Home answering machine computer-based hw

Question

Is there a reasonable phone-answering h/w s/w set up that people can use on a land line?

I want to be able to use my land line like you use Skype, (completely computer controlled, and have the computer take messages as well)

Answer 1

I use Google Voice. It records messages, sends you a text (or email) transcription and allows you to screen your calls similar to how the old school phone answering machine once allowed.

Here is a good article from the Google forums on how to use Google Voice like an answering machine.

Here is a video of how you can screen your calls. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF-7UTvwAXs&feature=player_embedded#at=14