[SATLUG] Scanner/Fax

[John Pappas]

Assume that Internet Faxing (MyFax, GreenFax) does not fulfill the fax part
requirement?  I love the internet faxing services, since they are cheap for
light usage, widely accessible, easy to use, cross-platform, light from a
software and hardware footprint, and do not bog me down with additional
equipment that hinders my mobility.  Since I am generally faxing originals,
that I did not have to optically acquire in the first place, I can
SIMULTANEOUSLY fax and email the recipient since these services act just
like email (ie TO: Them at TheirDomian.tld;12105551234 at greenfax.com, and attach
a file)

If you want to receive faxes, there will be a monthly fee associated with
the provisioning of a personal phone number, but basically all inbound fax
systems send a PDF or TIFF copy of the fax to one or more email addresses.
I usually just gimp them to add whatever content is needed if I have to fax
them back, or simply embed the image into a ODT to be PDF'ed, archived, and
faxed back.

I have been using Greenfax for 2 years.  I really like it, but have been
introduced to MyFax, and it looks much better from a Web Access side.  The
web GUI and admin features look more professional and cleaner.  They are
similarly priced, and provide similar usage.  Even my non-tech users have no
trouble with it, and a couple can even directly fax from the Ricoh!

On the scanner side, I use a Ricoh is200e network scanner, I love it, but it
probably would be overkill for your needs.  The Epson scanners have vendor
support via proprietary firmware (think Madwifi-esque).  Past that, the MFCs
from HP and a couple from Brother are directly supported by the vendor.  The
SANE database of supported scanners is really the best source of Linux
scanner support.

While I was shopping I found that the ADF (Auto Doc Feeder) added a
substantial cost increase, as did duplex scanning capability.  For a
straight host connected flatbed scanner, I have no personal experience.

I like the network connected versions, since I am a heavy laptop user, and
like the flexibility of the ADF, Duplex, and Flatbed options.  I have found
that 200dpi tends to be fine for nearly all of our capture needs, while
600dpi is good for aquireing graphics for manipulation.  I think most
resolutions higher than that are for true professionals or marketing.

I am sorry that I do not have more useful info on this topic :(

John

On 1/6/07, Bruce Dubbs <bruce.dubbs at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I have a need for a Linux scanner and fax.  I don't particularly need a
> printer, but your like to send and receive faxes as well as scan in a
> few pages.  The use would be quite light.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
>
>   -- Bruce
> --
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