While email and PDF files have become the norm for sharing and sending documents, there are still times when using a fax is necessary. We offer a complete range of fax machines and multifunction devices with fax capabilities.
Fax machines are often combined with other devices like printers and scanners. A dedicated, stand-alone fax machine will only send faxes and possibly make copies; but a multifunction fax machine, also called an all-in-one-printer or printer/fax, combines a fax machine with a scanner, printer and copier.
Modern fax machines use either inkjet or laser printing to produce prints. An inkjet fax is typically less expensive than a laser fax machine, but laser faxes tend to be faster, and offer better image quality. An inkjet fax machine will produce good text and is suitable if you receive a low volume of faxes. A laser fax machine has a higher up-front cost, but it prints faster at a lower cost per page.
Fax machines transmit and print at different speeds. The rate at which your fax machine scans and sends faxes is usually expressed as the number of pages per minute. Rates can be as low as three pages or as high as 20 or more pages per minute. Printing speed may also be listed in pages per minute, but actual print speed can vary depending on the document.
Many fax machines can receive at high speed and then print the received documents from memory. Fax machines with small memory can fill up quickly, especially if the fax machine runs out of paper. Once the memory buffer is full, any additional incoming faxes will be lost.
Nearly all fax machines use letter-size printer paper, but you may want a fax that can handle legal-size (8.5 inch x 14 inch) paper sheets, too.
You may find fax machines that offer speed-dial, fax forwarding, caller ID, automatic document feed trays, multiple output trays, multiple paper sizes and even network connectivity for your wireless network.
A fax machine with broadcasting ability can send a single fax to multiple numbers simultaneously or in rapid succession. If you want to be able to send broadcasts with your fax machine, check to see how many faxes it can send at once.
Like other printers, a fax machine will have a maximum print resolution, which is measured in dots per inch (dpi). A fax machine with a high dpi rating will produce very clear documents, but it may print slower than a lower resolution printer fax.
