While browsing the Lifehacker blog, I came across a post entitled “Do you Own a Fax?“. While reading the post, I had to chuckle because it wasn’t too long ago that I decided to get rid of my own fax and register with an online fax service. In an effort to simplify my life, I began questioning the value of all my equipment and gadgets. My reasons for getting rid of the fax were:
Taking up Space
With a printer, scanner, two computers (I write computer courseware for both the PC and Mac), Air Port device, 3-tiered in box, reference books, USB Drive (for Time Machine backups), and a USB Hub, my desk space is at a premium. Getting rid of the fax cleared up a lot of space on my shelves.
Cost
All of my business – both profession and personal – is now done via my cell phone. The only reason I still held on to my land-line phone service was because of the fax machine. After a bit of research, I found that online fax services run about $10 a month (there are even some free ones out there). By getting rid of the physical fax machine, I save close to $30 a month.
Maintenance
Not only did I have to clean and arrange the darn thing, but there was also the maintenance of regularly replacing the toner cartridges – once again, a savings of money as well. With an online fax service, there are also no paper jams.
Clutter
One of my resolutions for 2008 was to migrate to a paperless office (I have actually done quite well – I’ll talk about this in another post). Getting rid of the fax machine helped me to accomplish this. When I receive an order via online fax, it is in .pdf format. I process the order and then file the “fax” in my online database. Nothing is printed and no paper needs to be filed or otherwise dealt with. With my electronic database, I can also find the order quickly – no more rifling through files and papers.
How about you? Do you still have a fax?
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