All About Fax Machines

Alexander Bain: The Bell of Faxes

The History of the Fax Machine

More accurately the Facsimile machine, the fax begins with Scottish inventor Alexander Bain, who was granted a patent for his machine in 1843. Bain’s concept is still the basis on which modern faxes are based. His invention used two pendulums at either end of a telegraph wire. The operator would create a document on specially treated paper at one end, and the corresponding pendulum on the other would move accordingly to create an identical document.

Things To Keep In Mind

The first thing to look at when buying a fax is whether or not you need a multifunction machine. All-in-one – copy, print and fax – machines can be quite handy and save a bunch of space. This might be fine and well for someone starting out at square one, but most of us have at least a decent printer for our computer.

With this in mind you must seriously consider whether the need for functionality would justify all of the high end functions that are packaged with, and charged for, in the more expensive all-in-one devices. If you don’t need the space or the frills, save the money.

Depending on whether your needs center on sending, receiving, or both, will be a significant consideration. If mainly sending faxes, an inexpensive thermal paper model is a smart bet. Make sure to get a model that offers programmable numbers and broadcast capability. These functions will make for more efficient use of time.

If mostly receiving faxes, you'll want a model that has a high paper tray capacity and an inkjet or laser printing method to provide the best quality. A high memory capacity is important, too, as this allows the machine to store incoming faxes in the case of a paper jam, depletion of ink or paper.

Obviously, a higher transmission speed is important if you're sending and receiving a large volume of faxes. The fastest fax machines will send and receive at around 33.6Kbps, although the most common fax machines have a top speed of 14.4Kbps. High transmission speeds will lessen long distance telephone charges as well.

Fax machines have become very affordable in recent years, so making sure to buy a brand that offers the quality and performance that you need. A Laser fax machine from Canon, HP, or Sharp would be ideal for a high volume atmosphere. A portable fax machine with mobile or cellular technology could be the best fax machine for people that do a great deal of business travel.

Top brands like those mentioned above or those offered by Brother, Panasonic, or Sharp will offer great performance that surpasses other less known companies to the extent that any savings would likely be paid for in quality.