Fax machines are one of the fastest and securest means of communication between people, offices, and businesses. They have become a permanent fixture in businesses and many home-based businesses for sharing information and placing orders.
Color fax machines are not readily available and only work between two color fax machines.
Laser and Inkjet Fax Machines
There are many brands and types of fax machines on the market today. The major question is which fax machine you should buy. Of course this is a personal choice, however research is needed. Fax machine types include:
- Inkjet: uses ink droplets to transfer image to paper, best for less than 30 faxes per day, approximately 400 pages per cartridge
- Laser: uses light emitting diodes (LED) to transfer image to paper, best for large volume of incoming faxes, and approximately 5000 pages per cartridge
Choosing the Best Fax Machine
The major consideration is the purpose of the fax machine and uses in home or business; this will help you select the features you need. Feature considerations include:
- Quality: laser is best with 64 shades of grey and color, inkjet can do the same
- Page Memory: fax machine’s ability to store pages, varies 20 – 1280 pages
- Transmission Speed: sending speed anywhere from 2 seconds to 30 seconds, transmission speed is controlled by speed of slowest fax machine involved, Modified-Modified Reader (MMR) provide faster speeds than older Modified Readers (MR), typical 36.6 kilo bits per second (kbps) or 6-10 seconds per page, 14.4 kbps much slower
- Dialing: speed dialing, delayed dialing
- Paper Handling: print last page first
- Paper Tray: 8.5 x 11 inch, legal size 8.5 x 14 inch
- Multifunction: faxing, scanning, enlargements, reducing size
- Quick Scan: scans page into memory before sending
- Dual Scan: send and receive at same time, good for large volume
- Paper: plain paper is the best option
All in One Fax Machines
All-in-One machines are more efficient for a small business and home office. They require less space and make it efficient for use by one person. The advantages and disadvantages of All-in-One Machines include:
Advantages:
- Printer, Fax, Copier, and Scanner in one machine
- No clutter of individual machines and electrical requirements on desks and tables
- Integration of features all in one machine
Disadvantages:
- All-in-one feature
- If printer breaks, you ability to print incoming faxes is eliminated
- You can lose all your capabilities at once if you have a problem with the machine common to all functions, such as power supply
Comparing Fax Machines
Once you have narrowed your fax machine choice(s) to either laser or inkjet, visit your local store and check out its(their) features:
- Controls: ease of use and layout
- Size: foot print - amount of space it takes up on desk or stand, legal size for large documents and books
- Resolution: at least 300 x 300 dpi
- Ink cartridge: cost
- Sharing: network and/or wireless capable
- Paper tray: at least 100 pages is best
- Speed: page transmission speed varies, high volume need faster speeds
- Sound: how noisy in operation
- Type: do you want a laser of inkjet fax machine
Choosing the best laser or inkjet fax machine is always a personal choice and requirements. You should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each fax machine when comparing them to help you make your choice. Visit the 10 Best Fax Machines for the top ten consumer rated Fax Machines.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
