All-in-one printers – also known as multifunction printers – have wide appeal in small businesses and home offices because they provide a range of related functions in a single device, saving space and cost. They often can print, copy, scan and fax. Here is a collection of recent IDG reviews of the best all-in-one printers.
Also, check out these 5 smart printer shopping tips and explanation of major printer types.
Lexmark all-in-one printers
Lexmark Platinum Pro905 All-in-One Printer
The Lexmark Platinum Pro905 color inkjet multifunction printer is a well-equipped, competent small-office MFP with a twist: Users can access and view Web-based applications on its large, touchscreen LCD. Though few applications are currently available, the concept has potential. Comparisons to the HP Photosmart Premium Touchsmart Web All-in-One Printer are inevitable, but HP places a greater emphasis on prefabricated apps for consumers, while Lexmark expects its business users to build their own. Both MFPs are pricey, costing $400 at this writing (10/30/09).
The Lexmark Pinnacle Pro901 color inkjet multifunction printer is priced on the high side ($300 as of June 4, 2010), but it’s packed with features that would satisfy a busy home or small office. Lexmark sweetens the deal with supercheap black ink and a five-year warranty.
Lexmark’s Impact S305 Inkjet MFP
The Lexmark Impact S305 inkjet multifunction printer (for printing, copying, and scanning) offers a basic set of features and capabilities for just $100 (as of June 7, 2010), which would make it a real bargain except that its ink prices are extremely high. If your printing needs are modest, you might not mind; but in this price range, the Canon Pixma MX340 offers more for the money.
Canon all-in-one printers
The Canon Pixma MX340 color inkjet multifunction printer (with print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities) looks like a bargain ($100 as of June 1, 2010) until you factor in its pricey inks. If you don’t print much, however, this machine offers just enough of everything else to enable a small or home office to get by. It’s definitely a better deal than the HP Officejet 4500 Wireless, which has similar strengths and a few more weaknesses.
The Canon Pixma MX350 color inkjet multifunction printer (for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing) offers a good assortment of features and capabilities for an affordable $150 (as of June 2, 2010). Though its ink costs are high, it’s a better deal than the lower-priced HP Officejet 4500 Wireless, which has similar strengths and a few more weaknesses.
Canon Pixma MP560 Wireless Photo All-in-One
The Canon Pixma MP560 Wireless Photo All-in-One color inkjet multifunction printer is priced to appeal to students and home users ($150 as of November 24, 2009). Compared with the like-priced Epson Stylus NX515 and HP Photosmart Plus, it offers better paper handling and ink costs — but slower performance.
For $200 (as of May 26, 2010), the Canon Pixma MX870 color inkjet multifunction printer offers a lot of features and performance for the money, especially for small-office or home-office users. Its ink prices are good, too.
Kodak all-in-one printers
Kodak ESP 7250 Inkjet Multifunction Printer
The Kodak ESP 7250 color inkjet multifunction printer offers home and student users a fun assortment of features for a midrange price ($200 as of May 26, 2010). Its low ink costs are appealing, but this MFP is otherwise an average performer.
Kodak ESP 9 All-in-One Printer
Kodak’s ESP 9 is a multifunction ink-jet device that prints, copies, faxes, and scans. The ESP 9 is a versatile device equipped with very good color scanning and printing capabilities but is mediocre in other important areas.
Other all-in-one printers
Epson’s Artisan 810 color inkjet multifunction printer has speed and versatility to spare. Considering the price, however, we expected better overall output quality.
Brother’s Color Laser MFP Has Wi-Fi
The Brother MFC-9320CW color laser multifunction printer is one of the least expensive models we’ve tested ($500 as of 01/08/2010). What you get for the money are basic performance, decent features, and moderate toner pricing. If you’re looking for better speed, check out a slightly pricier MFP, the Oki MC360.
Xerox Phaser 6128MFP Color Laser MFP
Xerox’s Phaser 6128MFP color laser multifunction printer could be a good choice for low-volume users who have exacting color needs. It sells for a nice, low price ($599 as of April 6, 2009) and produces high-quality output — but it does so slowly, and at a high consumables cost.
Ricoh Aficio SP 232SF Color Laser MFP
Ricoh’s Aficio SP232SF color laser multifunction printer isn’t quite as fast or as skillful as others we’ve tested, and its price ($799 as of April 6, 2009) is the third highest on our current color laser MFP chart. But this no-hassle unit is inexpensive to run, which is more than most lower-cost models can claim.
