Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic KX-FP101 Fax Machine

I bought this fax machine because I was tired of leaving my computer running 24 - 7 to receive faxes. This Fax machine might have some nice features but it is lacking in some basics (both in advertizing specifications, hardware and quality).... I was shocked to find out that it is rated at only 9600 baud rate - I figured all fax machines sold nowadays are rated at 14,400 - boy was I wrong (I guess if they don't say 14.4k then you have to assume it's a 9.6k). Nowhere (except in the specifications INSIDE the manual) did it say anything about baud rate. I ragged on my clients for not having 14,400 fax machines and got most of them to upgrade and I end looking pretty stupid on this one.

I could not believe that you have to purchase an additional paper tray for receiving incoming faxes. If you have your fax machine anywhere close to the edge of a desk - your incoming faxes will end up on the floor without this "paper stacker" (which Amazon.com does not sell). How lame and cheap can you get?

Also I was very displeased to find out it only came with a so-called "free starter film cartridge" that will allow you to print up to 65 pages (whoopdeedo) and then you have to buy the "real" Film Cartridge (prints up to 330 pgs) - anywhere from $26.99 to $35.00 - depending on who you buy it from. This is like buying a printer with no printer cartridge in it - every Laserjet or bubble jet printer I have ever bought has come with a complete printer cartridge.

And then to top it off - the few faxes I have received so far from three (3) different souces has some hairline marks running vertically up and down on the printed pages.

The additional items you have to purchase makes that $129.99 fax machine total to $164.34 (shipping not included) for a complete ready to go package.

I think I'll return mine and go back to using my computer fax!!!

Panasonic brands have been one of my all time favorites and this fax machine just reinforces my belief in the product line. It is easy to set up and operate. The drop in cartridge is wonderful. The only drawback I see is there is no exiting paper catch/tray. I would have rated it five stars had there been one, even if I had to purchase separately.

The quality of received faxes for this machine is very poor. I am a fan of Amazon.com and don't like to return things, but the print quality resembles that of the old thermal faxes. I returned it.

Also, beware that Panasonic is shipping this fax without the fax receiving tray, which you will need to order.

Just recieved this unit. Was able to use it out of the box, without looking at the instructions. I did have to clean the rollers and reading area to get it to print without lines or blank spots...looks fine now. Also, the paper tray that others had to purchase is now included as a "promotional item"...guess they caught some grief over that. I think it does all I would expect it to at this price; send and recieve faxes and make an occasional copy. Overall, a decent little unit.

Very well organized manual and set-up is a breeze. My printquality is fine so far. Compared to the thermal paper machine thisreplaces, it's as if I died and went to heaven.