Fax Machines Buying Guide
Many people, whether at home or at the office, need to communicate fast and efficient. One of the most fast and efficient ways to do this is through fax machine which has been around long before computers and the internet technologies have become ubiquitous.
Fax machines will always be around in the next few years because its effectiveness, low maintenance and very basic requirements for connection cannot be replaced by emails.
Simply dialing the numbers on the phone and pressing a button, one can already send and receive fax messages in seconds.
With modern technologies come modern and wide array of fax machines. This will guide you on how to best get the fax machine that will suit your needs and budget.
Inkjets are similar to the inkjets printers used in computers. They are available both in monochrome and color. If you need to have low to medium volume documents to print, then this may be right for you.
Laser Fax Machines
If you need printing speed because of high volume, a laser fax machine may be for you. This kind of fax machine uses toner and laser or light emitting diode and is stable and reliable for high quality image. But this may cost more than inkjet and thermal transfer fax machines though.
These fax machines uses heat to make ink from a ribbon stick on the paper. They are inexpensive but the quality of print may be inferior. They also operate noisily.
Sending Speeds
Although the faster a fax machine sends data may mean higher price, long term use may eventually save one from phone call charges. Today’s fax machine sending and receiving speeds can reach up to 36.6 kilobits per second or about one page in six to 10 seconds.
Like computers, fax machines need to store data before printing especially if there are many pages to print. Generally, 512 kilobytes of memory can hold about 20 to 25 pages. Many fax machines can accept memory cards for additional storage. The three most common types of memory features are:
- Out of paper reception - saves the transmitted data if the machine cannot immediately print due to shortage of paper
- Quick scan - scans the contents into the memory before starting to transmit so you don’t have to wait at the machine until sending the original is finished.
- Dual scan - can let you simultaneously send and receive fax messages.
Paper Sizes
Fax machines commonly accept standard size of 8.5" x 11" but there are some senders who may be using different sizes. Make sure you get fax machines that support potentially other sizes.
Some fax machines also act as copiers especially that they have built in printing mechanism such as inkjet, laser or thermal transfer
Scanners
Many of today’s fax machines also come with scanners and even all-in-one capability of scanner, copier, printer and fax machine. Try to look for the appropriate resolution of the scanner to fit your needs for digital imaging.
If you want to buy an all-in-one fax-scanner-copier-printer gadget, make sure that you know how to connect it to the computer and know how to use the accompanying software. Most all-in-ones today connect using the universal serial bus. Also, if you want this gadget to be your default printer, make sure you filter it from spam that automatically prints emails and faxes and eventually cost you on wasted ink.
Telephone Features
A fax machine is not used for faxes all the time. In fact, when not in use, it is primarily a telephone. As a telephone, you need to know what features you want it to have like:
Cordless - you can use the headset which is not connected with a wire but with radio signals
Caller ID - by subscribing to your phone service provider, you can identify the callers so you can decide whether to accept, reject or ban the caller. This is also useful for security because you can report malicious callers you identify with their caller ID.
Redial - allows you to press one button and redial the last number dialed. Some models can automatically constantly redial a busy number.
Illuminated Keypad - the key pads glow making it easy for you to dial in the dark.
Speaker Phone - allows you to talk hands free.
Voice Mail Light Indicator - alert you if you have voice mail arriving.
Ringer and Volume Control - allows you adjust the loudness of ring or select from several ring tones.
Hold - allows you to hold one caller and switch to another caller without losing the first.
Mute - allows you to talk without being heard by the person on the line. This can be useful for privacy or when you talk to someone in the room while being on the phone.
Conference - allows you talk to more than one person at a time.
Answering machines – Before, answering machines were separate gadgets using cassette tape to record unanswered calls. New phones have built in answering machines that save the message into its internal memory.
