Multifunction (print, scan, copy) devices

[Samantha]

I know I shouldn't, but I'm thinking of buying a multifunction device - an all-in-one print, scan, copy thing - for my home office where space is very tight. Anyone have experience, good or bad, with these MFDs? Except for Windows, I use no Microsoft software, so I particularly need a MFD with good generic drivers - that is, not "optimized" for MS Office, etc.

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[BigBlue66]

Hi,

I don't have much experience with this kind of unit. I would think that it would give you at least a few years of dependable service, but then if one thing goes wrong and has to be fixed, you're out the other two things until it is.

Not too sure about who all manufactures this type of unit, but if you can find one made by Hewlett Packard, then it's a safe bet that it will be reliable for awhile. Another good name in the copier business is Ricoh. Not sure if they make the multiple units.

Happy shopping. Post back and let us know what you decide and how it's going.

Big Blue 66


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[YODA74]

Cannon is another one there is a desighn firm i know uses one and they have had it for at least 6 years and still working.

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[chanant]

HP has what they called office jet model, can be used as a flip top photo copier. It works independently and provides quality BW and Color copies with numerous functions. I guess it all depends on what your needs are. It is also a scanner, but not a fax.

[sea69]

Lexmark has a unit like that out.

Lexmark (http://www.lexmark.com/US/Products/printers/0,2792,MjMxM3wx,00.html)


I like Lexmark printers.

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[Lucias_Clay]

I go along with sea on this I really like my lexmark printer it is small but always gives me clear crisp prints even on pics. But the ink is $$$$$$

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"It's not my fault!"

[sea69]

The cartriges are generally cheaper or the same as other printers, the Black Ink cart seems to last forever, this is important the reliability of the lexmark I have along with the company support and the long lasting ink carts make lexmark my choice.

other swear by HP....I do not like cannon at all.

just me

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[Paul Komski]

As previously mentioned it depends what the needs are. I have used a HP Laserjet since 1993 (about 6 reams of A4/year and a new cartidge every 2years or so). It still works perfectly and is fast and dependable. The initial high outlay has been well worth it. Of course it is monochrome. I have just added a Lexmark for color but the throughput and cost of the cartridges is a real turn off!!

Horses for courses I guess http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif but then I'm not cramped for space.

I'll post back in 8 years time http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif and let you know how the Lexmark compared!



[This message has been edited by Paul Komski (edited 11-24-2001).]

[fixrupr]

Check out reviews of:
Hewlett Packard Officejet V40 ($250)
It is a 4 in 1. I just installed one for a friend, and she is pleased with it. On the negative side it is a sheetfeed scanner whereas some have flatbed.

[Samantha]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like not many people actually use these multifunction printers, probably for good reason. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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[Paleo Pete]

I just worked on a HP Office Jet of this type for a business here, simple driver problem. Don't know how long they've had it but it works fine and does a nice job of printing, they seem to like it pretty well. Their previous printer was a HP Desk Jet 6xx so they must have gotten good results to buy another HP.

The only other one I've had any dealings with was a Canon and seemed to be ok, but I don't care much for Canon either...HP and Lexmark are both usually good. My HP Laser Jet went through at least 3000 sheets of paper with no problems at all, same toner cartridge, until the fuser finally died. It was about 10 years old when I got it and worked great for another 3 years or more...My current HP Desk Jet 400 has been working perfect for 4 years, and it was also used when I got it.

Don't know what that might say for the MFDs but so far HP has been very good for me. I'll keep using them...

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