Answering Machine

An answering machine is an electronic device that answers the telephone and records messages from the caller.

Fast Facts

1. Dates back to late 1800s
2. Common uses: recording a message when a phone call is not answered
3. Price range: $9-$399
4. Available in a standalone unit or an answering machine phone combo unit
5. Available in digital or analog

History

The first reported answering machines were developed in the late 1800s in Denmark. The first automatic machine was introduced in 1935, by Willy Muller and was approximately three feet tall. The technology continued to advance over the next several decades, with the first commercial models being sold in the United States in the 1970s. Originally, analog models recorded messages on a cassette tape, but most of the modern day machines record the messages digitally using built-in memory rather than a physical tape.

Buying Guide

Besides price, the number of features is a main selling point of answering machines. Basic standalone models sell as low as $9, and simply record messages, while high end models feature a combination of phone and answering machine all in one. More expensive models may contain an answering machine, fax machine, phone, printer, copier and scanner all together.

Top Brands

• AT&T;
• Sharp
• Siemens
• Panasonic
• General Electric
• Sony
• Motorola
• Casio
• Uniden

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