Multifunction printers with fax are cheaper than you think

Did you know you could get a quality all-in-one printer with fax for under $100? That's what we discovered when updating our report on multifunction printers. In the past, printers with built-in fax modems were closer to $200. Now you can find full-featured MFPs with faxing capability, automatic document feeders, auto-duplexing and other high-end features, for much less.

Canon's Pixma MX870 (*Est. $160) is recommended by critics and users alike. In addition to printing, scanning and copying, the MFP offers faxing as well as automatic duplexing, an automatic document feeder (35 sheets) and wireless networking. Its paper capacity (300 sheets over two trays) tops printers twice its price. The Pixma MX870 will take up a lot of space on your desk though, at about 19 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches.

A slightly smaller and cheaper option is HP's Officejet 4500 (*Est. $90), a well-reviewed budget MFP. Like the MX870 is has an automatic document feeder and can fax. It has manual, not automatic duplexing. If you want Wi-Fi connectivity, you can step up to the OfficeJet 4500 Wireless (*Est. $130) model.

Check our our newly-updated multifunction printer report to find out more about the Canon MX870 and HP 4500 and for more product recommendations. We also cover laser multifunction printers, which are speedier and can handle larger workloads.