INK & TONER
Panasonic KX-FL511 Review
 
Editor's Review
Panasonic KX-FL511 by Andrew Hall 09/01/2010 OVERVIEW: The Panasonic KX-FL511 is a low-end laser fax/copier machine designed exclusively for those two functions -- it does not scan or print, nor does it have any means by which to connect it to a computer to extend its functions beyond faxing and printing -- and one that's difficult to recommend, especially now that the product is discontinued. Many all-in-one units outperform the KX-FL511 at both faxing and copying while also allowing for expandability and longer-term use, as well as less downtime, making them overall much better values.
Editor's Pros & Cons
PROS:
The fax/copier unit measures 16.9" by 8.66" by 14.2" and ships in a package that weighs 23 lbs. This is a relatively compact unit that will fit comfortably alongside other paper equipment on a work desk or table dedicated to printing units, though there are slightly larger integrated units that would occupy less space overall.
The fax machine includes a 2-line, 16-character LCD to communicate information.
The unit has a maximum paper capacity of 220 sheets that cannot be expanded for both copies and faxes.
The unit can make a maximum of 99 copies at one time. However, for obvious reasons, multidocument faxes will require reloading. When receiving faxes, the KX-FL511 can store up to 170 pages at a time when out of paper for later printing.
The unit sends faxes using a 14.4 kbps modem. It supports 3-key, 20-station broadcasting in addition to speed dialing, delayed sends, 20-page automatic document feeding, and touch-tone dialing. Pages transmit at a rate of 8 seconds per page.
The unit both copies and faxes at a resolution of 600 by 600 dpi and can reduce and enlarge documents between 50% and 200% in size in 5% increments, less specific than other copiers that can move in .1% increments for greater precision. The unit processes letter paper. CONS:
The KX-FL511's fax features are well behind those of many all-in-one units. Most units offer modems at 33.6 kbps, over twice the speed of the KX-FL511's.
While the maximum fax resolution of 600 dpi is standard, many copiers offer resolutions at either 1200 or 2400 dpi, which will produce much more detailed images.
The KX-FL511 can only process letter-sized paper, essentially making the unit unusable for environments that need to send faxes or copies of documents that are non-standard sizes. It has no flatbed to scan non-standard, smaller or larger papers, and feeding them through this unit's rollers runs the risk of jamming the unit.
The KX-FL511's paper tray cannot hold any more than 220 sheets, under half a ream of paper. It also produces copies and faxes at a maximum of speed of 12 pages per minute, well below the standard speed of 20 pages per minute. There is no way to connect the KX-FL511 to a computer to perform internet faxing, to print documents, or to scan them. All of this means that the KX-FL511 is almost completely unqualified for office use, as it will require frequent maintenance and downtime to maintain its operation and cannot possibly begin to meet industry copying needs. Furthermore, for personal use, there are many inexpensive laser printers that offer this unit's essential functions at higher speeds and with more long-term potential. Many users complain that the costs of replacement drum and toner units nearly equal the cost of the unit itself, as well as that the unit begins to jam regularly after about a year of regular use as a consequence of the machine's generally poor build quality. Other users report that the unit regularly misreports the amount of toner present and that faxes often take multiple tries to send.
INK/TONER NEEDS:
The KX-FL511 has separate toner and drum units, bringing down overall replacement costs but possibly bringing up the amount of maintenance performed in order to maintain the printer's function. The toner cartridge is rated to print 2500 pages at 5% coverage before replacement and the drum unit is rated for 10000 pages based on 5% coverage, essentially meaning that the drum must be replaced with every four toner cartridges. 
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DRUM(s)
