 | Low: $50-$130 |
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 | Medium: $100-$300 |
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 | High: $250-$600 |
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| Multifunction inkjet printers (MFPs), also called all-in-one printers, print in color and black and white, as well as copy, scan and in some cases fax documents. Some multifunction printers have an integrated fax modem, enabling users to fax hard copies as they would with a regular fax machine, while others fax through the computer. In addition, some models offer dedicated photo-printing capabilities or the ability to make double-sided prints. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Entry-level multifunction inkjet printers typically cost $50 to $130. The Brother MFC-295CN costs about $70. It prints text at a maximum resolution of up to 6000x1200 dpi (dot per inch) and scans, copies and faxes without the need for a PC.
- Photo all-in-one inkjet printers offer similar multiple functions but are geared towards printing photos rather than text or graphics. Many offer compatibility with USB flash drives, memory cards and even bluetooth devices in order to print photos without the need for a PC. Expect to pay $80 to $300 for this type of MFP. The Canon PIXMA MP640, for example, costs $180. It doesn't provide a fax function but offers a maximum print resolution of 9600x2400 dpi and prints a borderless 4x6-inch photo in approximately 20 seconds.
- Mid-level multifunction inkjet printers tend to offer higher capacity feed trays and faster print speeds, and typically cost $100 to $300. An example of this type of MFP is the Epson Artisan 810, costing $225. It offers built-in WiFi and Ethernet networking capability (so the multifunction printer can be accessed by multiple computers) and prints at a maximum speed of 38 ppm (pages per minute). It scans, copies and faxes, even in color.
- High-end multifunction inkjet printers are suitable for users looking for high capacity paper trays and high volume duty cycles. Expect to pay $250 to $600. HP Officejet Pro 8500 Premier All-in-One costs about $320 and has a built-in wireless networking capacity. It prints at a maximum speed of 35 ppm for black text and 34 ppm in color, as well as scanning, copying and faxing.
What should be included: | - All multifunction inkjet printers can print in color and black-and-white, scan and copy. Most can also send and receive faxes.
- At least one color print cartridge and one black cartridge.
- Software including printer drivers and scanning program.
- Most multifunction inkjet printers also include a USB cable, telephone handset and phone cord.
Additional costs: | - Replacement ink cartridges cost $10 -$35. A replacement black cartridge will yield approximately 750 sheets while color will yield 400 sheets. (Generic brand or refurbished replacement ink cartridges can be found at a discount).
- Refill kits from providers such as Inkjet Cartridges offer an alternative to buying replacement ink cartridges and are capable of refilling a cartridge multiple times for a cost of about $15 to $40.
- Photo paper costs $20 to $40 for 50 to 150 sheets. Brochure and presentation paper costs $10 to $30 depending on size and finish.
- Print Finishing Lacquers cost $5 to $20 for a spray can.
- USB cable to connect all-in-one printer to computer ($10).
- Vendors that offer a wide variety of inkjet printer supplies include 123Inkjets and Amazon.
Discounts: | - Sales and specials are common at electronics discount stores. One-generation-old models may be sold at a substantial discount compared to the latest model printers.
- Manufacturers such as Epson sell refurbished multifunction inkjet printers at a discount.
Shopping for a multifunction inkjet printer: | - PC World offers a buying guide for multifunction printers.
- Compare online prices from sites such as Amazon or JR.com with those from national retails chains such as Best Buy.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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