Sharp UX-460 Plain Paper Fax with TAD

The UX-460 integrates a plain-paper fax machine, a copier, a telephone, and an all-digital answering system with up to 24 minutes of recording time; all functions perform well. Installation and setup were relatively quick and straightforward. We loaded the printing paper, entered the initial option settings, and sent the first fax in about 15 minutes. In fax mode, dialing numbers and sending transmissions involved only a few quick and easy steps.

The resolution and contrast settings for the UX-460 performed impressively even when reproducing photographs and illustrations. Unfortunately, the UX-460 allows you to insert only 10 pages at a time into the feeder. However, as long as you insert additional pages into the feeder carefully just before the previous page has been scanned, you can send as many pages as you like.

One of the UX-460's most attractive features is its digital answering machine, which allows you to receive voice messages and fax transmissions while you're away. In our tests, the messages always played clearly. We were most impressed with the unit's transfer function, which automatically prompts the UX-460 to call you at a specified number whenever it receives an incoming message. The answering machine's only apparent downside appeared when we connected an extension phone to the UX-460; the unit doesn't allow messages to be played, deleted, or recorded while the extension phone is in use.

The UX-460's 10-page, automatic-feed copier proved a pleasant surprise in our tests, producing copies unusually sharp for a fax machine.

Overall, the Sharp UX-460 is a near complete solution that should meet the communication needs of a small business or a household without a major investment of capital or resources.

Pros:

• User-friendly control settings
• Reliable scanning, copying
• 45 speed-dial numbers for automatic dialing
• Convenient answering machine settings

Cons:

• Feeder holds only 10 pages

The UX-460 features an all-digital answering system that includes 24 minutes of recording time and distinctive ring detection, great for when you have only one landline, because you can have up to four numbers on the same line, each with its own style of ringing. There'll be no more accidentally answering the phone when a fax is incoming. This system also has caller ID, which displays the caller's name and number, plus you can review, print, or return calls from the caller list. With a memory capacity of 512 KB, the UX-460 stores approximately 30 pages of incoming or outgoing documents. The automatic document feeder fits 60 sheets of letter paper or 30 legal sheets at a time and sends up to 10 pages automatically. Modem speed is 9,600 Kbps, about 15 seconds per sheet. --Dan Van Nest