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

WHAT I LIKE: speed dial is a cinch; multi-tasks as phone, fax, answering machine, and last-resort copier; answering machine is digital (no distorted tapes) and functions remotely (check your messages from anywhere); prints on plain paper (not those nasty, curly thermal rolls); offers different graphics settings for fax (photos, light/dark, etc.); "hold" button is useful for phone calls; if image toner roll runs out mid-fax or while you're out, messages and faxes are autoatically stored in memory; automatically detects incoming phone calls vs. faxes on TAD setting -- no need to be there to switch the machine over; identifies and receives 99% of incoming faxes, no matter what machine the sender is using.

WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED: while the toner rolls are inexpensive and easy to find at office supply stores, they don't last more than a few months with heavy useage; the "speaker" setting is for outgoing calls only until call is answered -- not a real speakerphone; a blinking light would be easier to see than the blinking LED display to show new messages; remote functions are thorough but require exhaustive list of codes, like *3 and *33 and *5 and *# -- too complicated to bother; I personally use the "copier" function only when my other machine is down, because the quality looks like a fax and because it uses up the image toner roll.

Overall, like I said, if you are willing to spend 10 minutes with an instruction manual for initial setup -- which I hope you would be to properly learn your machine -- then it's a great fax with tons of useful features. No one will ever know you saved so much money on it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


I love this machine!   March 7, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Hi, I purchased this machine quite a while ago for our house. I love it. It works great, and does everything perfect.


sharp ux460 a little work horse   August 11, 2005
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

my ux460 has served me well through 4 years and countless tax return sessions and other light office duties on a daily basis. I only wish all small office products held up so well. The copy feed is a bit touchy one must nurse the pages thru one by one or two by two maybe. this is a good single sheet light office machine and a very good price.


Great product for the money!!   September 18, 2000
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

We've used this fax machine for the last nine months without any problems. This was our first fax machine. I found it simple to set up and simple to use for all my small business copies and fax use. The most complicated part was installing the fax ink ribbon. I used the customer service hotline, and they walked me right through it in about 2 minutes. Considering the very reasonable price I paid with the manufacturers rebate, it's been well worth it.