What does this 'technical detail' mean (in relation to cordless phones...)?

Question

I'm looking for a "cheap" (or relatively so) cordless phone WITH an answering machine, and on this one product I found at Amazon, it says "Answering system: Yes, with compatible base unit" on the list of item specs. What the heck does that mean? Do I need to buy a "compatible base unit" with the item or what??

Answer 1

The base unit and the hand held part are sold together.

It's the base unit in which the hand held part sits and through which it is charged.  It's also the unit which is connected to the 'phone line.  

Your calls, both incomig and outgoing, get to and from the 'phone line by wireless - between the two units.  That's why it's called a cordless 'phone.  

To say in the advertisement that the base unit is compatible is quite stupid.  Of course it's compatible otherwise the two units wouldn't work together!