Extremely sharp printouts from a fax machine were tough to find among the rolls of curled fax paper 15 years ago. Now, though, laser-print technologies in desktop fax machines are easier to find, as they are in the Sharp FO-3150.

Fax printouts from the FO-3150 boast the sharpness you'd expect from a laser fax machine. Its maximum fax printing speed is about eight pages per minute, which is a little below average but tolerable in most instances.

Outside of the unit's laser printouts, the FO-3150 doesn't carry a large number of high-end features. The FO-3150 only sends fax messages at speeds up to 10 pages per minute, which is an average speed. If the FO-3150's 200-sheet paper tray is ever empty, it can only store about 90-100 pages in its 1.8 MB of memory. More memory is much more desirable and expected in a desktop fax machine in this price range.

This unit does have a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, which works well for sending multi-page faxes. And the FO-3150 offers users a simple control panel, making it very easy to use. With its laser-print quality, you'll appreciate the FO-3150's ability to serve as a makeshift copier. However, this unit's copying functions are extremely limited, and you'll have no ability to resize original documents when copying. If you need a copier more than a few times a month, relying on the FO-3150 as your only copier option might be a mistake.

Ultimately, though, the biggest consideration for offices with the FO-3150 is its relatively high cost of nearly $300. Most of this unit's basic fax features are comparable to inkjet desktop fax machines--which carry a smaller price tag. Then there's the unit's toner cartridge, which can cost about $100. Fortunately, it should be good for 3,000 pages.

You'll have to decide whether the sharpness of laser-quality prints from your fax machine is worth the extra money you'll spend on the FO-3150.


Pros: Sharp printouts, laser-print technology is handy, 20-sheet ADF
Cons: Price tag is a little high, overall features could be better

Warranty
n/a