Simply to Use Telephone Answering System: AT&T 1738 for Just $17.99

Our old answering machine finally gave up on us, so we wanted a cheap one to replace it. The AT&T 1738 digital answering system was the answer. We purchased it at Office Depot for $17.99, plus tax. What a great price. I was expecting to pay $30 - $40 for one.

It is a no frills machine and sits on top of our freezer with the upstairs telephone unit next to it. After plugging it in Len set the clock and then recorded a message. You can review the message and if it is not right, or clear enough erase it, and do it again. If you have to go out and can't reach a person who should be contacting you, then record a memo up to three minutes in length. You can also set the system to call screening and if you wish still pick up the call. If you have caller I.D. then the machine can be set to announce the telephone number. It also has a blocked number feature and if set will not allow that person to leave a message.

The answer machine already has the built in remote access code. This can be changed to any 3 digit number and the system will prompt you to do this. This is the only feature I wanted apart from the obvious, which is listening to my messages. I would strongly recommend you to change this number as it is printed on the user's manual so anyone with this machine would be able to access your answer machine.

The AT&T 1738 digital answering system has the AT&T logo on the top of it, then below is the message window stating how many messages there are, clock, set up, on/off, repeat, volume up and down, delete, and in the middle play/stop button.

When the light on the machine is flashing it is letting you know that you have a message or messages. After pressing the play button and listening to the message/messages I then use the delete button to get rid of them. In the event I wish to listen to them again I press repeat or the play button.

We programed the answer machine to allow 4 rings to give us time to pick up the call.

When using the remote operation all the functions can be done from my cell phone. The 11 page user's manual gives the details. As I plan on doing several vacations this year I will be taking it with me.