Amazon.com Product Description

With the AT&T 1718, you can simplify and take control of your telephone life. You decide whether to interrupt your work to answer an incoming call. Use a wide range of features such as the audible message alert, call screening, the time and date stamp, message counter, and memory protection. You can access your messages away from home using touch-tone controls. Other benefits include variable-speed playback, voice prompts, an announce-only feature, and a memo function. The 1718 records up to 19 minutes of messages. ... Read more

Features

• MessageGuad Memory prevents message loss in case of a power outage
• Record up to 19 minutes of messages
• Capable of Caller ID number announcement
• Stamps all your messages with current time and date
• Allows remote access

Reviews (7)

it's okay... at least it's digital
Since it was our first digital answering machine, anything could impress us! So basically it's easy to use and that's good enough for me, I'm not planning on replacing it anytime soon. My only complaint is that if there is a power outage, you lose the correct time and also the date,... so it's all off until you reset it.

Pleasant Surprise
After reading the horrible reviews on this answering machine I decided to take a chance.I've had it now for 2 months and I can honestly say it is the best answering machine I ever had.The sound is great, both incoming and outgoing, and it is very simple to program and operate.I especially like the remote features.

Unhappy owner!
This machine does not have a battery back up so if you have frequent power interuptions, do not buy it.You will lose your outgoing message and your time/date stamp every time.You can play back messages, but you have to hit repeat and play several times in an unknown sequence... I've just lucked out to get it to replay.It doesn't work the way the manual claims in this respect.And, my outgoing message doesn't sound like me according to callers and the incoming messages are so garbled we can hardly understand the message (which requires us to replay which is really frustrating -- see above).This is a terrible answering machine.Do not waste your money on it.

Piece of [junk]
This is the worst machine I've ever purchased.It won't replay messages so if you don't get it all the first time you're SOL. The memory fills up quickly with messages you can't listen to. Turning the machine off is the only way to dump the memory.It doesn't give you a date stamp, month day and year, it will only state the day of the week and time of the day which is not at all helpful.I never would have bought this piece of [junk] if I'd known it is an utterly unreliable useless machine.

A Piece of [junk]!
This is the WORST answering machine I have ever owned since I first started using them over twenty years ago.It fails to record messages on a regular basis, it is very difficult to set the time and date, and worst of all, it does not allow the listener to re-play a message.If you do not obtain all of the information in the first go-around, you are S.O.L.This is really and truly a piece...! ... Read more

Product Description

Advanced American Telephones designs and produces the telephone products that millions of people enjoy every day. AT&T's voice quality, product selection, and reliability make these telephone products your best choice. They reflect a long and distinguished history of product excellence dating back over 100 years. Today, the company's product line is one of the most extensive in the industry, including corded and cordless phones, answering systems, and phone-related accessories. AT&T cordless telephones are perfect for a person who wants mobility and flexibility while making calls.AT&T 1718 is a state-of-the-art digital answering system. It features 19-minutes digital record time, message guard memory, remote access, CID number announce, call screening / intercept, and more. ... Read more

Features

• Caller ID number announce
• 19 minutes record time with user-selectable save and delete
• Time/day stamp
• Message Guard memory protection saves recorded messages during power failures >LI>Remote access with toll saver
• Call screening/intercept

Features

• Message Preview recaps first 5 seconds of every new message
• Digital answering system with 4 voice mailboxes
• Time/day stamp
• 24-minute recording time
• Message Guard memory for power failures

Reviews (2)

I love this machine
I bought my 1725 about 6 years ago (in 1998) and it has never failed me.When I recently got married, my husband had the same machine and has had his for 3 or 4 years.We are giving away one of the machines to a friend since they both still work well.Neither my husband or I have ever had a problem with it.I love the amount of time we have on the machine and we can instruct someone to use another box on the machine so we know right away if they have called.I'm sure there are newer and better machines out there now but we don't need to bother with them.This still fits my needs after 6 years.

AT&T 1725 and 1726 both gave me headaches
I got about 5 months out of this machine before it went kablooey (sp?). I returned it and they (not amazon, but Staples) could only give me another of the same model. 8 or 9 months later, I am looking at that machine and it doesn't work.
When it did work, the sound quality (announcement and incoming messages was very poor.
My next model I bought was the one that Staples happened to have: AT&T 1726 (!). The look of the machine is totally different, so I didn't make the brand connection. It failed in 7 months. My friend sent me hers ("works fine") thru the mail. I plugged it in and had the same problem. That makes 4 (four) AT&T answering machines that broke. The phone company came twice to investigate their lines/equipment, which were fine.
I suggest that AT&T reduce their warranty to 5 months. That way, they are free and we can just throw the things out.
In fairness, I should say that just today, while speaking to a Radio Shack tech, he told me that power surges could be the culprit. Being ignorant of these matters, I don't know... ... Read more

Product Description

Manufacturer's Part # 23152
This product is Brand New.

An answering machine is a life-saving devicecollecting important messages for you while your not at home - but with analogtape machines you run the risk of losing important messages with the tapebreaking down. Not so with this machine that's because it's all digital! Thismachine records up to 12 minutes of messages onto a computer chip.

