How to Buy a Fax Machine

When looking for a fax machine, consider quality, price and special features. If you need to send faxes but not receive them, consider a fax modem as an alternative.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fax Machine Cartridge
• Fax Machines
• Surge Protectors
• Fax Machine Paper

1. Determine the type of machine you want. Choose a film-cartridge fax machine to get mediocre print quality. Look for an ink-jet fax machine to get better print quality for a slightly higher price but the highest cost of use. Buy a laser fax machine for good print quality if you can afford to pay more. If you'll receive a lot of faxes, the higher purchase price will quickly be offset by the lower cost of use.

2. Look for machines with four choices for image quality.

3. Make sure the machine can print 64 shades of gray if you'll be receiving and copying both text and images. Color-capable machines are also available, but they're expensive.

4. Figure out how many speed-dial numbers you'll need, if any.

5. Decide whether you need an integrated digital answering machine.

6. Compare each model's capacity for feeding multiple pages, storing received faxes when the machine is out of paper and 'broadcast' faxing to a group of recipients.

7. Evaluate how easy the machine is to use.

8. Look for advanced business features, if necessary, such as delayed transmission, the ability to 'poll' other fax machines, copy reduction and enlargement, and 'shrink to fit' 8 1 /2-by-11-inch pages.

9. Budget for everything you'll need, such as paper, extra cartridges, a surge suppressor and a service contract.

10. Consider service contracts offered by the dealer if they include maintenance and loaner privileges and cover normal wear.

11. Base your final decision on functionality and initial and ongoing costs.

Tips & Warnings

• You typically don't need to get a separate phone line (the fax or an attached answering machine may be able to tell incoming faxes from voice calls, or the sender can input a fax-activation code), but an extra line is convenient if you're doing a lot of faxing.

• Be sure to budget for consumable items, such as paper and cartridges or ink.

• A film cartridge typically produces 357 pages. Divide cartridge price by number of pages to figure out the cost per page.

• Toner cartridges for laser fax machines can produce up to several thousand pages, depending on the brand and model.

• Unusually low prices indicate low quality in parts and construction. Be wary of machines with 90-day manufacturer's warranties; most machines come with a one-year warranty.