The Death of the Dinosaur Fax Machine

Do you remember those archaic machines, allowing you to put all kinds of documents through it and type in a phone number? Then you wait a minute for it to slide the paper slooooowly through as it dials for another minute. Sort of reminds you of the original dial-up internet service?

Those days are long gone for the "dinosaur" fax machine. These days, faxing has gone optimal.

And by optimal, this particular meaning calls for online — online faxing, that is.

Online Faxing

Online faxing is the wave of the future. When you think about it, it's a wonder why it never bothered to come around sooner — after all, e-mail had been around for more than two decades.

However, smartphones are the key. These days communication has been optimized in such a way that you can even fax a document by smartphone! No joke. Online faxing services have their share of apps to use for such brands as the Blackberry, Droid, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. With the kind of memory available in these smartphones, you can fax any document you want with just one touch of the phone.

Imagine if Robinson Crusoe had one of those babies, he'd be off the island in no time.

Other Benefits of Online Faxing

Some of the other possibilities make faxing that much easier than having to slip that piece of paper into the machine and wait for it to beep and swallow it up (like the dinosaur that it is).

You're looking at....

• No login required
• Easy composition right on your phone
• Quick access to contacts for fax numbers
• Faxing photos
• Convenient status checks

They should be self-explanatory, but here's some more elaboration. Typically, with these smartphone apps for online faxing, logins and passwords aren't necessary. Can you imagine just how much more convenient that really is?

Additionally, if you happen to want to immediately send something by fax, but you don't have the document — simply type a new one right on the phone, and get to sending it in right away!

Remembering your fax numbers is a breeze since a smartphone's already got the contacts menu for you; and unlike those dinosaur fax machines, you can repeatedly check on the status of faxes. In addition, there's the amusing feature of being able to fax your photos!

Are the Fax Dinosaurs Really Extinct?

Traditional fax extinction seems very possible, especially considering the reviews are so incredibly positive about online faxing apps. Even in office complexes, online and e-mail faxing services are the rage. However, if you're on the move, it's even better with that trusty smartphone.

Access, functionality and a wealth of options — yes, the dinosaurs are dead. And Robinson Crusoe with his trusty Blackberry has just been saved by the Navy — thanks to one online important fax.

About the Author: Jacquues Kozlow is a business and technology specialist. He enjoys sharing technological advances with companies who want to streamline their day to day practices.