Features:

• 12 Minute Answering Machine
• Compatible with type 2 caller ID (whereavailable)
• 64 name/number storage
• Toll saver
• Remote access
• Message guard

This product is Brand New and comes with a 1 year warranty.

Features

• Menu-driven setup
• Caller ID/call waiting with 99-name-and-number memory
• All-digital recording
• Time-and-day stamp
• Call screening

Reviews (10)

Other reviews are misleading
I was scared to order this answering machine because of the other reviews.After using the machine for a couple of weeks, I understand the problems, but do not find them to be of much concern.This machine is not as intuitive as some AT&T products I've used before, but unless you do something wrong, it is very dependable.I would echo the complaint that the LCD is not backlit, and as I said it is less than intuitive, but overall, it's a great deal.

Spend your money elsewhere
I suffered with this machine for 30 days before returning it to the store.When you read the package it sounds like a great machine with many useful features.And it would be, if the features worked.The whole machine was unreliable - messages got cut off, sound quality was mixed, I had difficulty reading the display, and the controls were a bit too difficult to use.

I switched to a Casio and am much happier.That's after having owned AT&T answering machines for over 10 years.Please, learn from my mistake.

Not Worth It
I had an answering machine for years and decided to update to a newer model and bought this one because it was closest to the one Consumer Reports recommended - big mistake! Three months later it's broken and goingthru AT&T's help line was a big pain.After going thru a bunch ofprompts, a tape recording told me to "replace the batteries and thetape."This unit has neither one.

Ok at best
Set-up is very easy.The machine does not offer what the editorial review says it does in terms of number of messages and length of total messages. Sound is clear enough. In two months, it appears to be working well enough for just receiving calls and deleting them.( )

ATT/Lucent Digital machines are not dependable
I have purchased a model 1725 machine that did not last 2 weeks.I returned it for repair/exchange and ordered another for a spare, then another for a second line.Less than 3 months later none of these machinesare usable.I have lost valuable messages and will not return these forrepair -- the service I received leads me to shop for another brand.Ihave also sold telephones and found that of all the brands that I sold, ATTwas the one that was returned the most.Buy another brand! ... Read more

Product Description

Manufacturer's Part # 90801
This product is Refurbished.

Features:

• 22 Minutes Digital Recording Time
• 2 Voice Mail Boxes (1 box per line)
• Answers While Recording lets the system recorda message on one line while answering with a 'please wait' prompt on theother
• Announce Only
• Three Outgoing Announcements
• Caller ID/Call Waiting Capability
• 99 Name/Number Caller ID History
• Talking Caller ID allowing you to recordannouncements to be played each time you recieve a call from a specifiednumber
• Caller ID/Voice Message Link provides CallerID information when playing messages
• Tapeless Digital Technology: Instant PlaybackSelective Save and Delete Skip and Repeat
• Message Guard(tm) Memory for Power Failureprotects against the loss of messages during a power failure
• New Message Playback allows you to play onlynew messages at the machine or when you call in from a remote location
• Priority call Signal lets you give importantcallers a code that makes the system beep distinctively
• Scan a message by replaying any part of themessage you want to hear
• Time/Day Stamp announce the time and day ofeach message before playback
• This product is Refurbished and comes with a 90 day warranty.
  ... Read more

  Features

  • 22 minute recording time with instant playback, scan, save, and delete
  • 2-Line answering system with tapeless digital technology
  • Answers one line while recording from other
  • 99-Name and number caller ID for call waiting
  • 3 Outgoing announcements and announce-only mode

  Reviews (3)

  Features 7, Sound quality 0
  Yes, this machine has a lot of bells and whistles but the sound quality is so poor that I cannot understand a great many messages that are left. That's why I'm looking for a new answering machine. Stay away from it.

  We LOVE our "talking answering machine"!
  How many times have you been in another room, heard the phone ringing, and thought "I wonder who that is??"-- without having to go and check the Caller ID. Well, with this answering machine -- you can!!You can program up to TEN phone numbers into this machine, with your own pre-recorded announcement -- such as, "This is Mom, calling from her cell phone".So whenever "Mom" calls, you will hear that announcement, shortly after the first ring! This has been so helpful to our family. We have two young children, and we don't want them to answer the phone if it is a stranger. But if they hear the pre-recorded announcement -- "This is Dad, calling from his office" -- then they know it is OK to pick up the phone. I think this particular feature is so valuable.

  Even though this answering machine is made to answer TWO phone lines, we only use it for ONE.So it is just a little annoying (when programming it) to designate "Line 1" versus "Line 2" -- when we will never use a "Line 2" -- but I think that is a very small inconvenience.

  Also, the quality of the digital recording (both for callers hearing your greeting) and for playback of messages isn't quite as clear as other high-quality digital machines that I have heard. But once again, I am willing to sacrifice a little bit of the recording quality for sake of the other features which we find so useful.

  We highly recommend this machine.

  Highly Recommended! Get your peace back from telemarketers!
  We are totally satisfied with this 2-line answering machine. We have a Siemens 2420 Gigaset phone system but the built-in answering machine is poorly designed so we disabled this function when we got our AT&T 1782.

  We used to have a couple of dozen messages of only fast tones/beeps when a telemarketer would call and hang up. Now we only get real messages from real callers. It took me about a half hour to setup but it really isn't that difficult. The features are really worth the effort.

