Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
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.
Step2
Look for machines with four choices for image quality.
Step3
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.
Step4
Figure out how many speed-dial numbers you'll need, if any.
Step5
Decide whether you need an integrated digital answering machine.
Step6
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.
Step7
Evaluate how easy the machine is to use.
Step8
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.
Step9
Budget for everything you'll need, such as paper, extra cartridges, a surge suppressor and a service contract.
Step10
Consider service contracts offered by the dealer if they include maintenance and loaner privileges and cover normal wear.
Step11
Base your final decision on functionality and initial and ongoing costs.