Printer and Scanner - Combo or Separate?

Question

I'd like to buy a printer and a scanner. Could anyone give me any suggestions, should I buy it as a combo or separate equipment? Which one is better? I am not going to move it around. I'll use it for a small home-business.

Thanks,
Andy.

Answer 1

I would actually recommend separate units. you can pick up a printer for next to nothing and a scanner for next to nothing. Really the only advantage to having an all in one unit is space.

I have found that most scanners on all in one units have a difficult time matching colour shades, thus the print never comes out quite right.

Separate units also gives you the versatility to upgrade one or the other as your needs change. Printers are usually a disposable technology these days. The cartridges usually cost as much as the unit, if not more. You are also often lucky to get more than a few years out of one.

Print needs also change.

having the separate units, will cost you a little on space, and a small amount of time if you are just trying to make a straight copy. As for quality, you will probably be much happier with the results of a flat bed scanner. And the versatility to upgrade the printer as needs change, or the unit fails is also a bonus.

Answer 2

Other than the fact that older scanners are usually free, and so are laser printers, so I use the FREE stuff, you should do like my neatnic wifey and get the three in one ... she got a Brother system, seems nice. Works on her XP Pro system that we 'stole' at a garage sale...

Me? I run 80 computers that are all 'Nix, like 8 Macintosh or Apples, and lots of Linux on older boxens... all donated to me by nice folk who didn't need a boat anchor any longer!

But, tuned up right, they scream and Cluster together in a SUPER COMPUTER CLUSTER in our hot second Bed Room... Anyway, the energy use of the 3 in 1 printer is great, and she moved out three things and I get to hook them up to my systems, on
my electric meter I had installed so as to not dim the lights of town anymore... Yep, they noticed...

If you build a Super Cluster, you might plan the power grid, first...
That glow on the horizon is my Linux Cluster of Super Computers of past generations. My other computer is your Microsoft system...

Answer 3

Get a 3 in 1 copier, scanner and printer. I have a Dell but I heard that HP is also a good one.

Answer 4

Stay away from LexMark scanner/printers. They're okay as a scanner, but are among the worst printers you can buy.

Answer 5

i have a hp combo scanner and printer and its worling perfectly.....in electronic devices it is always better to have them seperately but it still depends on the way u use them....if its a small home business the combo one will be good enough for u ;)

Answer 6

It really depends on your situation and how much you're willing to spend.

However since it's for a small home-business, here's my advise:

Go ahead and get a budget/mid-range multifuction device but also get yourself a entry-level laser printer.

Answer 7

if you have the room seperate is better and more productive if you need to use the scanner while someones printing youd have to wait and the combos dont have the resolution for the money you spend

Answer 8

I think you should go for what will do the jobe for you and what will consume less space in your litle home-office

i am using 3-in one from HP and that is bloody gd and wors for me.

you shuld also consider your price range as buying these items seperately can be little bit moe costly then as a combo unit.

GdLk!!!

Answer 9

i think you purchase a separate equipment because
1. if any problem in the equipment u replace only one
2. u r working both devices at a time.

Answer 10

They are all good (in their price range). You get what you pay for but they are so cheap now, go for what will do the job for you.