  If caller has a blocked number, we use the pre-recorded message that we do not accept blocked callers and it hangs up without a chance for the caller to leave a message.

  If a caller is unknown, ie, caller-ID doesn't show up, then my recorded voice announces to the caller that we do not accept telemarketing calls. We have it set that the caller can leave a message, you can have it hang up also, because sometimes a known caller's number sometimes don't appear (fault of the phone companies not the answering machine) and it gives them a chance to leave a message or say please pick up. We also have it set so while it is ringing it announces "Unknown Caller". Best of all, it is smart enough to know after a telemarketer calls and there is either silence or the annoying beeping, to not to record a message and hang up.

  You can record separate messages for normal callers for line 1 and 2. It also has a feature for 10 known phone numbers so that you can announce to us while the phone is ringing who the caller is and the option to have a special message play to that caller if you are not home. A wonderful feature during dinner and other times when you don't want to answer the phone or even look for the caller-id!

  There are many other features that I don't have room to describe. We have also tried Telezappers and they do not work.

  We have our privacy back and now know who is calling without having to even look at the caller-id. This product is wonderful! I am tickled on how happy this product makes us. ... Read more

Features

• Voice menus
• Combines a corded feature phone and an all-digital answering machine in one stylish unit
• 24 minutes total recording time
• Ability to record 3 alternate anouncements
• 4 voice mailboxes

Product Description

Manufacturer's Part # 21260
This product is Brand New.Caller ID displays the caller's name and numbers - 99 Name/Number Caller ID Memory - English/Spanish Call Display.

Features:

• Caller ID displays the caller's name andnumber
• 99 Name/Number Caller ID History
• New Call Light indicates when new calls havebeen received
• English/Spanish Call Display
• Review Button allows you to move through thecall history with the touch of a button
• Remove Button allowing you to erase individualor entire call history

This product is Brand New and comes with a 1 year warranty.

Features

• Stand-alone Caller ID display
• Stores call information for the most recent 99 calls
• New-call indicator light
• English/Spanish language options
• Clock with date; easy navigation

Amazon.com Product Description

This conveniently cordless box runs on four AA batteries (included), leaving your countertop clutter-free. The AT&T 326 Caller ID Box provides a three-line LCD that clearly displays your caller's name and number, as well as the date and time the call was placed. Its memory can store up to 80 entries in the log, so you'll never lose a number. Entries can be displayed in Spanish or English. You can tell at a glance when a new call comes in, as the indicator light begins glowing immediately. The manufacturer includes a one-year warranty on parts and service. ... Read more

Features

• Battery powered
• English/Spanish/French language display
• Battery Power
• Caller ID with call waiting capability
• Keeps record of last 80 calls

Reviews (2)

There is a very big flaw in this product
I got my AT&T Caller ID model 326 about a month ago, and i've had to change the batteries 2 times already!!!That is rediculous.It takes 3 AAA batteries (not 2 AA batteries like it says in the description).And yes, i did buy brand new batteries both times ;)This Caller ID box would be great if the batteries lasted longer.The other review for this product says that it "lights up when the phone rings" which is false.I think this guy was talking about a different caller ID box.Mine looks exactly like the picture up there.

Not Bad
This cli device works with mostly all the lines, except with some pabx exchanges that dosent support cli. The device is small and has the basic features like looking up and down through the list of the calls and a button to delete the calls.

The good thing is that it has a light on it which lights up when a new call is received.

Overall its a good device in this price tag, as others are expensive. ... Read more

Product Description

This Caller ID allows the user to avoid unwanted calls and keeps a record of who has called, including the time and date of their call. The Caller ID remembers the last 50 callers and shows both the telephone number and the name of the calling party, when these services are available from the local telephone company. From across the room, identify who is calling before you answer the telephone with the extra-large 3-line display. With Call Waiting ID the unit will display the second caller's name and number while you are on a call. The Callback feature allows you to return calls from the Caller ID memory with the touch of a button. It is the perfect solution for getting the most from your telephone company Caller ID and Call Waiting services. ... Read more

Features

• Desk and wall mountable
• Caller ID and call waiting, large 3-line display
• 50-name/number memory
• New-call and total-call counters
• Time/date display

Reviews (3)

Why do they always discontinue a good thing?///
It seems like every time I find a product I really like, they discontinue it.This is one of the best looking and easiest to read large display call waiting caller id units I have ever seen, so...of course...it's no longer available!!

Big Display Caller ID -- Easiest To Read
This is a one of a kind product (in its price range).It is the easiest caller ID display to read ever, with digits over 1/2" high, on a grey (not green) background. Contrast is not adjustable.

It comes with an a/c adapter, so no batteries are needed (unlike the other model [BE50LD] offered here without an a/c adapter, and possibly without call waiting caller ID).

On the annoying side: The red flashing call light on the top of the unit is absolutely annoying, so I covered it with a piece of aluminum foil.The built in clock doesn't keep proper time.It does, however, refresh itself periodically when a call comes in. And, a second unit I purchased for a friend was defective out of the box, with only part of the second line of text visible (some LCD segments did not "light up").

All in all, a great display for people who hate to have to squint at their smaller caller ID display on their phones or older boxes.One easy glance with this unit tells you who is calling.

