What Features Do I Need in a Multifunction Printer-Scanner-Fax?

Question

I will be using it at home and therefore will not need to share it with anyone else. My use of the printer will be light (about 20 pages a week) and my use of the fax machine will be even less (1 page a month).

When I get back from trips I will have to scan as much as 100 text documents at a time, but then won't need to scan again for another week. My guess is that I won't scan more than 200 documents in any one month period.

Here are the features that I think I need:

Big Document Feeder
Flatbed
Separate black and color cartridge
Supports Wireless Technology
16MB of memory

What am I missing from the list?

Answer 1

Since, for the most part, the use of your printer will be light, a laserjet would be overkill. However, the problem is, inkjet office printers generally do not come with large automatic document feeders. But there is a printer that will fit your needs fairly well.

Look into the HP 7410 Officejet printer. It features:

Legal-size flatbed scanner
50-sheet automatic document feeder
Seperate black and color cartridge
Wireless networking
Automatic two-sided printing
Duplexing

This printer is built for heavier usage and was awarded PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award. Although the printer retails for around $499, this would really be the ideal printer for you. If you didn't need duplexing, you might look into the step below the 7410, the 7310. The 7310 has built in wired networking, but not wireless (for wireless, plug the printer into the ethernet port of a wireless router). Otherwise, the Officejet 7310 is the same thing as the 7410- only $100 cheaper.

Another printer you may find interest in is the new HP Photosmart C6180. This retails for $299 and has wireless and fax capabilities as well as a 50 sheet automatic document feeder, but does not have a legal size scanbed (legal can be done through the ADF, or automatic document feeder). Anyway, I think these 3 printers are the best options for you. I think that the 7410, though expensive, is the one best fit to do your job. Take a look at the other two on HP's website, where you can find everything you need to know about these printers, including photos.

Answer 2

Personally I don't like the inkjet versions of the printers.

Spend a little more money and buy a Laser based MultiFunction. HP's Color LaserJet 2820 is a GREAT multifunction.

The inkjet will be cheaper initially, but will cost more per page, and will likely fail sooner.

(P.S. If your business will be highly dependent on this unit, but the add-on warranty, so you can have an extended warranty and cross-ship replacement if it has issues.)

Answer 3

Here is one I personally own and so does my Doctor. He uses the Wifi feature and loves it.

http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=561699&Ntt=%20printers%20wireless&uniqueSearchFlag=true&An=text