skip to main content

fax machines

14 years ago

I don't even know if this is the right place for this but I need some advice. Let me know if there's a different place to ask this. I am considering getting a fax machine but after going online I find I have no idea what to get. There is the Brother brand that takes thermal paper, others use plain paper, thermal inkjet...etc, etc, etc. Can someone please explain all this for me? This fax is just going to be used at home and won't be needed very often but it would be handier than having to go somewhere and have them send it for me when I do have to send something, besides some of the things I need to send are things I really don't want anyone else to see. Thanks in advance. I appreciate it. BT

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

zep516
14 years ago
Here's an idea, no machine to buy!

Here is a link that might be useful: efax
brownthumbia
Original Author
14 years ago
tyvm Zep. I checked out the website and walked through the instructions. It would be excellent for someone that would use it a lot more than I would, but at $16.95 a month it is just more than I would care to spend. As I said I won't be using it very much, just the convenience of having it right here in the house. Thank you so much for your idea though, I appreciate it. BT
Related Discussions
Fax over IP - FOIP
Q
Comments (7)
You may want to consider the option I chose when I wanted to get rid of paying for an extra phone line, the phone company offers a distinctive ring option you can keep your same fax phone number but it is assigned the distinctive ring mine is a double ring, you set your fax machine to answer only on distinctive ring which most fax machines can do. You pay a minimal fee for a distinctive ring charge, have a separate phone number for the fax but no longer have to pay for that extra phone line. You really only have the one line that line just has 2 numbers assigned to it. Many people use this type of feature for the Kids line so the family knows if it is an adult call or a kids call. I went that route many years ago and it works perfectly. All other phone features work with it like caller id and call waiting etc. Distinctive Ring
...See More
Sending Fax with DSL
Q
Comments (7)
PoohBear, my DSL provider, Embarq (Sprint) says if I connect my fax like a telephone, behind a filter, it should work fine. I don't use the fax often, but I can testify that I sent two signed documents via fax last week and they were accepted. The fax that "failed" was to a Credit Union. I suppose their fax is "industrial strength" and running constantly. Could it have a problem, sure. I have decided to carry on, but I will follow up on any fax sent to be sure it was received with acceptable quality. In fact I'll be in the office I sent to last week and will ask them what the quality looks like, I'll be handing in originals at that time, so I should remember.
...See More
Fax problems with VOIP
Q
Comments (1)
My understanding is that the fax 'handshake' (the tones you hear when you attempt to send a fax) cannot reliably complete with a digital telephone line. I believe that VOIP would be considered a digital signal. You might look through your Vonage information to see if there is a workaround. Another option might be to use an application like RightFax or eFax.
...See More
fax machine
Q
Comments (3)
If your computer has a fax modem you could fax a document directly from the computer, but most computers today don't come with them. I bought a printer which will print/copy/scan/fax, and it works pretty well. Mine is a HP Officejet 4500 and it comes with Windows software which simplifies the process somewhat. Probably has Mac software too but I don't know that for certain. Installing the PRINTER also installs a FAX PRINTER. When you want to fax a document, you scan it into the computer, then print it using the FAX PRINTER instead of the PRINTER and the fax software will start. Then you enter the fax phone number and away you go. All of this depends on you having a plain old landline phone which is NOT VOIP...if you are using Vonage or phone service from your cable company I think you are out of luck. Fax usually does not work well over VOIP. HTH.
...See More
grandms
14 years ago
If you're soon needing a new printer, why not consider an all in one that includes the fax function? That would have to be a 4 in 1 machine. I also needed a fax and found a brother MFC that was an all in one for only about $20 more than a fax alone. I would stay away from one that requires special paper.
brownthumbia
Original Author
14 years ago
hi grandms. Yeah, would you believe that I just bought a new printer/scanner/copier a few months ago? Honestly that;s the way my luck has been going. Why I didn't think about it at that time I don't know. However, I was talking to someone about it and they said the only thing with the 4 in 1 was if something goes wrong with anything you have nothing left to work with. But, thanks so much for taking the time to help me out. BT
azinoh
14 years ago
I suppose a thermal fax would be okay if you are going to send only, but if you are going to receive a fax-don't even consider it. For receiving-get something that prints with either an ink or a toner cartridge. Some fax machines use a form of carbon paper on a roll-avoid these too.
bpgreen
14 years ago
Efax used to have a free version. I think they still have that, but the sign up makes it look like only the plus is available. It allows incoming faxes only and a limited number per month.

Faxzero allows you to send a fax for free (max 2 per day, with an ad on the coverpage).

Here is a link that might be useful: Efax free
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
14 years ago
I don't like thermal fax paper.

A few times I left my coffee cup on faxes recieved. Well you know what happened.

dcarch
kudzu9
14 years ago
I'd definitely go with a plain paper fax. If you look on Amazon, you'll see several basic fax machines with good reviews in the $60-80 price range.
mike_kaiser_gw
14 years ago
As with any kind of printing device you really need to consider the total cost of ownership. Thermal fax machines are likely to be the cheapest to buy but the paper is expensive (and tends to curl plus is temperature sensitive). Any kind of inkjet will use plain paper but the cost per page will be higher than a laser.

So it really depends on how you will be using it. If you're in a situation where you need a new printer, you might consider an all-in-one machine. For very light use you might consider something used (try Craig's List).

Related Stories

Houzz Interview: Rebekah's Weekend Farmhouse Retreat

By Becky Harris

HOME OFFICES Online Tools Help Paperless Plunge

By Bneato Professional Organizing

Pay bills, catch up on reading and keep track of schedules and dates with these terrific online tools

HOME TECH Switch On the Phone-Controlled Home

Lock your front door from afar, let your thermostat set itself and more when you use your phone as a control device

TASTEMAKERS 3D Printing Takes Furnishings to New Heights at ICFF 2013

By Chris Dorsey Architects, Inc

See how three-dimensional printing, laser cutting and other innovative technologies are changing the face of furnishings

HOME TECH Harness the Cloud: 8 Ways to Automate Your Housekeeping

By Laura Gaskill

Make life easier by scheduling regular deliveries, managing appliances, simplifying meal planning and more via the web

HOME OFFICES New This Week: 3 Home Offices That Know How to Work It

By Mitchell Parker

We look at the designers’ secrets, ‘uh-oh’ moments and nitty-gritty details of 3 great home offices uploaded to Houzz this week

HOME OFFICES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Home Office Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Borrow these modest design moves to make your workspace more inviting, organized and personal

MOST POPULAR Contractor Tips: Top 10 Home Remodeling Don'ts

By Buckminster Green LLC

Help your home renovation go smoothly and stay on budget with this wise advice from a pro

DESIGN PRACTICE How to Set Up Your Design Studio at Home

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Learn from an architect how to create a workspace that fuels your practice and feeds you inspiration

HOME OFFICES The 20 Most Popular Home Office Photos of 2015

By Becky Harris

Technology paves the way for space-saving work areas, while designers make up for small sizes with style

Sponsored

Remodel Repair Construction

9 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Westerville

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

sound missing on Dell

3

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3