Problem with a phone jack...

[space-time]

PeterB wrote:
... I could do what space-time is suggesting with a cordless, but I'd also like to have an answering machine hooked up to the line (I don't care for my phone company's voicemail option).

Those panasonic DECT phones, you can control the voice mail from the handset, you do not need to touch the base-station at all. you can listen, record, delete, etc. all from the handset.

Do it. Sound is super clear, and if the range is OK (I don't know how far or what the house is made of), then you'll never have to reach for the base station after you install it.

EDIT: I have this one, although you can get a better deal at frys sometimes or at costco

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Handset-..._6?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1236547396&sr=8-6