Too much advanced technology?

[question everything]

We have had a combination FAX-phone-answering machine for years now.

But the current Panasonic was getting temperamental so decided to get a new one. Surprisingly, most FAX no longer carry the answering machine section. I suppose because many pay extra for the phone company to have a "voice mail" service.

We got an HP but its answering machine mode is loud. If someone will call us and we choose not to answer, we will still hear our own greeting (even though very short). In most cases, whoever calls just hangs up so we can continue in our activities at peace.

The Panasonic, on the other hand, has the message buried inside so we can look at the display and know that it is playing - called TAD - but if someone actually wants to leave a message we can hear it and choose if we want to reply.

Will probably stay with a Panasonic.