how many messages are on it through a blinking light, such as the AT&T 1718.
4. Discover what answering machines have the best recording times. The GE 29869GE2 can store 30 minutes of messages, as compared to the 19 minute memory the AT&T 1722 possesses. One of the front-runners in this category is the AT&T 1738, which can store 40 minutes of messages.
5. Find out which answering machines can be accessed remotely. The AT&T 1722, the AT&T 1738, and the GE 29869GE2 all have remote access capabilities.
6. Note whether or not a digital answering machine has a time/date stamp. This is a common function on most answering machines, so avoid buying any answering machine that doesn't have this feature.
7. Shop for a digital answering machine that has more than one mailbox. The GE 29869GE2 has two mailboxes, which can be extremely useful for home businesses.
8. Note any other features the digital answering machine possesses. The AT&T 1722 has the ability to record memos, a beep that alerts the user when new messages have been recorded and the ability to store messages in case of a power failure. The GE 29869GE2 features a "toll saver" option that voids telephone charges when it is accessed remotely and has no messages, while the AT&T 1738 has the most additional features, such as volume control and a variable-speed playback mode, in addition to the features possessed by the other two.
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