voice assisted operation, remote operation w/voice operation, selective message erase, call screening, new message indicator, talking clock, power failure protection, auto extension disconnect, ring select w/tollsaver, short burst/cellular compatible Why be bothered by the uncertainty of cassette tapes or the expense of voicemail services when you can get the reliability of digital recording in a compact, easy-to-use answering machine featuring call screening and remote operation? The Casio PhoneMate TA-105, with all-digital recording technology, brings simplicity and security to message management. The TA-105 is easy to set up and operate. When you have a new message, the TA-105's bright red indicator light flashes quickly. With a touch of the big, blue Play/Pause button, the TA-105's synthesized voice announces the number of total and new messages and plays back the new ones, with the time and day stamp announced for each. Press the Play/Pause button again to listen to saved messages, too. You can skip or erase any message during play, or you can erase all messages at once. Don't worry about accidental erasure during a power failure; the TA-105's battery back-up will save your greeting, messages, and programmed settings. For added convenience, the TA-105 will help you screen your calls--you can listen to incoming messages through the speaker and pick up the phone or extension if you'd like to take the call. We tested the TA-105's recording capacity, and it successfully met its rating of 18 minutes in total recording time and five minutes maximum for a single message. The sound quality is good and, unlike some comparable machines, plays at a volume loud enough to be heard over competing home or office noise. Remote operation is possible from nearly any touchtone or cellular phone, or even from a rotary phone if you use the optional touchtone dialer accessory available from the manufacturer. Follow the voice prompts for instructions, or just hang up, and your new messages will automatically be saved. And, with the toll-saver setting, the TA-105 allows you to avoid long distance charges by letting you know if new messages are waiting before it answers. Setup and programming are simple; we successfully recorded a personal greeting without consulting the user manual. Additional programming, including setting the day/time stamp, is just a two- or three-step process, with guidance provided by recorded voice prompts. Overall, we think the TA-105 provides quick and uncomplicated message management and would be a smart addition to any home or office with a small to medium call volume. Pros: * Instant access to greetings and messages * Easy setup and operation * Call screening ability Cons: * No message repeat function * Can't choose or change the remote access codePower failure protection. Time and day stamp. Voice-assisted operation. Call screening. All-digital recording.