Well, after much debating within myself, I've decided to return the MP780 to
Staples. I got it for $199, but think I'll wait for the next Canon
generation. Maybe (pigs will fly!) they will consider putting a good fax
software package with the AIO if they truly want to compete with HP in this
HP-dominated market.
I don't see this happening. For one thing, all their new AIOs are
photo oriented... this is Canon's bag. There isn't a fax modem offered
on any of the new line nor do I see it being offered anytime soon.
HPs offer a pretty good solution as far as compliment of software and
integrating it into a full blown office solution. This is esp useful
among those users who expect an all in one solution to be fully
documented to peform all the specific fuctions. Others who use
mainstream applications like photoshop or word for example don't really
find this to be nessicary. Canon as an AIO is not as mature. They do
offer springboard software so you can do basic operations like copy,
scan to PDF, scan to email and whatnot but it's rather limited... a
benifit to experenced users who don't want to install 80megs of bloat
on their machines but not for others who don't already have existing
software. Even Lexmark's software suite is better in contrast even if
they have issues like expensive consumables for lower end models and a
lack of driver refinement.
But fax software... I don't see canon offering this because it's not
required. On a device that has a fax modem all one needs to use is use
any text editor or word processor and print to the fax device. Nothing
specalized other than having printer driver that prints to the fax
device.... preferably with a phone list or better yet being able to use
existing contact lists in your e-mail software. Fax support isn't
needed as much as it once was... as more and more users get dsl/cable
connections it frees up their modem to do things like FAX... MS
supports fax out of the box, many fax modems you buy for under $20.00
come with their own fax suite and their own fax driver. I don't need
see the need to offer pc to fax support on an AIO as pc to fax support
is already covered with a fax modem. Paper to fax support is not
supported out the windows box.