Don't Buy More Than 1
Before I purchased the units I called ttsystems the distributor to make sure there would be no compatability issues using more than 1 unit. I needed 5 but chose to buy just 3 in case there was a problem and there was.They do not display Call Waiting ID because all 3 are trying to send the siganls back to the switching station at the phone company at the same time, a problem that I was afraid of but was told by ttsystems did not exist. My phone service is provided by Verizon and is about as industry standard as you can get. The Call Back feature also does not work with multiple units. If you need Call Waiting Caller ID Displays and you need more than one this is DEFINITELY NOT the unit for you. ... Read more

Product Description

The BE-50LD Large Display Caller-ID unit works with Caller-ID, you must subscribe to this service from your local telephone company to enjoy all the features of your unit. Caller-ID is a service that may be available from your local telephone company. Your local telephone company may use a different name for this service. There may be an extra charge added to your monthly telephone bill for this service.The BE-50LD Caller-ID can be used to screen unwanted calls, eliminate harassment from annoying calls, or to get pre-pared before answering a call. The BE-50LD retains a record of the above information for the last 50 calls received, including those received while you were away. ... Read more

Features

• New-call and total-call counters
• Time/date display
• Desk/wall mountable
• Caller ID, large 3-line display
• 50-name/number memory

Reviews (10)

What?!! No Call Waiting Caller ID?!?
I bought this product because my old caller ID does not support call waiting caller id! According to the product description, it says it supports call waiting, little did I know, that's all it supports. But don't all units/phones support call waiting? What I'm saying is that this unit doesn't even support call waiting caller id---only regular caller id! I don't even know why they had to throw the term "call waiting" on the item description because it totally misleads consumers! So basically, my money was put to waste. I gave it two stars though because I liked the large display, easy to see the caller's name.

I'm still looking out for a good caller id unit/box that supports call waiting caller id. It seems very rare and I don't want to buy a new phone just so I can use the feature. Don't buy this if you want a box that supports the new call waiting caller id feature, because this product obviously does not support it!

big ok but can't read in the dark
I thought this would be a great thing for the TV room, so you could decide whether to interrupt a show by answering the phone, but you can't read the display in the dark.

best one
I love this CallerID Box.The display is LARGE!It DOES have Call Waiting ID, you just have to wire it up in a certain order (ie: phone to caller ID box to answering machine...or whatever works for yours)

REVIEW
I have 2 of these.Great large display. However when I bought the two units I thought they had Call Waiting ID.They need this.I will buy only units with Call Waiting display in he future.

Bell Sonecor BE50LD display
Very nice unit.Only large ID display available with a nice looking case and easy buttons.I easily wall mounted it below the wall hung answering machine (ran power supply & phone cables inside wall so no visible wiring)
The the contrast is good and the large characters are easily read across the room.The flashing call LEDs are quite bright and visible even in a well lite room. ***Bell Sonecor should include two screws and plastic anchors to hang display on as they must have very small heads, not a common item in most homes. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Bell South 2018 answering machine offers up to 14 minutes of digital recording time and up to three individual mailboxes, making it perfect for the busy household or small office.

Messages are voice synthesized with date and time information so you know when your messages were left, and security codes let you check your messages while away from home. The 2018 also offers memo recording and is compatible with any single-line telephone or single-line RJ11 (standard) phone jack. ... Read more

Features

• All-digital answering machine
• Up to 14 minutes of recording time
• Select up to 3 voice mailboxes
• Programmable security codes
• Connects to standard single-line RJ11 phone jack

Reviews (2)

A great little machine...esp for the price
My elderly folks bought this answering machine several years ago after trying about 4 others.This one proved to be reliable, trouble-free and very easy for them to use.They are gone now, and I am using it at my own home, replacing a single-cassette type of machine.

The BIGGEST PLUS of the machine (for my wife and myself) is how easily we can delete a message anytime, even while we are listening to it.We get too many calls from those pesky automated calling systems (telephone SPAM) and they usually last at least 2 minutes.With our other machine, we had to listen to the ENTIRE message before we could delete, save, etc.With this machine, we can delete the message as soon as we realize it's junk...WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT UNTIL THE ENTIRE MESSAGE PLAYS!It's a snap and worth every penny I didn't pay!

I'll probably buy it again when this one goes.

Keep shopping
What a piece of junk. I took a hammer to mine after it failed to record a outgoing message 10 times in a row. ... Read more

Features

• Answering Machine uses no tapes. All anouncements and messages are recorded on a digital chip that offers a convenient 14 minute memory capacity
• Choose which messages you want to save or delete
• Up to 3 VoiceMail boxes may be assigned with personal access codes
• Access your messages at home/office or from a remote location (your security code is required for remote access)
• Each incoming message is preceeded with the time and day it was received

Features

• 14 Minute message capacity
• Selectively save or erase particular messages or all messages
• Record your own personal anouncement
• Access your messages at home or from any outside touch-tone phone (using your 3-digit programmable personal security code)
• Memo and 2-Way Conversation Record modes

Reviews (1)

Simply Terrible
Worst piece of electronic garbage I've ever purchased.Horrible voice quality.Never reviewed any item before, but had to warn against buying this. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Why be bothered by the uncertainty of cassette tapes or the expense of voicemail services when you can get the reliability of digital recording in a compact, easy-to-use answering machine featuring call screening and remote operation? The Casio PhoneMate TA-105, with all-digital recording technology, brings simplicity and security to message management.

