Answering Machines

• An absolute necessity today.
• Check for multiple mailboxes and remote message retrieval, if you're the busy/multitasker type.
• If you're buying a phone as well, check for phone/answering machine combinations.
• You should only have one machine per household, so make sure it's something you can work with.

Cordless Phones

• If you're young or active, you should have at least one of these. Large households may want several.
• Enables you to get the mail while you talk on the phone. Check for battery life and reception range.
• If you have limited mobility, you may want a landline, which is less expensive and provides the best reception.

Caller ID Boxes

• Not a necessity, but an increasingly popular convenience.
• You'll want one of these if you work from home, work in a highly specialized and private field (healthcare, law, government), or if you're avoiding your mother in law.
• Many phones come with these built in, so you don't necessarily need to purchase it separately.

VoIP

• Stands for Voice-Over-Internet Protocol.
• Enables a person to make phone calls over the internet rather than phone lines.
• Doesn't have the best reception or service, but is a really good way to stay in touch with travellers. This can be used across countries and continents, where traditional phone calls can get very expensive.

Electronic Dictionaries and Translators

• These can be incredibly helpful for travellers.
• There is a wide range in quality for these products. You can buy a moderately priced e-dictionary with english and spanish for a trip abroad.
• Conversely, a globe-trotter can invest in a high quality product with any number of languages available.

Weather Stations

• This may sound silly, but once you've got one of these you'll swear by it.
• Home weather stations are relatively inexpensive. Generally, they will tell you the temperature (inside and outside), humidity, date, time, pressure, rainfall, and just about anything else.
• These are incredibly convenient and surprisingly accurate.

Digital Picture Frames

• Not for families with small children! These can be pricey so be sure to put it where it won't be knocked over.
• These make an excellent gift, work as a conversation peice, and spiff up any office desk or mantel.
• Best for people that take frequent pictures. The more you have, the more interesting the slideshow is.

Table Radios

• The handheld radio may be losing to the ipod, but table radios are still quite popular (and useful).
• Table radios are basically better, sleeker versions of the classic radio we grew up with.
• These can be used with satellite radio, for more options, better sound quality, and fewer interruptions.