Multifunction Printers

Multifunction Printers

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You need to print, scan, copy and fax and you have a small office space.  Or maybe you have a limited budget and don't want to

 invest in a bunch of hardware devices.  Or maybe you do one thing a lot - like fax, or print or scan or copy and want a device that does that one thing well and the others "o.k.".  Multifunction printers are designed to meet the needs of all of the scenarios we've described and more.  Sometimes a multifunction device is also good if you need a fax machine or simple copying capability and an "extra" printer as well.  As you can see, a multifunction device in your home office could be a great investment, time saver and inexpensive (or expensive if you invest in one of the higher end machines!) backup to a primary laser printer, fax machine scanner...well you get the picture.

The first thing to remember as you delve into the purchase of a multifunction device is that all of them have their history in one or another technology and therefore perform that function best.  You can often tell the derivation of the device simply by looking at it.  Does it look like a flatbed scanner?  Then probably this device's scanning capabilities are its best attributes, so if printing and/or faxing is your primary goal, find another device.

There is a lot to consider in the purchase of a multifunction device.  Here are some of the basics besides that "primary" versus secondary capabilities scenario we described above:

• Cost - not just the purchase price, but the cost of printing each page (toner cartridges, fuser rollers, etc.).
• Speed - copying, printing and faxing.
• Technology - ink jet versus laser and the quality differences in print output that each technology offers.
• Resolution - for printing AND scanning the bigger the numbers the better (in "dots" per inch).
• Software - especially for Optical Character Recognition (OCR) that is required for the scanning part of the device to function.
• Memory  - more is better here too (improves speed in all areas, especially for large or image intense documents).
• Interfaces - for you PC, your network or both.
• Compatibility - Windows, Macintosh, Linux and more.

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• Media Handling - amount of paper you can put in the trays and feeders and types of paper (including envelopes, transparencies and size varieties).
• Service and Support - always "big" with us, the warranty, service strategy and contact capabilities.

Although these devices are often relatively inexpensive, there is obviously a lot to think about before you invest your hard earned dollars.

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of multifunction devices and their manufacturers.  In fact, the number was so large, that we had to build a separate document with all the choices on them (and relevant information).  You can find this document at:  Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix.

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite printer from every manufacturer.  Just look for the ªsymbol!

Multifunction Printer Review

Multifunction Printers*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

Brother

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Brother multifunction printers have easy to install print, scanning and fax drivers and are straight forward to set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

Brother makes nine ink jet-based multifunction printers that range in price from $79.99 to $249.99, one color laser multifunction printer at $699.99 and eleven black and white laser-based multifunction printers that range in price from $199.99 to $599.99.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Brother's multifunction lasers are relatively fast and can easily handle most home-based business printing requirements.  The inkjet multifunction printers are slower but more than adequate printing, copying and scanning devices.  Ink jet printing speeds range from 25 to 30 pages per minute in black and white and 20 to 25 pages per minute in color.  Ink jets fax at both 14.4 and 33.6Kbps.  Laser multifunction printers have black and white printing speeds from 20 to 31 pages per minute print and the color laser multifunction printer delivers speeds of 31 pages per minute black and white and 8 pages per minute color.  All fax at 33.6Kbps.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Brother multifunction printers are very simple to configure.  You'll be printing, copying, scanning and faxing in no time.

Works With - YYYY

Brother printers are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows operating systems.

Support - pppp1/2

Brother products have a one year warranty.  Brother has an extensive tech support area on their web site with FAQ's, downloads, manuals, contacts and an ask us section.  You can also contact them via phone or fax ('800' number for phone support).

Features - iiii1/2

Caller ID support, telephone answering machines, media card readers, flat bed scanners, laser printers and fax machine configurations and inclusion of ScanSoft's PaperPortor Presto! PageManager OCR software are all good features in the Brother multifunction printer line.  Two ink jet multifunctions - MFC-665CW and MFC-845CW include Ethernet, USB and 802.11b/g wireless LAN connectivity as well.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

Brother has just about every configuration that you might want in a multifunction printer - flat beds, fax, ink jet, black and white and color lasers.  Pick the machine that best meets the requirements of your business and suits your pocket book.

