Panasonic Fax:Something For Everyone! Fax, Copy, Communicate
Written: Jul 27 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: This is a combination machine that faxes, serves as a copier that reduces and enlarges, and is also a telephone. It is easy to use and install.
Cons: No paper collection tray included and must remember to change back over to Fax Only Format after using the computer.
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| Prepoia's Full Review: Panasonic KX-FP101 Plain Paper Thermal Fax |
We have had our Compaq computer for almost two years now. Included in our purchase package was an internal fax modem. I'm glad we have one. It will never break down or need repair. Why? Because I have never been able to figure out how to use it. I have tried. I have really tried. I even tried again. One time, I even sent out something to someone, somewhere. I just couldn't figure out who or where.
We have also had a Toshiba copier that I purchased from my sister's real estate office. Since I teach...I therefore run copies. Since I had two kids (and myself) attending college at the same time, I ran copies. Two months ago, it broke down and the repair shop says that it's too old and they can't get parts anymore.
So...I had a fax machine that never worked and a copy machine that would never work again. Decision time. The answer was surprisingly easy. I find that it's always easy to spend money. I headed down to my local Office Max store and shopped around. Since I didn't know one from another, I bought one. I lucked out and it was the right one. A Panasonic Plain Paper Fax and Copier Machine. It also has a built in telephone receiver.
Now, came the harder part. Setting it up and getting it to work. It sat in the box for three weeks because I didn't have the courage to try. Proficient is not in my vocabulary when it comes to touching or understanding anything that touches my computer. By the way, do you REALLY understand how a fax works? To me, this is the mystery of the century. How do pages of words and pictures really get into those telephone wires and come out someplace else?
This harder part was actually so easy that I was sure I was doing something wrong. It ended up that it was harder getting it out of the box than it was to hook up the connections. One connection wire plugged into the phone jack (I have a separate phone line for the computer); an AC adapter type plug went into my surge protector; and the line that had originally plugged from my computer into the phone jack, now plugged into the fax machine. Done!
The instruction booklet told me step by easy to understand step, how to send a fax. To receive one, I just leave it turned on. To make a copy, I insert it to a slot on the top and the machine grabs it and runs it and the new copy out of a slot on the bottom.
The only confusing thing about this machine is something called a Jog Dial. I've read about it and still don't know what it does. So far, for the kinds of things I have faxed and copied, I haven't missed using it. Also, a tray to collect the copies is not provided but is offered as an accessory that can be ordered from the company. I would think that this is basic and should be included.
The first film cartridge is included, which is nice. I have replaced it once and hope that this one last longer than the original. It says on the package that it's good for about 300 copies, but I know I got far fewer with the original. The replacement cost is inexpensive compared to the other models that I looked at, only $29.95. When used as a copier, the copies are not of high quality but are usually good enough for my purposes. You can also increase and decrease copy size. One other feature is that you can feed different size originals into the machine.
Since this machine does three separate functions, it is important to remember to keep them separate. While using the computer, the fax will not work because the computer and the fax machine share the same telephone line. Also, you must remember to switch the Auto Answer Fax On/Off button to Fax Only once you get off of the computer. While on the computer, the fax machine automatically switches it to telephone mode. This can be a minor hassle, but if you make this part of your computer shut off routine, it will become automatic. The main reason you will want to switch it to the Fax only mode is that in the telephone mode, you will be required to pick up the phone receiver to activate the fax.
This machine makes medium grade copies that can be enlarged or reduced in size. It also faxes in copies that are of medium grade clarity; but does a fantastic job of faxing your material to others. Compared to computer generated faxes, the faxes received from this machine are just the way you type them. The phone is attached to the base; has push button calling; can accommodate call is waiting; can be set for different numbers of rings and volume control and has clarity of sound. Overall, I would recommend this model to anyone who needs a machine that does lightweight clerical chores. It is easy, efficient, and the quality is excellent for the price of the machine.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Prepoia
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Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 319 members
About Me:
I Love My Family, Teaching, Reading, the Internet, and Travel (and Epinions of Course)!
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