Printers - Multifunction Inkjet Buying Tips - ConsumerGuru

What to Look for When Buying Printers - Multifunction Inkjet

GURU says this about buying a Multifunction Inkjet Printer!

A multifunction inkjet printer offers print, scan, copy and fax all in one unit. Typically, a multi-function printer does not excel at all of these features but offers decent performance. It is best to examine each model and see what its strong points are. In selecting the correct multifunction inkjet, its usage needs to be determined first so an appropriate choice can be made.

Multifunction inkjets are designed for home offices or office workgroups. Features to look for are built-in networking, Wi-Fi, automatic duplex printing, automatic document feeder, memory card slots, dual paper trays, input tray capacity, output tray capacity, print media types, print speed, copy speed, fax support, print resolution, scanner resolution, and printer memory. All of these features should be examined and prioritized in making a selection. If print speed is a factor and large documents need to printed, printer memory needs to be examined. Also, in a networking situation determine how many users will be sharing the printer and what the daily usage will be.

If photo printing and graphic documents are a priority, a high print resolution should be looked at. If scanning is a priority, a high scanner resolution is needed and some models offer the ability to scan negatives or slides. If faxing is a priority, look at the fax features such as color faxing or group dialing.

Multifunction inkjet printers are offered at various price points by many brands and are useful additions to any office or home. Cartridge replacement costs and longevity should be considered in the overall cost of ownership. Ink cartridges can be costly to replace and difficult to find. This is something to look at before making a purchase. Separate ink cartridges are most cost effective since each cartridge can be replaced when needed. Multiple color cartridges may be low in only one color but the whole cartridge still needs to be replaced. High capacity cartridges are also something to consider since they have greater lifespan.

Determining the usage, priorities, and budget for a multifunction inkjet will aid in the buying process and help narrow down the selection.