The TA-105 is easy to set up and operate. When you have a new message, the TA-105's bright red indicator light flashes quickly. With a touch of the big, blue Play/Pause button, the TA-105's synthesized voice announces the number of total and new messages and plays back the new ones, with the time and day stamp announced for each. Press the Play/Pause button again to listen to savedmessages, too. You can skip or erase any message during play, or you can erase all messages at once. Don't worry about accidental erasure during a power failure; the TA-105's battery back-up will save your greeting, messages, and programmed settings.

For added convenience, the TA-105 will help you screen your calls--you can listen to incoming messages through the speaker and pick up the phone or extension if you'd like to take the call.

We tested the TA-105's recording capacity, and it successfully met its rating of 18 minutes in total recording time and five minutes maximum for a single message. The sound quality is good and, unlike some comparable machines, plays at a volume loud enoughto be heard over competing home or office noise.

Remote operation is possible from nearly any touchtone or cellular phone, or even from a rotary phone if you use the optional touchtone dialer accessory available from the manufacturer. Follow the voice prompts for instructions, or just hang up, and your new messages will automatically be saved. And, with the toll-saver setting, the TA-105 allows you to avoid long distance charges by letting you know if new messages are waiting before it answers.

Setup and programming are simple; we successfully recorded a personal greeting without consulting the user manual. Additional programming, including setting the day/time stamp, is just a two- or three-step process, with guidance provided by recorded voice prompts.

Overall, we think the TA-105 provides quick and uncomplicated message management and would be a smart addition to any home or office with a small to medium call volume.

Pros:

• Instant access to greetings and messages
• Easy setup and operation
• Call screening ability

• No message repeat function
• Can't choose or change the remote access code

Features

• Time and day stamp
• Power failure protection
• All-digital recording
• Call screening
• Voice-assisted operation

Reviews (16)

CasioTA105
Got this machine for free from a yard sale...Works fine but I don't know how to individually erase messages because it didn't come with an operators manual so....I'll try Casios tech # that I got from here unless someone just wants to give me the big ole secret here....otherwise I have to wait for one in the mail....is there a pdf version available?

Smart people read the manual !
Ok,these "user's review" have their share of dummies,but some of the reviews about this great little answering machine top them all !Beware:don't believe eveything you read !

This Casio of mine has been working perfectly for 2 years now:electrical burn-outs are no problem:the 9 volt battery takes care of the outgoing message and all of the recorded messages.

You CAN erase each message individually, and skip to the next one,without being forced to listen to is entirety.It does everything it claims in the manual,and you would know that if you'd READ THE MANUAL !

Works great !Buy it if you cand find one !

Basic phone answering with simple controls
I bought mine because it had the fewest buttons with the most obvious functions.It's for my technophobic father-in-law who won't touch a PC and can't operate most of the functions of his TV's remote control.This is the best user interface I have seen for such people.They really put some thought into it.They didn't just put up a group of identical, symetrically-arranged buttons whose labels you have to read to know which to press.I bought mine at Goodwill, so it came without a user's manual.But it was obvious enough how to use it, and the stickers on the back provided enough additional information to ease setting up the outgoing message and correct day and time.

I thank Casio for their attention to the user interface.More companies should do likewise.

The single problem I have had is that the VOX threshhold is a bit too high.Some calls get cut off after 10 seconds (all mine from my work phone) while most of them can go on - presumably up to the documented 5 minute limit.

Great Little Answering Machine
Simple, basic, easy to set up and use, reliable. A very good value for the price.

It's OK
Nothing special. Erasing message is a pain and everytime the power goes out or a power surge, I have to redo my message.Bottom line- It's inexpensive and it works. ... Read more

Features

• Memo/conversation recorder
• All-digital recording technology
• Message file
• Greeting file
• Built-in speakerphone

Reviews (4)

Easy to use, clear sound quality
I have bought this answering machine for more than 6 months and I love it!!! The sound quality is good. Good price. Lots of useful features. It's so easy to use with big buttons and thier meaningful descriptions. I've read reviews and product descriptions. Its qualities and features reach all my expectation. Good choice.

A Good Replacement for Your Old Cassette Answering Machine
I bought this economical model to replace an old PhoneMate model I got in1988 and which went on the blink in 1993 due to the capstan drive for themessage cassette having failed on me.Having this previous experience withPhoneMate and their likeable features induced me to seek a suitablereplacement from the same company.This specific model appealed to megreatly and buying it from Amazon with their great prices and shipping madeit a little more appealing to me.First, there's no audio tapes to worryabout, so there's no degradation of your greeting(s) over a period of timeas with constant use of audio cassettes, nor is there the operationalproblem of moving parts, as became the case with the old PhoneMate. Second, having the feasability to make your own 10 greeting messages is anice feature although I opted to use the default PhoneMate machine greetingmessage, "Please Record Message", << beep >>.Still,it's nice to have a choice for when conditions dictate it.And the thirdfeature that I found very nice to have is the storage area that you cantransfer the message(s) to so you can "clear the que" in a mannerof speaking.So is having that speakerphone option.

