Versatile, Portable Machine Makes Faxing a Bit Easier

The cost of a computer seems to be just the beginning these days if you want to set up a well-equipped office. There are also the printer, the copier, the image scanner and the fax machine to consider.

So recently, when I heard about a machine called the Tefax that connects to a personal computer and can function not only as a fax machine but also as a copier, a scanner and a printer, my interest was piqued. At a list price of $1,495, it sounded too good to be true.

Indeed, there are limits to the Tefax, so much so that it isn’t really a substitute for a copier or a scanner or a printer.

But the portable Tefax--which comes in versions to connect either to an IBM or compatible computer or an Apple Macintosh--is a good fax machine. And the software that allows it to be controlled by the computer gives it some operating advantages over many stand-alone fax units and fax circuit boards for computers.

Fax, shorthand for facsimile, is an old technology that has skyrocketed in popularity during the past couple of years. It uses ordinary telephone lines to transmit to any fax machine virtually anywhere in the world a copy of any image that can be put onto a sheet of paper.

The universality and simplicity of fax stands in stark contrast to computers, where the dream of universal compatibility remains unfulfilled and where it is often difficult to transfer information from one machine to another--perhaps even impossible in the case of graphic images.

The Tefax doesn’t need a computer to operate. One can merely plug a telephone line into it, slide up to five sheets of paper into the feed tray, dial the telephone number of the receiving fax with the telephone handset supplied with the Tefax and press a button to start sending. Receiving fax images is even easier. Just turn it on. The portable typewriter-sized Tefax even comes with a handle so that you can carry it along with you on trips.

Store Lists of Names, Cities

When you connect the Tefax to a computer with a cable and load the special Tefaxcom software, however, sending and receiving fax images is even more convenient. The software controls the Tefax and automates some of the processes.

For instance, you can store a list of the names and cities of the fax telephone numbers that you will be calling. The Tefax will call whatever number you select with an easy command. In version 1.1 of the software, which I tested, up to 250 numbers can be stored, and version 2.0 due out within a month allows unlimited storage.

Perhaps the most useful feature is the “auto mode,” which allows for automatic operation. For instance, you can program it to send one fax or multiple groups of faxes at night when phone rates are down. Incidentally, if the Tefax gets a busy signal when it calls, it will call the number up to six times at five-minute intervals before giving up.

As a protection against junk fax and other unauthorized use, the Tefax provides for a password of up to 20 characters that must be sent by other fax machines before the Tefax will operate.

One of the greatest advantages of connecting a fax to a computer is that files can be created in the computer and sent directly out without having been printed on paper first. With the Tefaxcom software, a number of such files can be merged into one long fax document that can be transmitted more efficiently than can a series of files.

To transmit text created on the computer, a word processing program must be used with the Tefaxcom software. A simple word processor that creates plain text files is best. I used PC-Write.

Once a text file is created, it must be converted into fax image form before it can be transmitted. That can take a few minutes, depending on the length of the file and the speed of your computer.

Standard Fax Paper

Another way to get fax files into the computer is to scan them in with the Tefax, using the “scan” feature of the software. You also can scan drawings and photos. In the coming version 2.0 of the software, those scanned images can be converted into several popular graphic formats that allow them to be used with desktop publishing and other graphics programs. But in the current version, all you can do is send them to other fax machines.

A fax image file can be printed as well as transmitted. The Tefax unit will print it on standard coated fax paper. Alternatively, you can print it on the computer printer, providing it is an Epson 24-pin dot matrix or compatible printer for PCs, or a Macintosh-compatible printer for the Mac version. Version 2.0 of the PC software will also print to Hewlett-Packard Laser Jet printers. (Image files do need to be printed. Although they can be viewed on the screen, they are difficult to read because the image size does not match the screen size.)

To use the Tefax as a copier, one merely runs the sheets to be copied through it as if they were being transmitted as fax, but instead the images are either printed on the Tefax built-in printer or stored as image files on the PC or Mac.

With so many talents, why do I think the Tefax isn’t really a substitute for a copier, a scanner or a printer? As a copier, it is limited to single sheet material. There is no way to copy a page from a book or a magazine or a stapled report. And unless you take the time to store the image on the computer and print it on the computer printer, the copy is on flimsy paper.

As a printer, the Tefax has the same problem with flimsy, fax-quality paper that, despite its shortcomings, is expensive.

As a scanner, again you are limited to single-sheet originals. The scanner resolution is not as high as most desktop scanners, and photos don’t come out well. Finally, the resulting image file has to be converted to another format to be useful with other computer software.

But if the Tefax is not exactly a four-in-one wonder machine, it is a quite versatile and portable fax machine to use in the office or on the road.

Computer File welcomes readers’ comments but regrets that the author cannot respond individually to letters. Write to Richard O’Reilly, Computer File, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053.

TEFAX

Tefax is a portable, versatile fax machine that has added features when it is run by a computer. The list price is $1,495.

Features

The software allows the storing of fax phone numbers, scheduling of calls and files for transfer, automated polling of other fax machines to retrieve data and password protection. Also doubles as a scanner, a copier and a draft printer.

Requirements

IBM PC or compatible computer with 640 kilobytes of memory, a hard disk, a graphics monitor and DOS version 3.0 or above. Or a Macintosh 512 or more powerful Mac, preferably with a hard disk. (New Macintosh version of Tefax limited to Mac Plus or more powerful machines will sell for $1,595 after August and will accept faxes in background.)

Manufacturer

Relisys, 320 S. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, Calif. 95035. Phone: (408) 945-0587. Fax: (408) 945-0587.