Mac Fax

wicky · #1 November 19th, 2006, 07:13 PM

I need fax capability, and can't believe that buying a fax is the way forward!?

I connect to the web via ethernet, and don't currently have a landline in my home office (use hands free from elsewhere in the house). The best scenario would be to have a permanent solution setup for biz cards, etc.

Could somebody please tell me what my options are?

Ifrit · #2 November 19th, 2006, 07:53 PM

If you connect with a standard ethernet cable and just use the 10/100 MBit standard (opposed to gigabit ethernet), then 4 lines (wires) of this ethernet cable are unused. There are adapters which let you use these lines as "telephone cable". Disadvantage: you have to use an adaptor on the other side of the ethernet line before it is connected to a modem/network device.

If it is the case that the "other side" of the ethernet cable connects directly to a modem/router, chances are great that you can plug the second adaptor into thephone line near the router/modem thus extending your landline. See attachment. This is the solution one of the enterprises, I worked for, uses (ok its more complicated, but the basics remain the same)

edit. concerning the modem label in the graphic, I am talking about a DSL modem

wicky · #3 November 20th, 2006, 05:25 AM

Thanks ifrit. I have a couple of questions:

• How can I tell if my computers are communicating at 100 or 1000 baseT?
• Got any idea what the adaptor is called and where I might get one (in the UK)?

Cheers

sgould · #4 November 20th, 2006, 08:54 AM

Depends on what model of Mac you have too. Mine has a telephone modem installed and came with the Smith Micro FaxstfX software installed. I use that (but not often) most people accept e-mail attachments these days.

http://www.smithmicro.com/default.tp...l&sku=STFMAPXX

wicky · #5 November 20th, 2006, 09:01 AM

Yes, I normally send as email attachments, but many companies it still seems prefer fax.

I'm using a G5, but it doesn't have the modem hardware hence looking for a different solution.

bobw · #6 November 20th, 2006, 10:16 AM

Take a look at eFax.

wicky · #7 November 20th, 2006, 01:45 PM

Cheers Bob,

I like the solution, but not the overheads. A cheap fax would work out cheaper after a few months, and once the numbers on your business card it becomes more difficult to opt out.

I'd rather pay some money up front for whatever kit I need, rather than have yet another hole in my bank account.

Ifit's adaptor looks pretty good, but not sure where to start looking.

showngo · #8 November 20th, 2006, 05:43 PM

Wicky, I am with bobw on this. I personally use eFax for my company, and love it so far (about two weeks now).