Here's what experts say to consider when buying a fax machine for home or office use.

  • Printing Technology. Nearly all fax machines use plain office paper. Less expensive models generally use thermal-printing technology, and printouts don't have the same longevity as inkjet or laser faxes. Inkjet faxes can usually print, copy and fax in color. Laser fax machines usually print sharper text and stand up better to high-volume loads. They are the most expensive type of fax machines.
  • Speed. Transmission speed ranges from about 15 seconds per page (for less expensive models like the Brother FAX-575) up to about three seconds per page (for the 4100e and Canon L170). If you only need to send the occasional fax, you can save money by going with a slower model.
  • Memory. Fax machines store incoming and outgoing pages in memory. This lets the machine save an incoming fax in memory if it runs out of paper, and then print the fax when the paper tray is reloaded. The most basic models have modest storage capacities -- about 25 pages -- while high-end business-oriented fax machines can hold as much as 500 pages.
  • Other features. Besides speaker phones and digital answering machines, some fax machines include such features as caller ID, a distinctive ring that enables it to distinguish between a human or fax machine call, auto redial, fax forwarding, polling and speed dialing. You'll have to decide if you need those features.
Sponsored Links

Back to top