The problem with this is that there is a wide range of technical sophistication "out there". You may have a scanner and find it a "no brainer" to scan and email

The problem with this is that there is a wide range of technical sophistication "out there". You may have a scanner and find it a "no brainer" to scan and email paper originals, but don't make the mistake that everyone falls into this category. Fax (as a stand-alone device) will eventually go away, but it will be around for many years to come. For many, the ease and convenience (and decidedly "low tech" requirements) of a fax machine is just too appealing. As to how this relates to your decision, get a low-cost Internet Fax account. If you prefer to scan and email, you can do this, while still providing a way for those who wish to fax to do so (and you get the fax as a PDF file in your email). It also gives you the option to scan and fax, when you encounter someone who can't or doesn't want to receive your scan via email.