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Answering Machines: Ratings of Sources
Total of 5 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2010
Answering Machines
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com is the best source of owner-reviews of standalone answering machines. With nearly 150 reviews and an overall rating of 4 stars, the AT&T 1739 is a clear customer favorite. Reviewers praise its simplicity and ease of use, and even the few detractors agree that the price is reasonable. GE models also do well, though there are reports of sound quality issues.
2. Ebay
As of Nov. 2010
Answering Machines
by Contributors to eBay
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEBay has a review section on its site that solicits user reviews. It doesn't attract as many consumer reviews as Amazon.com, and write-ups are less detailed. EBay users do cover three models that are still available, however, and the reviews are worth perusing. Interestingly, the call announcement feature on the AT&T 1739 is considered too loud by some users. Two GE models receive better-than-average reviews.
3. JR.com
As of Nov. 2010
Answering Machines
by Contributors to JR.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJ&R sells only two answering machine models, and there aren't a lot of user reviews available. The AT&T 1739 gets good ratings from about a dozen consumers, who are impressed by the sound quality, 40 minute recording time and ease of use. Most consider the machine an excellent value.
4. RadioShack.com
As of Nov. 2010
Answering Machines
by Contributors to RadioShack.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe AT&T 1739 is the only answering machine that Radio Shack sells online. Almost a dozen reviewers weigh in, with the majority stating that this model is easy to use, durable and reliable. A couple of users find the voice quality wanting, but most are happy with the features as well as the price.
5. ConsumerReports.org
May 18, 2009
Has Voicemail Killed the Answering Machine?
by Eileen McCooey
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn this post on ConsumerReport.org's online electronics blog, editors open up a discussion of the efficacy of voicemail vs. answering machines. Several readers chime in, offering alternatives such as VoIP with free voicemail, though most are in favor of the old fashioned answering machine.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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