Brother's 2480C desktop fax machine gives users a compact piece of hardware that delivers a variety of handy--but entry-level--features.

This desktop fax machine rests at the top end of budget-priced units with a suggested price of $129, and most of its features are about what you'd expect in that price range. However, the 2480C offers a few unexpected bonuses.

The 2480C uses inkjet printing, meaning it can print in either black or full color, giving it an advantage over many budget-priced desktop fax machines that may print in black ink only or use a thermal-transfer printing method.

One feature that will appeal to those with limited desk space is the 2480C's compact size. The unit's footprint is a nice size, measuring about 17x15 inches. But the 2480C measures only seven inches in height, making it easy to fit the unit on a shelf or under a hanging cabinet. This desktop fax includes a glass-top, flatbed surface for sending single-page faxes, which is handy in a budget-priced machine.

Brother has aimed most of the 2480C's other features at entry-level users. You can send faxes at speeds up to 10 pages per minute in draft mode; many higher-priced machines can deliver better speed. The 2480C's 16 MB of memory is handy, as the machine can store up to 300 fax pages in memory. That amount comes in handy if you receive a lot of faxes, the 2480C's paper tray can hold only up to 100 sheets.

As with most desktop fax machines, the 2480C includes several additonal features. This unit has a telephone handset, a few advanced copier functions and limited printing capabilities. The 2480C offers a few more mid-level features than you'd expect in a budget-priced unit, but not enough of them to appeal to those needing solutions for a busy office environment.


Pros: Short unit that can fit under a shelf, several handy entry-level features
Cons: Only 100-sheet paper tray, sending speed could be better

Warranty
1-year limited