Sharp has introduced a new fax product that uses broadband technology to send and receive faxes directly to e-mail, and to create a stand-alone communications tool.

Called the Broadband Fax (model UX-B800SE), the product eliminates the need for fee-based internet fax services. It combines the features of a traditional fax, copier, phone and scanner into a single machine with the added benefit of direct to e-mail faxing capabilities.

The Broadband Fax setup lets the user plug the unit into an existing broadband internet service provider, phone line and power outlet. It has a full-function QWERTY keyboard.

The built-in scanner enables documents to be sent via PDF or TIFF format directly to an e-mail without connecting to a PC.

The Broadband Fax is programmed with a web-based system that allows any user on the network to enter speed dial numbers, e-mail addresses and e-mail groups from a web browser.