How to choose a multifunction device

MFP (or "multifunction device") is a type of office equipment that combines the capabilities of a printer, scanner and copier. However, when choosing the right one, it is worth building on the capabilities and characteristics of the first one.

Content

1. How to choose a multifunction device: characteristics that need attention
2. Laser or inkjet printer
3. Color or black and white printer
4. Compatibility with operating systems
5. Network use
6. Print Resolution
7. Scan Resolution
8. Summary

How to choose a multifunction device: characteristics that need attention

It is worth remembering that combining the functionality of several devices into one leads to some losses. That is, it is almost impossible to find an MFP that offers the capabilities of a professional printer (for example, a native resolution of 1200 × 1200 dpi color printing) or a no less professional scanner (a palette of colors from 16 million colors, a native scan resolution of 600 dpi, streaming paper). Such devices are designed for home use and use in small offices, where there are no increased requirements for a particular parameter.

When choosing an MFP, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Printer type (laser or inkjet);

2. Chromaticity (color, black and white);

3. Compatibility with operating systems;

4. Ability to use the network;

5. Print resolution;

6. Scan resolution

The last two parameters are important exclusively for professionals. But compatibility with operating systems and the ability to use the network should be considered when choosing an office multifunction device.

Laser or inkjet printer?

This is one of the most important parameters. It determines the cost not only of the MFP, but also of printing. And in terms of the cost of outputting 1 sheet of paper, laser printers are much cheaper. The cost of printing on them is about a few kopecks per page.

In addition, laser multifunction devices are much quieter in operation, have a higher print speed and can be refilled. However, they are many times more expensive than jet. Especially when it comes to color models. Yes, and they have more dimensions. Another disadvantage of laser multifunction devices in comparison with inkjet ones is that they are poorly suited for printing photos.

However, in the long run, laser multifunctional devices cost the jet in total less - despite the very high price of the device. Therefore, it is advisable to acquire them precisely - both in the office and for the home.

Color or black and white printer?

Immediately it is worth making a reservation that this section will deal exclusively with laser multifunction devices. Inkjet monochrome at the present time almost never occur.

Color laser multifunction devices are much more expensive than black and white. However, due to their technology of work, they provide fairly bright and saturated prints - but still not very well suited for printing photos.

In addition, they are notable for high refilling costs and increased dimensions. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a color MFP in a home or office only if regular or frequent color printing is required. If it is not needed - you can do in black and white.

Compatibility with operating systems

The vast majority of manufacturers produce drivers for their MFPs exclusively for the Windows operating system. If you use MacOS or some Linux distribution at home or in the office, you should make sure that the device is compatible with them. And it is desirable to use branded drivers.

It is worth remembering that as a copier, the MFP can work without installing a driver or connecting to a computer.

Network use

If all the computers of the organization entering the local network are installed with the OS of the same family, then the MFP connected to one of the PCs can be used as a network one. However, it is worth remembering that in this case, this computer must be turned on all the time.

To avoid having to keep one computer constantly turned on, you can purchase an MFP that is independently connected to a local wired or wireless network. But it is much more expensive than not equipped with a network card. But such MFPs can in most cases be used in networks consisting of computers and mobile devices with different operating systems.

Print Resolution

If the MFP plans to often print images (such as photographs), then it is worth considering this parameter. The higher the print resolution, the more small elements on the print will be. It is measured in DPI and means the number of dots per square inch of paper.

To print black-and-white text, even small, a printer resolution of 300 × 300 dpi is sufficient. For non-saturated color and monochrome images, 600 × 600 dpi will suffice. For high-quality prints, 1200 × 1200 dpi will be required, however, such MFPs are very rare and expensive.

By the way, if you plan to print only text, then you should choose an MFP with “economical mode”. It retains the readability of prints, but at the same time less intensively consumes the color from the cartridge.

Scan Resolution

Similar to print resolution, the higher the resolution when scanning - the more small details will be on the image. The specific values ​​of this parameter are the same. Is that when scanning texts for recognition, especially printed, you can choose a smaller dpi.

Additional features

Additional features of the MFP determine how practical it will be. But it is worth remembering that for each such function it is necessary, in fact, to pay separately. The more options the MFP has, the more expensive it is.

Among the practical additional features are:

1. Auto duplex function. Like if you often have to display text on both pages of the sheet. Great save paper. In addition, it is not necessary to shift the sheets;

2. The possibility of inclusion in a wireless local area network Wi-Fi. A very useful feature for MFPs that are used in small (or even large) offices. It allows you to print documents from different computers that are connected to the same local area network;

3. Availability of slot for SD memory cards. Will appeal to photographers who often print photos. On such MFPs, you can take pictures on paper without even connecting the camera to a computer. It can also be used to print documents;

5. Photo printing mode. MFPs that are equipped with this feature are expensive. However, they make it possible to do without a separate photo printer, since they print the images in a “professional mode” - on special paper, with an increased amount of color and image resolution.

Summary

Selecting an MFP is like choosing a printer. However, it is worth considering that multifunction devices are more often used for everyday purposes than in professional ones, so parameters such as the amount of buffer memory, the first page output speed and print speed can be ignored.

The main thing in the MFP, which is installed in the office - compatibility with operating systems and the possibility of inclusion in the network.For the house it is better to pay attention to the size. And, finally, choosing between color and black and white, you need to understand how often you plan to print color images.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.