Which multifunction printer?

[peter]

I work from home and only have one phone line. I very occassionally
get faxes. I want to buy a multifunction printer/scanner/copier/fax.
The current one has two faxes options - off or automatic. The problem
is that if it's on automatic and I'm out of the office it will answer
all calls and so people can't leave message on the answerphone. If I
turn the fax off though if I'm out of the office people can't send
faxes.

I remember ringing HP about this and they recommended a multifunction
that after two rings (?or less) would distinguish between a fax and a
voice call. Faxes would be then recieved or voice calls would continue
to ring and so go to answerphone. Trouble is when I just rang back the
guy seemed unsure and then said all their multifunctions do this!
Didn't give me a great deal of confidence.

Which HP machine would do want I need? Or from another other
manufacturer?

Peter

 

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

I work from home and only have one phone line. I very occassionally
get faxes. I want to buy a multifunction printer/scanner/copier/fax.
The current one has two faxes options - off or automatic. The problem
is that if it's on automatic and I'm out of the office it will answer
all calls and so people can't leave message on the answerphone. If I
turn the fax off though if I'm out of the office people can't send
faxes.

I remember ringing HP about this and they recommended a multifunction
that after two rings (?or less) would distinguish between a fax and a
voice call. Faxes would be then recieved or voice calls would continue
to ring and so go to answerphone. Trouble is when I just rang back the
guy seemed unsure and then said all their multifunctions do this!
Didn't give me a great deal of confidence.

Which HP machine would do want I need? Or from another other
manufacturer?

Solve the problem by spending five bucks a month to the phone company on
a second number (not phone line, just a second number that rings on your
current line) that rings differently.

My phone company calls it distinctive ring, some call it alternative
ring, whatever.

Then get a fax machine that understands the distinctive ringing and
answers only when the phone rings funny. Virtually all fax machines
nowadays do this. I know my Brother does.