Do you need a fax machine? Maybe you need a printer? How about a scanner or copier? The Sharp FO 5700 printer with Sharp 5700 cartridge will do all of those. It will do it for considerably less money than a new multipurpose machine. The difference in price could be $600 or more. This unit has been used in offices for several years, with good service.
Is used or refurbished worth looking into?
What is it that you need? Do you need a multipurpose machine with office capability? There are units available that are much cheaper than new ones. You can still find Sharp compatible toners for them. The 5700 could be a good choice, even though they no longer make it. Look at some reasons.
Often times, refurbished machines will come with a warranty. You do not have to worry about buying something defective. A refurbished machine will have any problems on it fixed. There may have been troubles with that particular model. There is a good chance those things are taken care of. It actually may be better than a brand new machine, in that respect. When a machine is refurbished, it is tested. Not all new machines are tested. They usually only test a select few for proper operation. Your chances of getting a problem free machine increases with refurbished.
Is it a good brand?
The manufacturer has been in business since 1912. They have been making office equipment since the early 1980s. In the year 2000, they sold their ten millionth copy machine. They also have a very good support system. After many other innovative techniques and products, they still operate today.
Advantages of the FO 5700
This machine will fax as fast as the new ones. New ones referred to, are the FO 2080. The print speed is fast like the new ones. Both machines feature Super G3 technology.
The modem speed of 33.6 kbps is the same. They both have fax speed of two seconds per page. They both utilize laser printing. They share the same two MB fax memory. The 5700 has the same one hundred speed dial numbers as the new unit. However, it features 48 one-touch speed dial numbers. The new unit only has eighteen. The FO 5700 has the same transmission time as the new.
Downside of the FO 5700
The new machines are more advanced in Internet interface. They will allow Windows Vista. The older machine will only go up to Windows NT for the print driver. However, NT shares the same platform as XP. That would make XP a possibility. This could prevent some people from considering this machine.
There are some good reasons to consider a used or refurbished Sharp FO 5700 printer. It is considerably cheaper than new models. You will need a windows XP or older operating system. It is not made any more, however parts are still available. You should be able to buy toner and drums most anywhere. If you need a high output fax, scanner, copy machine, and printer, this might work. It will depend on your situation, and how much you have to spend. You need to replace laser printer toner cartridges occasionally so you need to purchse FO 5700 bulk toner. Sharp FO cartridge is necessary so that it fits the machine.