Canon

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Canon multifunction printers have easy to install print, scanning and fax drivers and are straight forward to set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

Canon makes ten inkjet-based multifunction printers priced from $89.99 to $399.99.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Canon's multifunction ink jet multifunction devices are relatively fast and can easily handle most home-based business printing requirements.  Printing speeds range from 22 to 31 pages per minute black and white, 17 to 24 pages per minute color with 33.6Kbps fax.  Copying speeds range from 22 to 30 copies per minute in black and white and 17 to 24 copies per minute in color.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Canon multifunction printers are very simple to configure.  You'll be printing, faxing, copying and scanning in no time.

Works With - YYYY

Canon printers are designed for both Windows and Macintosh environments.

Support - pppp1/2

Canon printers have a one year exchange warranty.  The Canon web site has a lot of useful information, manuals, driver updates, FAQ's and a knowledge base.  If you need more help you can email them, or call.  Telephone support is via an 800 number for the first 90 days and is free.  After that period, you'll have to pay $9.99 per call (no "800" number, you must pick up the toll charges where they apply).  Tech support is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 12 midnight and Saturday from noon to 8 PM Eastern time.

Features - iiii

Probably the most interesting and "differentiating" capability in the Canon multifunction printer line is that many devices have a Direct Print Port and/or a media card reader.  They also include Easy-PhotoPrint, Easy-WebPrint, ArcSoft PhotoStudio and ScanSoft OmniPage SE with most of their multifunction devices.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Canon makes ink jet multifunction devices.  If you need color (for photo printing) then the ink jet devices, though more expensive, are the right choice. 

Dell

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The Dell multifunction printer drivers are easy to install and the printers are straight forward to set up and begin to use.

Cost - $$$1/2

Dell makes five ink jet-based multifunction printers priced from $69.00 to $249.00,one laser-based black and white multifunction printer at $429.00 and a color laser multifunction printer at $899.00.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Dell ink jet multifunction printers print at black and white speeds from 12 to 32 pages per minute and color at 13 to 23 pages per minute.   The laser multifunction printer prints and copies at 27 pages per minute.  Their speed and capabilities are in line with making your business more efficient and you more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Dell multifunction devices are easy to set up and use.  They also include easy-to-use software for scanning and photo editing.

Works With - YYY+

The Dell multifunction printers are designed to function in Windows 2000, XP and Vista environments only - with the exception of the Color Laser 3115cn which is also Macintosh, Unix and Linux compatible.

Support - pppp1/2

Dell offers a one year warranty (with two and three year options for $35 and $59 respectively) on their devices and has a comprehensive Web support site.  They also offer "800" access to support personnel.

Features - iii1/2

The ink jets include media card readers on the 966 models along with wireless on one of the 966's.  All but one of the ink jets include fax capability.  The color laser multifunction printer includes printer management capabilities for color levels along with a web-based configuration tool and toner and consumables monitoring.  However, we still like laser multifunction printers best - so our favorite remains the 1815dn that also includes fax capability. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Dell makes ink jet and color and black and white laser multifunction devices that perform copying, faxing, printing and scanning functions.  They deliver solid devices with good functionality at a competitive price.

Epson

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The Epson multifunction printer drivers are easy to install and the printers are straight forward to set up and begin to use.

Cost - $$$$

Epson offers eight ink jet-based multifunction printers priced at between $89.99 and $199.99 and two color laser multifunction printers at $599.99 and $699.99.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Epson multifunction printers print at black and white speeds from 17 to 30 pages per minute (comparable copying speeds) and color at 9 to 30 pages per minute.  The color lasers print at 25 pages per minute black and white and 5 pages per minute color. Their speed and capabilities are in line with making your business more efficient and you more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Epson multifunction devices are easy to set up and use.  They also include easy-to-use software for scanning and photo editing.

Works With - YYYY

The Epson multifunction printers support both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

Support - ppp

Epson printers have a one year exchange warranty.  The Epson web site has a lot of good technical information on it including downloads, technical tips, FAQs and more.  If you need more help with an ink jet, Epson has one option - email only.

Features - iiii

Faxing on only one ink jet (and one color laser) - mostly copying, scanning and printing.  Epson has concentrated their "extra" functionality on photo printing - with a slot for a variety of flash memory cards (all the prominent types) and an integrated LCD in the CX7800,  RX620 and RX620 so you can view your photo before printing and integrated flash memory reader on the device.  They've also included scanning and photo printing software with their devices as well as Direct Print support on many of the printers.

Overall Rating - %%%%

If your major focus is printing photos with a device that can also copy and scan, then the Epson printers should certainly be part of your decision-making process.  Solid devices at competitive prices.

