ita, I like the Panasonic ones I've been using. I have three handsets on the same unit and apparently it can expand (but I think I'd have to buy another 3 handset kit). I believe you can store phone numbers in the phone.

Got these at Amazon.

Hmm. Looking at some Panasonic lines right now. All the ones I can see that have speakerphone from the base (nifty when you run out the batteries on the handsets) also come with a digital answering system.

Which makes me wonder--why am I paying Verizon monthly for voicemail again?

My set does not have a speakerphone in the base. It only has them in the handsets. Mine also did not come with voicemail.

This is the one I purchased in August:

[link]

I second the recommendation for the Panasonic, ita. And you can store numbers in the phones, and then transfer the numbers from handset.

I have the two handset version of this. I've had it for a year? or two? and have had no problems with it. I haven't used the answering machine, so I can't comment on that. I've also never tried the speaker phone from the base...only on the handsets...I'll have to try that.

ita, maybe mine does come with voicemail and I don't use it?

LeN, doesn't look like yours comes with voicemail. Not sure why they tie the handset speakerphone with voicemail. But maybe I should divest myself of the monthly payout.

What's the battery life like? My main problem with my current phone is that they expire very quickly off the cradle, even without talking.

pretty good, I don't talk on a phone a whole lot, but I have had a handset off the charger for 12+ hours and it looks ready to roll. I think talk time is about 3-4 hours.

Thanks. Sounds like I'm going Panasonic. Maybe I can make it to Fry's tomorrow. I still need to pick up rails.

I have the cheapest cordless phone from Radio Shack, and it's fine talking 3-4 hours in a day, and being off the cradle for days at a time with less talking.