If you've ever been on the hunt for a new all-in-one printer, you know what it's like to walk down the aisles of an electronics or office supply store. Shelf after shelf of similar-looking home appliances can seem overwhelming instead of liberating. Well, fret no more. In this article, we'll break down what you should know about this powerfully helpful combination product so that you're equipped to make the best choice for your home.
All-in-one printers can print, copy, scan and even fax. Also called a multifunction printer (MFP), this combination product is designed to meet the needs of a home office as well as those of a small, medium or large business operation. That said, all-in-one printers are perhaps most fitting for a home office or small business. (The reason why will become clear throughout the course of this article.)
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But businesspeople aren't the only ones who can put an all-in-one printer to good use. Many consumers -- such as students and those without sophisticated printing requirements for their workspace -- only need a printer, but they opt for an entry-level all-in-one printer, instead. The reason is quite simple: They can get much more for about the same price. Basic MFP models can cost between $75 and $125.
Copying, scanning and faxing aren't the only additional capabilities consumers get in all-in-one printers. As prices come down over time, manufacturers continue to introduce more features in all-in-one printers. Examples of these features include color LCD displays and memory card ports that allow you to plug a phone or digital camera directly into your printer. Just a couple of years ago, these features were only found in high-end versions; now, they're also part of the design of mid- and entry-level MFPs.
Go to the next page to find out some of the hottest technological benefits of all-in-one printers. Discover a few of the latest features on the market and what they can do for you. You'll even get a word of caution that you won't want to miss.