HP

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

HP's multifunction printer drivers are easy to install and the printers are simple to set up and begin using.

Cost - $$$$

HP makes thirteen multifunction ink jet printers priced from $79.99 to $599.99, four color laser multifunction printers priced from $99.99 to $899.99 and five black and white laser multifunction printers that range in price from $299.99 to $699.99.  Their cost per printed page is competitive (based on printer model).  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

HP ink jet multifunction printers for the home business market print at black and white speeds from 20 to 32 pages per minute and color speeds of 13 to 31 pages per minute, black and white laser multifunction printers have speeds of 19 to 22 pages per minute and color lasers 8 to 20 pages per minute for black and white and 4 to 8 pages per minute for color- based on your needs, they can help you and your business save lots of time.

Ease of Use - @@@@

HP's multifunction printers are straight forward in their implementation and very usable.

Works With - YYYY

HP multifunction printers are designed to work in both the Windows and Macintosh environments.

Support - pppp1/2

HP products carry a one year warranty.  HP has a ton of good information on their web site that can help you troubleshoot problems - tips, troubleshooting "walk throughs", forums, FAQ's and more.  If you can't find what you need, you can contact tech support via email or phone, 24 hours per day through an HP-sponsored "800" number.

Features - iii1/2

Basic multifunction capabilities. Plusses for HP are a number of ink jet and black and white laser implementations that include media card readers for CompactFlash, Smart Media and other memory cards and LCD displays as well. Some OfficeJets also integrate 802.11 g/b wireless networking.  All of the laser multifunction printers include the option of adding Bluetooth or Ethernet/Fast Ethernet connectivity, many include Ethernet as a standard capability.  HP also includes a rich package of software applications  - the HP Image Zone for ink jets and ReadIRIS PRO for the lasers.

Overall Rating - %%%%

HP and printers are words that have gone together for a long time.  They still do.  HP's multifunction printers are solidly built, well priced and the long term cost of operating the printers is competitive as well.  Always a "safe" buy (with lots of printers to choose from!).

IBM

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

IBM's multifunction printers have easy to install print, scan and fax software and are straight forward to set up for use in your business.

Cost - $$$

IBM makes five black and white laser multifunction printers in eight models that are priced from $1,799.00 to $14,462.00 as well as one color laser at $5,339.00.  Their cost per printed page is competitive (based on printer model).  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

IBM's multifunction printers deliver print speeds between 35 and 55 pages per minute black and white, the color laser delivers 35 pages per minute black and white and 18 pages per minute color.

Ease of Use - @@@@

IBM's multifunction printers are simple to install and use.

Works With - YYYYY

The IBM multifunction printers are designed to operate in Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Unix and Novell environments.

Support - pppp1/2

IBM products are warranted for one year.  After that they offer a number of service plans (as well as upgrades to depot repair services).  Their web site has extensive tech support information and you can contact IBM via email or phone if you are still under warranty (or have purchased a service plan from them).

Features - iiii

Good multifunction capabilities.  Plusses are speed and input expansion capabilities as well as duplex printing and optional wireless (802.11g) connectivity.  Stackers, feeders, staplers and more are also available - for a price.

Overall Rating - %%%%

If you have the $$'s - fast, full-featured multifunction devices.

Lexmark

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Lexmark's multifunction print drivers and printers are easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

Lexmark makes ten ink jet-based multifunction printers that are priced from $49.99 to $279.99, nine black and white laser multifunction printers priced from $349.00 to $10799.00 and one color multifunction printer priced at $4,499.00.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Lexmark printers can accommodate the needs of most home-based businesses for speed and performance.  Their ink jet printers have black and white printing speeds from 17 to 32 pages per minute and color speeds of from 5 to 27 pages per minute.  The laser multifunction printers have print speeds from 21 to 48 pages per minute and the color laser prints in black and white at 25 pages per minute.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Lexmark's printers are easy to use.

Works With - YYYY1/2

Lexmark printers are compatible with a number of operating systems but this compatibility is DEVICE dependent.  So make sure that your OS (especially Macintosh) is supported BEFORE you purchase the multifunction device.  See the detail in our Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix before you buy.

Support - pppp1/2

Lexmark printers carry a standard one year warranty, however you can upgrade or extend the warranty coverage and period if you desire (for a price of course).  The Lexmark web site has lots of good technical information if you run into trouble.  Replacement and more in depth support is provided by local dealers (they'll help you find one on their site).

