|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
From: Rufus Laggren (no email)
Date: Fri Mar 07 2003 - 20:57:15 EST
> question 2..
> Does it make sense
> to have a scanner (which I have) and scan documents into the computer and
> then use the computer's fax or should I go with a fax machine (which I
> already have, also).
Roger,
Stand-alone fax over cell. I'm not sure this is valid, but: There is a gizmo that will connect normal voice phones and periperals to late model cell phones so that (eg) all the normal phones in the house will use the cell connection instead of the land line. Connecting a fax machine thusly may do the trick.
I can think of at least 2 issues on the fax methodology:
1) Phone-line usage. Cell phones are still pretty slow, and if you fax much, you will probably need a second "line". You will need shelf space in a good signal location for a separate fax phone. If you only fax rarely, maybe one line will do for a while.
2) Fail-soft. If you put everything on you PC and it fails, you're totally dead. With separate fax, you may still be able to transact business. If I read you post correctly, you already plan to use a peripheral capable of stand-alone faxing. This is also an argument for activly using a PDA which you keep sync'd with your PC.
However, it's not that expensive to maintain a totally redundant PC system, using hardwire ethernet to do a system copy every day. It may be a little costly in terms of space (unless you use a 2nd laptop), but considering the potential savings, it's worth a thought.
It's good to have several ways to do things. To that end, you could set up you PC to be fax capable, while using the stand alone. There are also services on the net which will deliver faxed copies of your word processor documents. However, I guarrantee you that you'll not be able to get any of the alternatives going easily "after the fact". If you know you're critically dependent on communication, then try to test your emergency procedures ahead of time.
Best luck. Rufus
-- __________________________________________________________ Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ___________________________________________________________________________ || The Live-Aboard List : send a "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" request || || in body of message to: ||
|