| Ease
of use.
Using multiple capabilities can mean switching between different
types of software each time.
Many recent
models - but be warned, not all - feature intuitive control panels
that help you move between functions without consulting tricky manuals.
Lower prices
Expect to pay
$350 to $800 for a good color inkjet or a black and white laser
model, versus the $600 to $4000 you would have paid three years
ago.
Color models
can give you a monthly output from 500-3000 pages, while their monochrome
counterparts can deliver up to 10,000.
If your business
handles over 10,000 pages per month, however, you may want to consider
a digital MFD -- also known as a digital copier -- which can run
between $5,000 and $12,000. For more on digital copiers, click here.
Still not perfect
All-in-ones
do have their shortcomings, though.
For one thing,
their individual functions are rarely upgradeable - for example,
getting a higher-quality scanner will require a separate purchase.
And you may
not be able to use that with the MFD's existing functions, like
its fax machine. Plus, you can't get around the perennial drawback
of having multiple machines in the same box-- if one part breaks,
you're out the other functions as well.
But drawbacks
aside, these jacks-of-all-trades are getting ever closer to being
masters of
some.
Quick tips
Give it a test
drive. Can you switch between multiple functions quickly and easily?
There's no point in saving money by buying a piece of equipment
that takes ages for everyone to figure out.
Being Un-PC.
See if you can copy or fax even with your PC turned off. Not all
models allow this, and it's nice to be able to get a quick copy
after turning your computer off at day's end.
Check out the
warranty. Remember that if the machine ever needs repairs, it'll
be like having four machines out of the office.
|