Humanity will definitely give up paper carriers. But it will not happen today and not tomorrow, and not even in the next decade. Therefore, the MFP in your home does not hurt - this machine will help both scan existing documents and print new ones. And this article will help you understand how the expensive model is different from the cheap one.
Main selection criteria
The composition of the device
Without exception, the MFP is endowed with a printer, copier and scanner. There are models, supplemented by fax. If you want to put the MFP in the office, the fax will not hurt. Although you need to understand that a regular computer can handle the functions of a fax now - it is not difficult for it to send the received document to print using an Ethernet or USB connection.
Printing method
The most multifunctional devices differ from each other by the printing method. Globally, two types of printers can be part of an MFP:
- Jet;
- Laser.
However, in practice, it turns out that even printers of the same type have many varieties. For example, a laser device can be both black and white, and color. And the color will be much more expensive, not to mention its consumables - cartridges and toner. Inkjet printers are no longer black and white, but they also differ from each other. When choosing an MFP with an inkjet printer, you should focus on the number of cartridges used. The more of them, the better the photos will be. Do I have to say that if you print regular documents, the standard four cartridges will suffice?
Purpose of the MFP
You should also determine where exactly the device will be delivered. If you want to use it in the office or at some large enterprise, then it makes no sense to purchase a home multifunction device. As you should not torment yourself installing a bulky office MFP in a small room. The fact is that office units are aimed at speeding up and simplifying work, due to which their size has been significantly increased. In particular, they get a huge paper feed tray - sometimes it can hold up to 800 sheets. Also, these units are trying to print documents almost instantly, but they are very noisy. In short, if in the office these defects do not strain (and the capacious tray pours even into dignity), then at home you will soon hate such a device.
Photo: www.islamnews.ru
Resolution
Print resolution
All MFPs are printed with one or another resolution. This parameter is measured in DPI - dots per square inch. Speaking of text, the denser the DPI, the smaller the font can be printed. In case of insufficient resolution, the text with the minimum size can no longer be disassembled - it will turn into a solid line. An ordinary user has enough print with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI. A higher setting is required if you regularly print photos. But black and white laser printers usually print with a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI or slightly larger. Believe me, for a photocopy of an identity card this is more than enough.
Scan resolution
The scanner built into the MFP also has this or that resolution. Unfortunately, most often such a device is inferior to its stand-alone tablet counterpart. Often, the MFP scans much longer, and some artifacts appear on the final image. The only exceptions are office multifunction devices. Their scanners not only have high resolution, but are also able to please the device of automatic feeding of originals - most often it is also two-sided! Returning to the resolution, a parameter at the level of 2400 x 2400 DPI is required for high-quality digitizing of photos.
Cartridge capacity
Each manufacturer MFP produces its own type of cartridges. Each model supports the installation of well-defined cartridges. And it is on consumables manufacturers earn the most money. Therefore, you do not need to rely on the long life of cartridges installed in home MFPs. Moreover, complete with them can be supplied starter cartridges that have a very ridiculous ink level inside, which is barely enough for 300 printed sheets.
Of course, not every manufacturer of multifunction devices is so greedy. Therefore, when choosing a multifunction device, it would not be superfluous to become familiar with the technical characteristics of the proposed options. Also read the reviews and our article. "20 best multifunction devices" - about starter kits of cartridges they must be told. It should also be noted that cartridges installed in office multifunction devices have the greatest resource - they are usually designed for several thousand prints. In home devices such consumables simply would not fit. However, they have an excellent replacement - CISS (continuous ink supply system). Usually, when installing this accessory, the warranty is lost. But some manufacturers began to produce an MFP with a proprietary system - in particular, Epson took this step. With a CISS can be great to save on frequent printing.
Photo: 1comp.spb.ru
The most popular manufacturers of multifunction devices
The ancestor of multifunctional devices is the company. Xerox. Until now, some people call all such devices "copiers", although this is fundamentally wrong. As for the manufacturer, it almost completely moved to the segment of office multifunction devices.
The most affordable devices are manufactured by companies. Hewlett packard and Canon. However, you shouldn’t expect excellent cost and high-speed printing from budget devices. No less popular manufacturer is Epson. Its inkjet multifunction printers were the first to receive a branded CISS. Also on the shelves you can find products Brother. These are typical middle peasants, having both a heap of merits and a certain number of flaws.
Common Customer Mistakes
- Most often, consumers do not count their financial capabilities. They believe that after purchasing an MFP, they will print thousands of pages. And they do not understand that a set of cartridges costs almost the same as the MFP itself. In short, if you are preparing for the purchase of such a device - get ready for the cost of ink or ink cartridges.
- A good way to save money is to connect a continuous ink supply system to the MFP. However, not everyone can do it right. There are cases when a person brought the device into disrepair. And the guarantee in case of an attempt to install a CISS is lost. If you do not believe in your strength - entrust the installation of ink tanks to professionals or continue to use cartridges.
This does not end the selection criteria for the MFP. If you want to become an expert in this issue, we recommend reading a much more detailed article. "Competent choice of printer". After all, most often the MFP is purchased just for the sake of being able to print documents and photos, while scanning becomes a great addition.
