Cheap Fax Machines

Thermal-transfer fax machines are cheap, but performance can disappoint

Cheap fax machines -- especially those that use thermal-transfer technology -- can look like a great bargain at first, but poor performance and high consumables cost can quickly spoil the picture. Still, for those looking for a cheap fax machine for occasional use, no more than a page or two a day, they can be cost effective.

Among cheap thermal faxes, we saw the best feedback for the Brother Fax-575. Users largely say that as long as you keep expectations in line with its $60 price tag, it is an acceptable performer.

Features are basic. The fax machine can auto-sense whether an incoming call is voice or data and route it to the fax machine or handset as appropriate. The paper input can accept up to 50 sheets, and the automatic document feeder can hold 10 sheets. The 9.6 Kbps modem can send a page in about 15 seconds, and the built-in memory can hold up to 25 fax pages.

Print quality is fine for faxing, though it falls short of most laser faxes. Some might be concerned that thermal prints are not as long-lasting as ones produced by a laser fax. Consumables costs can be an even bigger concern. The print ribbons (Est. $25) are only rated for about 150 pages. That means that the per-page cost can quickly add up if you do a lot of faxing or copying. Unlike most laser faxes, there is no option for using the Fax-575 as a computer printer, though it can be used to make copies. Still, hundreds of users give the Brother Fax-575 relatively high marks, especially for the price. The happiest owners are those who only send or receive a few faxes a day or less.

Brother also offers a step-up thermal-transfer fax machine that might be worth considering, the Brother IntelliFax-775 ($80 ) . User reviews are more mixed, however, with nearly as many one-star reviews as five-star reviews at Amazon.com, though things look better at other user-review sites. For example, at Staples.com nearly 85 percent of owners say that they would recommend the 775 to a friend.

The Brother IntelliFax-775 again uses a thermal-transfer ribbon, but the replacement ribbon can produce more prints -- around 250 -- and costs less (around $20). Core performance is similar to the Fax-575, but paper handling is better with a capacity of 100 sheets. However, the fax modem can broadcast/auto dial to fewer locations -- 58 versus 104 for the Fax-575.