At first glance, you would think that this machine is only capable of faxing. But its clever design allows it to combine a full range of features in an easy to use package. The Panasonic KX-FP85 features fax, copier, telephone, speakerphone, digital answering machine, and caller id.

The machine can memorize up to 50 numbers. Numbers can be recalled using the round jog dial. It has a finger indentation and soft clicks to help you focus in on a number. The speakerphone can be used instead for hands free use. Sound clarity through the speaker was good; the sound from the handset was also clear and bright. The keypad features large buttons for easy punching.

Faxing was fast and easy. Instructions are printed on the document feeder. All one had to do was to insert the original face side down into the fax machine. Dial the number and press the green start button located at the bottom right corner. There is only one green button, and it cannot be missed. Numbers that memorized in the fax machine can be called up using the round jog dial.

Copying documents was also a snap, repeating some of the same steps as faxing. One had to insert the document, and press the start button. Copying takes less than a minute. The copier allows you to make up to 99 multiples of the same copy, and to enlarge or reduce an image. Copying quality was good, the contrast was a bit high, but acceptable.

The fax/copier uses plain paper and holds about half an inch, or 50 sheets of paper. The document feeder can handle up to 10 sheets of paper for hands free faxing. The only caveat to using the copier/fax is that documents must be flat and large enough to be inserted otherwise it may jam.

Among the added features of this fax machine is the digital answering machine, and caller id. The answering machine can record up to 18 minutes. Caller ID requires service from the phone company. The fax machine can be setup to automatically receive faxes, or set to manually receive faxes when the user presses receive.

The KX-FP85 will mainly benefit small SOHO users because the machine incorporates everything, saving them from getting an additional phone line. Those with more than one phone line (for the fax) will also find this machine useful, as they do not have to buy an answering machine for it. The most demanding users will find this machine insufficient because the autodialer holds only 50 numbers, and the answering machine can record only 18 minutes.

Average Price: $120+

Recommended: Yes

Purchase Price (if leased, monthly payment): -