Features - iii1/2+

Basic multifunction capabilities - unless you want to pay the very big $$'s.  Some devices have extras like Ethernet or Memory Card slots - but you'll have to carefully peruse the printers' specifications before you purchase to make sure your chosen device has the capabilities you require.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Lexmark's printer are competitively priced and have most of the features and function you'll need in a multifunction device.   Good multifunction devices with solid support strategies behind them.

Ricoh

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Ricoh's print drivers are straight forward to install and the printers themselves are easy to set up for use.

Cost - $$$1/2

Ricoh makes nineteen black and white laser multifunction printers that are applicable for home based businesses priced from $399.99 to $6,598.80 and eight color multifunction printers (contact a reseller for pricing).  They also make a number of higher end black and white and color multifunction devices as well at prices starting at $6,000.00 which we have not reviewed here.  You can view these offerings at http://www.ricoh-usa.com.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

The Ricoh black and white products reviewed here deliver print speeds from 135 pages per minute, the color multifunction printers at 15 to 60 pages per minute for black and white, 6 to 55 pages per minute in color.  Higher speed options are also available from Ricoh for a higher price.  Any of the devices included in this review will more than meet the needs of most home based businesses.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Ricoh printers are easy to use - include lots of interface controls and control panel software as well.

Works With - YYYYY

Ricoh printers support a number of operating systems - however not all operating systems on all printers.  Check out product matrix before you purchase to ensure compatibility with your operating system.

Support - ppp1/2

Ricoh products carry a one year warranty. They have a very rich technical support area on their web site, but most of the support for your printer (if not all) will come from your local Ricoh dealer.

Features - iiii

Ricoh's multifunction devices are designed for small business and workgroups.  They offer lots of paper handling options (including duplexing units and finishers) and a number of "business related" features - like hard drives, broad font support and email integration.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Very robust multifunction devices for the home business producing lots of documents.  Not devices for the occasional user.

Samsung

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The print drivers for the Samsung multifunction printers as well as the printers themselves are easy to set up and use.

Cost - $$$$

Samsung makes nine laser-based multifunction printers that range in price from $199.99 to $1,699.99.  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Samsung makes multifunction laser printers with print speeds of 16 to 28 pages per minute. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Samsung printers are easy to use and set up.

Works With - YYY1/2

Samsung printers support a mixture of Windows only and Windows and Macintosh environments.  Check out product matrix before you purchase to ensure compatibility with your operating system.

Support - ppp1/2

Samsung products carry a one year warranty. They have a very rich technical support area on their web site, including "e-support" troubleshooting, a FAQ, manuals and more.  If you need more help, you'll have to resort to email.

Features - iii

Very basic printing functionality.  No "extras" in the software realm.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Decent price, newer models include improved resolution, basic functionality in a black and white laser, multifunction device. 

Xerox

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Drivers for Xerox multifunction printers are straight forward to install.  The printers are easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$1/2

Xerox makes nineteen multifunction black and white laser printers that can be easily applied for home-based businesses (they make other higher end devices as well) priced from $399.00 to $8,099.00 and six color multifunction laser printers priced from $579.00 to $5,299.00  See our product matrix Multifunction Printer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Xerox's laser-based multifunction printers deliver print speeds from 16 to 45 pages per minute black and white and color lasers deliver black and white speeds from 17 to 32 pages per minute and color speeds of 4 to 24 pages per minute.  More than enough (in most cases) speed to meet the needs of the most demanding home business.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The printers set up easily, as does (where applicable), the ScanSoft PaperPort and OmniPage software.

Works With - YYYY

Xerox's printers accommodate a wide variety of operating systems.  Some are, however, Windows only compatible.  Check out product matrix before you purchase to ensure compatibility with your operating system.

Support - pppp1/2

Xerox printers carry a one year warranty that you can extend or upgrade if you desire.  They have a very extensive tech support area on their web site with lots of places to find the information you'll need to solve your problems.  If you are still stuck, you can submit your problem using an on line form or call them at their "800" number.

Features - iii1/2+

Xerox's multifunction devices include a wide variety of features and functions.  All can however, print and copy.  Some include fax and/or scanning capabilities along with software from ScanSoft.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Solid machines, good support from a vendor that's been "doing" printing a copying for a long time.  A safe choice.