On the downside, the short amount of recording time pales when you compare it to the30 minutes on the old PhoneMate cassettes.Consumers will have to bepatient waiting for the industry to develop longer recording capabilitiesin this digitaltechonology.I found the speaker qualities to be close tothe old PhoneMates in terms of understanding what the machine was saying,so it was no significant improvements there.

Overall, I'm glad Ibought it.It's faster to operate compared to the old cassette versionsfrom PhoneMate and there's no wear and tear.Ideally, it should last me alot longer than the first PhoneMate I had.I'd recommend it to anyonewho's familiar with the old answering machines, who's looking for a fineeconomical model and who can put up with a short amount of recording time.

Difficult to Use, Poor Quality Sound
All the useful features of the Casio Phonemate TA-119 Answering Machine and Speakerphone prompted me to purchase it and try it out.While most of the features would normally be useful they are very difficult to use.

Programming the machine with multiple greetings using the greeting filewas a difficult task thanks to the poorly worded and often confusinginstructions.Switching from one greeting to another is even much moredifficult. Switching the greetings evolves several steps and its actuallyeasier to just record a new one each time the greeting needs to be changed. Furthermore, the greetings sound quality is very poor.

One could findmany of the same features as in this machine without the useless greetingsfile for much less. I wouldn't recommend this answering machine for thisreason.

super product ,great features
this casico TA-119 is a great answering machine , it has some really nice features. Like greeting file, so you can store several out going greetings, and speaker phone.a great phone for the kitchen. when your hands arefull,you dont have to get whatever you're making all over the phone,youcan use the speaker. also very good clarity.This is a great machine forthis price. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Why settle for just an answering machine when you can also have caller ID and a speakerphone in the same unit? The Casio TA-140 also offers all-digital recording with permanent memory, voice-guided operation, and two greetings.

To set up the TA-140, we plugged in the AC adapter and connected the phone line. Without consulting the instructions, we correctly recorded the outgoing greeting by pressing Greeting Record, speaking our message, and pressing Greeting Record again to stop recording. We set the clock by pressing Time and then the up and down arrows, and we set the remote code by pressing Code and the up and down arrows. We followed similar steps to set the ringer (the unit has its own ringer) and the number of rings before answering (between two and nine or set to toll saver).

The TA-140 lets you turn the call waiting/caller ID feature on or off. You can also set the TA-140 to immediately answer calls that don't have caller ID information (caller ID-blocked calls) and set the local area code for caller ID. Unfortunately, the TA-140 supports only one local area code, making the auto-dialing feature less useful in cities with multiple area codes.

To test the TA-140, we recorded and played several messages. Its sound quality was good but not excellent, which is typical for most digital answering devices and is usually due to data compression. We especially liked the handy variable-speed playback feature that lets you slow down or speed up messages as you review them. The unit is rated to record for up to 14 minutes, but in our tests we were able to record only 8 minutes and 35 seconds before getting an out-of-memory error. The longest single message we could record was five minutes. The TA-140's memory is permanent until you press the Erase button, so you won't have to worry about losing your messages to power failures.

Overall, we think setting up the TA-140 was easy, especially with the helpful voice prompts to guide us. The speakerphone and caller ID features make it especially desirable.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use
• Adjustable playback speed
• Functions as speakerphone
• Displays date and time even when there are no new calls

Cons:

• Can't hear your prerecorded greeting unless you call the unit
• Does not permit multiple local area codes
• Recording time is less than 9 minutes

Features

• Message link (links recorded message to caller ID information)
• Voice-assisted operation
• Digital answering machine with caller ID/call waiting
• Answering-machine memory records up to 14 minutes of messages
• Speakerphone

Reviews (7)

Totally worth the price
After my old ten dollar (...) answering machine, I wanted something that did not drop messages, had good sound quality and wasn't too expensive. This is it. I read a lot of reviews saying the voice was tinny but I bought it anyway thinking that was a small compromise for all the features. You know what, the voice isn't tinny. It has timestamps which are good, remote access [...], the option to play messages back faster or slower than normal (which is great for when people leave their phone numbers and you have to hear the whole message again). I haven't used the caller id or switchable answering machine message features. The speakerphone works well and I use it often since I still have my college phone whose battery can't seem to stay charged for more than a few hours--but that's another story. Even shows you the day of the week. Just one thing - if you're erasing the last message, press erase before the message has completed or else it will delete all your messages.

Awesome Answering Machine
I purchased this plus an inexpensive cordless to replace my VTech-2960 because, two years after purchase, the VTech turned out to be a costly piece of junk!My kids had this Casio model and were really pleased with all of it's features and its dependability so I decided to get one also.It's great - it has more features than you expect with an answering machine (e.g. Caller ID, remote access, ringer, speakerphone, two outgoing message capability and more) plus it's really easy to program, which is nice for a change! The thing that I like the best though, is the fact that you can program this machine to send the unavailable numbers on incoming calls right to the message center - hasta la vista telemarketeers!No more dashes to answer the phone and then wonder why you bothered.That alone is worthwhile, as far as I'm concerned, but overall I'm very pleased with everything about this answering machine.

