Toshiba FT8989BK Cordless Phone

Simplify your home answering system with the Toshiba FT8989 cordless phone. It combines a digital answering system and caller ID with call waiting, all in one easy-to-operate unit.

The digital answering system and speakerphone functions are located on the base. The handset features a three-line backlit LCD for caller ID services. To use the LCD, we pressed the function button to access the menu. We used the arrow keys to scroll through the options and then pressed the Select button to choose a function. We found the keypad intuitive and the LCD easy to read. A separate button allows you to see the total number of calls stored in the caller ID log. You can store up to 50 names and numbers.

To use the answering machine, we first set the clock by pressing the clock button and using up or down arrow keys to select the correct day and time. The answering buttons have an intuitive layout and a digital number window so you can easily see at a glance how many calls you have. All of the basic functions can be accessed remotely. Several additional functions are also available on the base, such as setting the maximum recording time for incoming messages. You can limit the message to one or four minutes, or set the switch to announce-only if don't want to let callers leave messages. You can also record a conversation for up to 15 minutes by pressing the two-way record button.

You can store up to 10 numbers in memory. To call a saved number, press the memory button and scroll through the LCD menu to find the number. Or, for two-touch dialing, just press memory and the assigned speed dial number.

Before testing the Toshiba FT8989, we charged it for the recommended 12 hours. In our tests, we were able to take the phone 200 feet from the base before detecting static interference. At 700 feet it became difficult to hear over the static. We did notice a slight background humming even at close range, but it wasn't enough to be distracting. We were able to take the phone behind walls and near other electronic equipment with minimal interference. --Emily Bakko

Pros:

• Easy-to-read backlit LCD for caller ID services
• Intuitive digital answering functions

Cons:

• Slight background humming

The Toshiba FT8989BK cordless phone acquires optimum performance with 900 MHz analog transmission and noise reduction. It features caller ID on call waiting and 50-name-and-number caller ID memory. The messaging system lets users play, skip, and repeat messages using the base or handset without fast- forwarding or rewinding. In the event of power failure, built-in flash memory preserves any recorded messages for up to 30 days. You can also check messages from any touch-tone phone with remote access. The answering system is all digital so you won't have to worry about broken or worn-out tapes. It holds up to 15 minutes of incoming messages.