Buying a Cheap Digital Answering Machine

Some digital answering machines have become relatively cheap to purchase; however, there are some features and characteristics you should look for when buying one. Read on to learn about where you can find cheap digital answering machine units and how to choose the best model...

RECORDING: The maximum amount of digital audio which can be stored varies from one answering machine model to another. If you only occasionally receive messages, a short length should be sufficient, whereas you might want a greater capacity if you expect to receive many. Some cheap AT&T answering machines (like the model 1738 and 1739, both about $18-20) have a 40-minute capacity, while the General Electric 29871GE3 holds 30 minutes, and the AT&T 1718/1719/1722 hold 19 minutes of audio. Cheap answering machines without phones built-in are more likely to have a longer maximum recording length.

BATTERY BACK-UP: If a machine uses digital memory to hold the message callers will hear, make sure it has a battery back-up feature. I have used an older PhoneMate answering machine which works great otherwise, but inconveniently loses the outgoing message every time there is a power interruption. Currently I use an answering machine which does have a battery back-up (uses a 9V battery), and I haven't had to re-record the outgoing message since I bought it two years ago.

TAPE/DIGITAL: While most digital answering machine models hold the message for callers and the messages left by them in memory, others use a tape for one purpose and memory for the other. Units advertised as "tapeless" or "all digital" only use digital memory. Some examples of answering machines which use a combination of one tape and digital memory include the PhoneMate 3700 and Sony TAM-50; this usually only applies to older models.

MORE FEATURES: Additional features offered by some cheap digital answering machine models include adjustable speed playback (AT&T 1739), digital indication of the number of messages (Panasonic KX-TM100B, AT&T 1738), caller ID number announcement, and indication of the time/date when messages were received (GE 29875GE1, AT&T 1718B).

BUYING: Many different stores offer them, but the best stores for buying a cheap (under $20) new digital answering machine include Target, Sears, OfficeMax, Best Buy, and Office Depot. Very cheap new or slightly used machines can be purchased on eBay.com, often for less than $15 (including S/H). Working used digital answering machines can frequently be purchased on eBay or at thrift stores, for prices as cheap as five to ten dollars.