Did You Get That Message?
Written: Mar 13 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: inexpensive, no need to purchase tapes, 1 year warranty, volume control
Cons: "low battery" message, changes in message quality within 3 years
The Bottom Line: Depending on what you want this system could be a dream or a nightmare. Inexpensive and simple, this is it. Something fancy that will last a long time, keep looking.
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| Debbie26's Full Review: General Electric 29878GE1 Digital Answering Machin... |
I have been using the GE Digital Messaging System since December 2001. Before that I had been using an answering machine that required tapes, which my children liked to play with and lose. When that machine stopped working I found the GE Digital Messaging System at Walmart for $19.99 and purchased it thinking that the lack of tapes would make this system much better for my household. I was impressed with the fact that I wouldn't have to purchase tapes for this system and the price was reasonable. Now it can be found for about $17.00.
FEATURES
14 minute record time
Fully digital/No tape required
Memo Function
Access Messages Remotely
Voice time/day stamp
The GE Digital Messaging System allows a total of 14 minutes for messages, including memos. I have had up to 10 messages at a time on the system without it being full. You can keep messages after playing them or you can delete them. With a pass code you can check your messages from anywhere. By using the memo function you can easily leave messages for your family. Each message will have a date and time left by a digital voice so that you will know when the call came. This only works if you have correctly set the date and time; otherwise the date and time left on your messages will be incorrect. Setting the date and time is easy and I was about to do it without reading the instructions included. All functions on this system are easy to use.
When you first install the GE Digital Messaging System there is already a preset message for callers to hear. It is a digital voice of a woman saying something similar to "no one can get to the phone right now but leave your name and number at the tone". Not sure exactly since it has been a long time since I changed mine. You can record your own personal greeting for callers like any other answering machine or you can leave the prerecorded one. Adding your message is very easy to do.
There is a volume function that allows you to control how loud incoming messages are. This allows you to turn up the volume if you can't hear or to turn it down if a call comes in while you are busy with company or something else and you don't want to be interrupted.
When I first got the GE Digital Messaging System the sound quality was very good. It was never hard to hear or understand messages. But within the last four or five months that has started to change. Every once in a while I will get a message that sounds a little jumbled and I really have to listen close to understand what is being said. Also, recently the messages have started to sound like the volume is going up and down while it is being recorded.
Another drawback to the system is a recorded phrase that I get after each time I check my messages. The machine says "low battery" after each time that I check messages. It plugs into the wall with an electrical cord so I am not sure why I get this battery message. I have never used a battery with the GE Digital Messaging System but you can if you are concerned about missing messages during a power outage. Still, I get the recording every time I check for messages.
The system is shaped like a semi circle. It is white with blue buttons in the center for play, rewind, and fast forward. The other function buttons are white. It is compact which makes it easy to place in any room of the house. It is very durable. My children have dropped it and knocked it over several times without any injury to the device.
The GE Digital Messaging System comes with a one year warranty for parts.
PROS
Less than $20
Needs no tapes
Durable structure
1 year warranty
Volume control
CONS
The "low battery" message
poor message quality (as it gets older)
RECOMMENDATION
Because this system is so inexpensive I would still recommend it. I got two good years out of this system without any problems before the sound quality became poor. Within that time I didn't have to waste any money on purchasing tapes or using an answering service through the phone company. The system is easy to use and offers a lot of features. However, if you are looking for something that is going to last a long time, you have to keep looking because this system seems to start falling apart around year three. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. This is an inexpensive answering system and therefore isn't going to be as good as an expensive one but it is a great starter machine or perfect for someone who can't afford a more expensive machine.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Debbie26
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 517
Trusted by: 134 members
About Me:
35 year old mother of four boys (17yr old and 12yr old triplets).
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