FAXstf X
OS X 10.1 and later
Price $59.95
http://www.smithmicro.com
This FAXstf X review has taken a long time to come to fruition. I obtained a copy of FAXstf X from Smith Micro shortly after last January’s MacWorld Convention in San Francisco. When my things-to-do list decreased to a manageable size, I began the process of installing and using the original shipping version of FAXstf X.
My attempt at a review did not get very far. Even with the timely email aid of Smith Micro Tech support, I was completely unable to install the original version of FAXstf X. The company’s various fixes and work-arounds did not correct the software’s inability install properly on my dual-800 G4 desktop Macintosh.
One proposed fix involve extensive use of the Terminal to work around various file permission-related shortcomings in the FAXstf X installer. These fixes and work-arounds probably would have been too daunting for the average user to try.
So, I remove all traces of FAXstf X from my computer, and put the software back in the drawer, where it lay fallow until two weeks ago.
Smith Micro has taken a lambasting in the Macintosh press for the various shortcomings of the original version of FAXstf X. Given that I could not get the original version to install, I was not able to verify how well the original version worked, or to see if the various shortcomings were real, or due to overly-high expectations on the part of other reviewers.
A recent free update to FAXstf X has completely corrected the installation problems that plagued me when I started this review process. FAXstf X version 10.0.3 installed quickly and painlessly without having to resort to any terminal machinations or other obscure command line fixes.
After completing the updated installation, I read the program’s Acrobat Reader Quickstart file to familiarize myself with the basics of sending and receiving faxes. There are some important differences between FAXstf X’s operation in OS 9 and OS X, so skimming through the Quickstart file is advisable. (Let me take this opportunity to bemoan the ongoing trend of software publishers to eliminate paper manuals, and provide only Adobe Acrobat PDF files.)
As in OS 9, FAXstf X sends faxes by using the Apple internal modem as a virtual printer. When you wish to send a fax, you choose the Apple internal modem as the printer, select the recipients and fax quality, then print. FAXstf X takes care of the rest. Unfortunately, you -must- use the OS X Address Book application to store fax numbers. No other method of storing fax numbers is supported. This proved very frustrating, as I do not use Apple’s Address Book (at least not until doing this review). However, Smith Micro does provide a way to import your OS 9 FAXstf phonebook into Apple’s Address Book application. I successfully imported my OS 9 fax numbers without any trouble.
FAXstf X does reliably send and receive faxes, which is its primary mission in life. I tested sending and receiving numerous faxes to different fax machines. All transmissions and receptions went normally. I could easily view and print both the sent and received faxes using the Fax Browser. Don’t forget to switch the printer setting back to your real printer from the Apple internal modem, otherwise you will be faxing your fax!
Be advised that the OS X version of FAXstf X does not have the wealth of features that the OS 9 version did. By comparison, the OS X version is a bare-bones product. While I could list the numerous features that FAXstf X does not have (groups, automatic re-sends if the receiving machine is busy, etc.), that would make too long a list. Suffice it to say that while FAXstf does send and receive faxes perfectly well, it is currently NOT a power-user fax application; it provides basic fax functionality.
If you are looking for sophisticated blast fax, or special time of day sending, you’ll have to keep looking. However, FAXstf is the only game in town for native OS X fax software. So, you have the unpleasant choice of using this version, and putting up with the dearth of advanced features, or re-booting into OS 9 and using the more sophisticated FAXstf 9, or your other OS 9 fax software. Smith Micro says that the more advanced features that distinguished the OS 9 version will be added over time. To that I say, the sooner the better! MyMac will be ready and waiting to evaluate the next version of the software
I don’t want to end this review on a sour note, as it is clear that Smith Micro is working to support and improve their product. Emails and calls to Tech Support were answered in a timely manner. The recent update fixes the original installer’s file permission problems. Plain-vanilla sending and receiving works reliably in OS X.
In conclusion, if you need to send faxes when using OS X, and come to the party fully aware of FAXstf X’s numerous limitations, you should find it an acceptable product. Let’s watch Smith Micro closely to see if they keep their promise to include advanced features in the near future.
MacMice Rating: 3 out of 5
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