Multifunction Copiers

Multifunction printers: Print, copy, fax and scan

Multifunction printers, also called MFPs, have a wider range of uses beyond copying. These are easily network-able, since they are connected to a computer. Home offices will be able to simply use Windows printer-sharing function. Larger offices will want a dedicated network printer. Our report on multifunction printers includes information on this type of office machine, but here are a few models you might consider instead of a desktop copier.

One of the multifunction printers featured in our other report is the Dell 1815DN (*Est. $340). This monochrome laser printer is rated to print and copy up to 27 pages per minute (CNet.com tested actual copying speeds at about 12 pages per minute). It has an auto-duplexer for two-sided printing, plus a 50-sheet ADF and a 250-sheet paper tray. Its monthly duty cycle is rated at 25,000 pages per month.

The Dell 1815DN is the top monochrome laser MFP at CNet.com, and this model also gets high ratings at PC Magazine. CNet's editors say text printing is excellent, even down to 2.5-point font sizes. PC Magazine's editors aren't quite so enthusiastic, but say text quality is very good -- perfect for internal use, but maybe not quite good enough to present to an important client. Both reviews say that graphics printing is fine, but that this model has some trouble with printing solid areas of gray and with gradations in monochrome photos. This Dell MFP costs about the same as the Sharp AL1631 copier, yet it has a higher duty cycle, faster speeds and greater functionality. Therefore, it's easy to see why most reviews recommend going for a multifunction printer instead of a standalone copier.

If you need something that can collate pages, the Xerox WorkCentre PE120 (*Est. $550) and WorkCentre PE120i (*Est. $650) win the Editors' Choice Award at Better Buys for Business. These two black-and-white multifunction machines have a copy/print speed of 22 pages per minute. The monthly duty cycle is 15,000 pages. Both models have three paper trays, including a bypass tray for envelopes and transparencies. There is also a maximum capacity of 550 sheets. There's a 50-page automatic document feature, as well as electronic collating, which is handy for making multiple copies of multi-page documents.

The Xerox WorkCentre reduces, enlarges, lightens and darkens copies. Its image editing software allows you to alter scanned text documents. The main difference between the PE120 and the PE120i is that the latter allows for networking capabilities. The PE120 is an excellent multifunctional office machine for those who want to do more than just copy. One user at Amazon.com is very happy with the PE120 and feels that its various functions work very well.