Great value for an answering machine
The TA-140 is a nice little answering machine. There is a weird flaw in its operational design, which I will describe below, but this is compensated by at least one unique feature that I think is indispensible.

First, the flaw. Although the messages and caller ID log are linked together when you check your messages at home, they otherwise seem to be totally disconnected from each other. Examples: (1) caller ID info has to be deleted separately from the messages; (2) caller ID information can't be accessed when accessing messages remotely; (3) the machine does not even take advantage of the time-and-date info from caller ID to automatically synchronize the clock for the voice time stamps. The caller ID features really could have been better integrated.

But having said that, I must now turn around and point out another caller-ID-related feature that alone is worth the price of the whole machine. Anyone who's used caller ID for any stretch of time will know how telemarketers love to get around anonymous-call-blocking by using phone lines that don't send caller ID information--since the data is "unavailable," the calls are not treated like anonymous calls, so they get through. The TA-140 can be set to answer after the very first ring if it doesn't get a positive caller ID--thus catching both anonymous calls and calls with "unavailable" info, and allowing you to screen them. To me, this feature is an absolute godsend.

As far as all of the usual features one would come to expect from an answering machine, I have no complaints. Calls are picked up reliably, sound quality is good to excellent, and hang-ups rarely if ever cause a blank message to be stored.

Overall, I think this is a good value. More expensive machines might have more logical controls and a less tinny synthesized voice, but it more than adequately does the job.

(Added July 14, 2001:Do not believe the review about lack of remote access.You CAN call in and pick up your messages from this machine remotely, like most modern answering machines.)

no remote access?
Without remote access, a longer message recording time (why not a half hour?), and provision for more than one local area code, this seems rather limited and old-fashioned.

Everything you need in an answering machine and more...
I really like this answering machine.The main reason I bought it was because it has the caller ID / call waiting feature on it.I needed a caller ID box and an answering machine, but didn't want the clutter of having two things on my counter.This unit has it all in one and is half the price of other units that do the same thing.The speakerphone really comes in handy when you are dialing from the caller ID list.There is a check button that lets you check your greeting after you make it. It actually has two out going messages that you can store. It has a ringer on the unit that you can adjust. It also has a hold button. The sound quality was a typical digital sound that was pretty good but not excellent. The only thing that I didn't like was the manual did not come in book form.It came like a folded up map.So refolding it was a pain and finding functions that you wanted to do was also difficult.But that would not deter me from buying this product because it is truly a breeze to set up.Over all I'm really glad I bought this Casio answering machine and would highly recomend it.And the price is certainly very attractive. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

There's no need for separate answering machines or voice mail services just because you have two-line phone service. The TA-180 from Casio PhoneMate answers two lines simultaneously, stores important message in a special file, and functions as a two-line speakerphone. This unit also provides call screening, call hold (including extension pickup), and call-waiting/flash functions. Complete remote operation is possible from nearly any phone, and voice prompts and one-key commands speed up the process.

Setting up the TA-180 was quick and easy; we were able to set the day/time and record greetings and personal memos with little or no help from the user's manual. Multiple greeting modes let you record separate greetings for each of your two lines. Once you record your greetings, you can arrange to have either greeting answer either phone line. Frequent callers can skip greetings by pressing their touch-tone # symbol.

Indicator lights and bold numbers in the large display window indicate newly recorded messages. You can listen to messages for each line separately or combine the playback to include both lines. You can also program the TA-180 so that you listen to only new messages or to both new and saved messages. Voice prompts tally your message totals, reminding you which line you're using, and guide you through playback. The sound quality is good and the synthesized voice is quite lifelike.

Casio PhoneMate's advanced messaging lets you skip forward or back and repeat, erase, or save messages with the touch of one button. If you are interrupted, you can pause playback for up to five minutes. By touching the up/down arrow buttons on the console, you can set the variable speed playback function to play any message 50 percent faster or slower than the normal playback speed. Once you've listened to a message, you can easily transfer it to the message file for long-term storage.

We tested the TA-180's recording capacity by recording and storing a combination of greetings, messages, and memos that totaled approximately 28 minutes, which is the capacity that the manufacturer claims the TA-180 can handle.

The TA-180 provides lifetime back-up memory without a battery. In the event of a power outage, the unit automatically saves your recorded greetings and messages. Overall, we think the TA-180 is a sensible answering solution for a two-line home or business.

Pros:

• Manages messages and greetings for two phone lines simultaneously
• Functions as a speakerphone for two lines
• Constantly displays date and time

Features

• Message file
• 3 greeting modes
• Advanced, all-digital recording technology
• 2-line operation and 2-line speakerphone
• 28 minutes of recording time

Reviews (4)

Five minutes, and it was installed!
I just had to have a 2 line answering machine, and despite the one negative review, the Casio seemed like the best bet.It arrived, and it was up and running in 5 minutes.It offered more than I expected, and the sound quality is very good.

One person said it was hard to setup and program.It's easier than a VCR, it's easier than a home computer, it's easier than most microwaves.My phone setup is kinda ugly.... the manual covered the different installation options clearly - including my unusual phone setup, and following the instructions was a snap.

All in all, I think the guy who said it was awful either didn't read the manual, or got a lemon.

