How to Buy a Basic Fax Machine

With so many features available, buying a basic fax machine can seem more complicated than it really is. Follow these tips when buying a basic fax machine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Make sure you have a phone line available for a fax machine to hook into.
2. Have separate phone lines for your fax and phone. While you can use a phone and fax on the same line, a dedicated line will prevent calls from being blocked when a fax is coming in.
3. Measure where you want to put the fax machine. Faxes range from 10 to 20-plus inches in depth, width and height, so make sure you pick one that will fit the space.
4. Determine what you can spend. Depending on what kind of fax machine you get and sales you can find, you will probably spend about $100. However, business-type fax machines can be as high as $400.
5. Make sure the machine has automatic phone/fax switchover, automatic redial, speed dial, caller ID abilities and a copying function.
6. Check online to read customer reviews of the fax machine.
7. Buy your fax machine. When you get it home, follow the instructions to connect the machine, and keep all package material in case you need to return it.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if the store you are buying the fax machine from carries, or can order, replacement ink cartridges and parts for the machine.
• Do you want the fax to have an answering machine or to fax from multiple locations? Check the box to make sure the machine has these abilities. If the box does not list the ability, it may not be available with that particular machine.
• If you are going to fax images through the machine, check the resolution of the machine. Resolution, or dpi (dots per inch), varies greatly among machines, and a higher price does not guarantee a higher resolution.
• Fax machines will either use thermal, inkjet or laser printing. Laser is the best, but also the most expensive. Inkjet is a good mid-range quality printing technology. The less expensive machines may use thermal printing, which is slower than inkjet and laser printing. Consider the amount of printing and the speed you need.

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