Everything you'll ever need in an answering machine!
Written: Dec 13 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Time stamp, retrieving messages remotely
Cons: Constantly resetting the clock
|
|
|
| JennJoy's Full Review: 1717 Digital Answering Machine |
In the past 6 years I've wasted more money then I care to mention on answering machines that didn't last--the little message tapes would break or the electronics would good haywire. About two years ago I found myself in the store yet again looking to replace my answering machine. I did not have a lot of money to spend on all sorts of bells and whistles. There would be no answering machine with caller ID, fun colors or attached to a cordless phone for me. I just needed something inexpensive, durable and reliable. The AT&T 1717 was the perfect choice for someone in my situation. And for a mere $29.99 I was able to get absolutely every feature I could have hoped for.
My absolute favorite feature of this answering machine is the time stamp that gives the time for each incoming call. I hate coming home and hearing a message like, "...if you get this message within an hour, give me a call back." If the caller does not tell you what time he/she called you have no idea whether or not it is too late to return the call. Even when the call isn't of great importance, I am always annoyed if I do not know when the call came in. For this feature alone, the AT&T 1717 would get a high rating from me.
Running a close second behind the time stamp is the remote retrieval of messages. You use the set-up button to choose a three digit code to use. When calling from another phone you simply punch this code in as soon as the answering machine picks up. The machine tells you how many messages you have and then plays them in the order they were received. This is absolutely necessary for those who do not have voice mail but still want to be able to check messages away from home. Whenever I'm out for extended periods of time or expecting an important phone call I am always thankful for this feature.
The other features of this answering machine are fairly standard. You have the ability to record any sort of greeting or announcement message that you wish. Just press and hold down the "annc/skip" button, record the message and then let go of the button. The machine immediately plays back the greeting so you can decide if you like it or not. Since this machine is digital the outgoing message will not be lost even if the machine loses power.
The display simply shows the number of messages currently on the machine. You can change the number of rings until the machine picks up the call and adjust the volume--which are both particularly helpful if you are home but do not want to be bothered answering the phone. The machine also comes with a memo button that allows you to leave a message to yourself or anyone else that has access to your machine. Other than these features, the AT&T 1717 also has a delete button (to get rid of those pesky callers!), a repeat button (when you just want to hear a message again!) and a skip button (when you forget to delete a message!).
The only negative to this answering machine is a personal one that has nothing to do with AT&T's quality. My phone line and the nearest power outlet are very close to my bed and I have a habit of constantly knocking the plug out of the wall. When the machine loses power you will not lose any incoming or outgoing message; however, the clock will need to be reset. Setting the clock is not entirely obvious, but the instructions for doing so are printed on the underside of the machine. My advice would be to make sure the machine is plugged in where it won't lose power as frequently as mine! Resetting the clock on an almost daily basis is just annoying.
I wholeheartedly recommend the AT&T 1717 answering machine to anyone who wants high quality, low price and plenty of features without going overboard. This machine is the first one that has ever lasted two years and it is still going strong despite the number of times I've dropped it! If you really need or want all the bells and whistles that some answering machines offer then shell out the extra money for voice mail. If simple and effective is your style, then the AT&T 1717 is for you.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
JennJoy
|
 - Top 1000 |
|
Location: Philly
Reviews written: 270
Trusted by: 333 members
About Me:
Music. Nuff said.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.