Very pleased
I am very pleased with the Casio TA-180 2-line answering machine.The quality of the outgoing announcements and the recorded messages are very good.Set up is very simple.Playback operation is one button, what a breeze.Saving, skipping, and replaying messages is intuitive using the buttons and button labels provided.I read the directions once and never looked at them again.And the price is what I expected to pay.Another positive is that the machine does not include a bunch of ancillary features, it's a straightforward, two line answering machine.I am very pleased with the Casio TA-180 answering machine.

What would I improve?The built-in "computer" voice that guides you through the setup and announces the number of messages is stilted and not natural sounding.All in all, no big deal.

Poor fidelity and poor programming
I bought this item because I wanted a 2-line digital answering machine. I was very disappointed in the audio fidelity, but even more so in the programming. For example, both by phone, and on the face of the unit, it is not easy to erase calls. Comparing the programming to other units I've used, or your local Bell answering service, the speed of use is lacking. I don't have a suggested alternative, but I am not ready to see this is a good product.

Even the boss figured it out.
Needed a new two line answering machine for the office that was easy to use because my boss has trouble finding his way out of the driveway.Anyway, this machine was easy to set up.Display is large so you don't have to put your glasses on to see how many messages you have.Voice quality of incoming messages is excellent.Deleting old calls was very fast.Great value for the price. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Casio's TA-114 digital answering machine is an all-digital telephoneanswering device (TAD) with 18 minutes of digital recording for incomingmessages and your greeting. It accommodates one outgoing message. For most, thiswill be all you'll need on a daily basis. This unit is fully operational fromremote locations and features remote turn-on capability, making it easy to pickup and manage your messages wherever you are. It's even short burst/cellularcompatible.

Casio's TA-144 is feature-rich. Its voice/time/day stamp lets you know when eachmessage was received, whether you play back your messages at home or from aremote location. A new message indicator flashes rapidly to alert you to newmessages and flashes slowly when messages are saved. Its voice-assistedoperation features a synthesized voice that confirms machine functions andcommands. It even comes with a talking clock.

Call screening is available with this unit, allowing you to listen to messagesas they are recorded, and its selective message erase lets you save and erasespecific messages. The TA-114 also has a handy auto disconnect that stops theunit when you pick up during a message. When picking up your messages from aremote location, this unit includes a ring select with toll-saver feature. Thisenables the machine to take your call after two rings if a new message iswaiting for you, or four rings if one is not. If calling long distance to checkon messages, you can hang up on the third ring and save the charge.

The Casio TA-114 uses a 9-volt battery (not included) for power failureprotection, and it has a built-in low battery indicator. This unit comes with aone-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Low battery indicator and power failure protection
• All-digital answering device with 18 minutes of digital recording
• Voice/time/day stamp and voice-assisted operation
• Call screening and selective message erase
• Remote turn-on and operation

Reviews (5)

Simple, effective, EXCELLENT
It's inexpensive but not cheap. VERY easy to use, even remotely. It's amazing that such a good answering machine can cost so little. The remote operation uses voice commands, so you don't even have to remember the codes, just follow the voice.

Highly recommended.

Great all around
I used this answering machine to replace my $8 a month voice-mail from the phone company.I have no major complaints from this great product, and it's even a cool looking see-through blue.Very easy to set up and operate, and I was pleasantly surprised that accessing messages remotely is as easy as with voice-mail.Very intuitive voice-prompted instructions on how to skip, delete, or save messages.Price cannot be beat if you ask me.

One of the reasons I like this one is that it allows callers to leave messages of up to 2 minutes (pretty sure), I hate those ones that cut people off after 30 seconds or so.18 minutes of total recorded time for all messages.

If the item says out of stock, you may want to wait a couple of days and try again, that's what happened to me...a few days later it was available within 24 hours.

Very nice machine
This small machine is a marvel. It does everything I wanted plus many other tricks I have not used yet. It is siimple to connect and is a great value for the money.

Bang for the Buck
This machine is very handy.It has time and day stamp and is easily operable.The remote operation also works really well.It is pretty simple but it gets the job done.I don't need much, and this did the trick.

A excellent answering machine
I don't know where to begin. About a month ago the answering machine that I originally owned broke. I had to look for a new one but I didn't have a that much money in my pocket to put into an answering machine. ...you are getting a well built, digital, and very nice looking answering machine. Setting the machine up took me about 8 minutes. All I had to do to record my message was push the "record" button and its that simple! The answering machine has 18 minutes of digital recording time. It also stamps each and every message with the time and date that the message was left. My favorite feature on this machine is that I can call it when I'm away from my house, enter a 3 digit numeric code, and get all of my messages no matter where I am! The machine also allows you to put a 9 volt battery inside of it so in case your power goes out you won't loose anything. You can also screen all of your calls and when you pick the phone up the machine stops recording. The one thing about this machine that I really like though is that it gives you the option of having the machine make a ringing noise when someone calls. My phone didn't come with a ringer on/off button so I unplug it at night. But if someone calls, I can adjust the volume of the ring on the machine so that I still know when someone is calling and the ring isn't loud enough to startle me. Bottom line, if you're looking for an excellent answering machine that is easy to use, easy to setup, and sleek looking then you have to get this! ... Read more