Built-in fax: where's the demand?

[slightly]

Maybe I've missed the point, but built-in faxing must have a minority market that's only going to get smaller. For one thing, faxing from a computer won't work if you have broadband or other high-speed internet access.

In an office, you're likely to be part of a network where access is provided via the LAN, so, again, you won't be able to fax out from your computer.

In fact, the only instance it would be useful is where you have a home office with dial-up access. Shouldn't Apple be innovating rather than supporting a dwindling and archaic technology?

If it's really so set on supporting fax, why not set up a system of broadband faxing free for .Mac members? They should be able to set something up using VoIP.

Just my 2p.

Matt

[GraphicUmp]

All Macs still come with a built-in 56k modem. Attach a phone line and voilá, you have a fax machine. Regardless of internet connection - broadband or dialup. So yes, it will work if you have broadband. I do it all the time, except I have to use programs from other companies. With Panther, I won't need additional software.

That's why they did it - now people don't have to buy a separate fax machine: it's built in to their computer.

[Zammy-Sam]

Well, if I got you right, it's actually not about built-in fax, but built-in 56k-modem. And I think the modem is more useful than you think. When I travel around and I spend the night in some really cheap hotel, I appreciate my 56k modem. No other way to get online. Broadband? Yes, at home and on work. And for a long "in between"?
Well, and making a modem become a fax... just a matter of software...
Your arguement looks like everyone has broadband. Than, why would someone use fax when you can mail?

[ScottW]

Opensource faxing software is available on the UNIX platform and I imagine all Apple is doing is adding a GUI and calling it a day. Probably some programmer did that in their sleep and said, look what I did... and so they are including it.

Sometimes it's the little things that really add up.

You might say that the "slow motion" genie effect might be a waste of programming time eh?

Scott

[uoba]

I still need faxed signatures from clients. They won't put that in an e-mail (and I'm too paranoid to let them )

[akauppi]

Not to mention the ones that can get rid of the bulky fax they have - since Panther's also able to answer fax calls, even from its sleep mode. Cool!

Originally posted by GraphicUmp
That's why they did it - now people don't have to buy a separate fax machine: it's built in to their computer.

[fryke]

"Where's the demand?"

- Usually not where the question stems. There are businesses that rely on 'written' stuff. "Send us a fax." they say. "I could e-mail it to you..." - "No, no, no. Fax it in." --- And for those people, there's a demand. Steve also said something I thought was nice. "Faxing equals remote printing."

[wiz]

yea specially in CANADA it'z soo irritating.. but o well.