Though some businesses are moving away from the requirement of paper copies, there are still a lot of scenarios that demand the use of printers. For fast-certain types of businesses there can be a plethora of documentation to sign, post, and store, printers can be a lifesaver. There are so many options available in the marketplace it can be hard to figure out which option is the best especially when you factor in all the options a multi-function Printer offers.

Combining the role of a copier, scanner, fax machine, printer and other office functions, the multi-functional printer (MFP) is the jack of all trades for the office. Printer vendors have added even more functions, like smartphone printing, WiFi access, wireless printing and scanning to the cloud. Gone are the days when you will need to invest in individual devices or pay for copying and printing services.

Items to Considerations Before Buying a Multi-Functional Printer

To make an informed purchase decision, you need to consider the right factors before buying a multi-functional printer. While many of these are self-explanatory (what is the quality of the hardcopy? How much ink does the printer consume?), here are a few more useful pointers to help you in making the right choice.

Size: Multi-functional printers tend to be larger than single-function printers, and some models can be big enough to make the user feel like they’re towering over the user when placed on their desk. Hence, it’s important to account for the size and weight of the MFP, though odds are you won’t have to move it often.

Connectivity: Apart from the USB port, many all-in-one printers include WiFi and/or Bluetooth connections for convenient sharing. If WiFi is preferred, and there’s a wireless access point on your network, you can print wirelessly to any MFP or printer on that network, whether they both printers feature WiFi or not. A few MFP models also include WiFi Direct, which enables supported devices to connect to them even if there’s no wireless access point. Some even come with NFC, which allows users to print from a compatible smartphone or tablet by tapping the printer with the device.

OS Support: Owners of Linux, Mac, and even older Windows OS (including Windows 98 and 2000) should see whether the models they plan to buy include driver support for their systems. Support is mostly standard for Windows systems, but companies should still verify that the MFP they’re planning to buy support for their specific OS. Without compatible drivers and prints support, fax software, and imaging, users of other OS may struggle to use the all-in-one printing device.

Print Engine: The fourth factor to consider when hunting for an MFP is the printing technology of the device. Laser vs. inkjet, that’s the choice to make. Inkjet models come with many advantages; their replacement cartridges cost less than lasers’, and they’re typically less expensive. Also, they occupy less space and accommodate several types of print media. Laser printers, on the other hand, offer better print quality, and their prints cost less in the long run. Additionally, lasers are quitter but are larger than their inkjet counterparts.

Print Performance: Whether a firm has to regularly print lengthy reports or print hard copies of short documents to share internally, slow print performance and delays can prove costly and frustrating. Basic models of laser and inkjet printers produce speeds of 20 to 30 pages per minute for simple documents. Color printouts take more time to print, especially on inkjet models. However, it is important to note that inkjet vendors usually share the draft mode print quality when listing the maximum number of pages their machines can print per minute. Laser printers, on the other hand, produce printouts of higher quality faster.

Duty Cycles: Duty cycles, as well, as a vital factor to consider. Printers designed to manage 2,500 copies per month would require more recurrent cartridge changes and likely have a shorter service life if they’re utilized in an office where 5,000 or more copies are needed a month. Hence, buyers should carefully analyze the printer’s production with their estimated duty cycle rating or required monthly volume.

The Best 10 Multi-Functional Printers for 2018

Today, the range of multi-functional print options seem endless; to assist you in picking out which all-in-one printer is suitable for your workplace, here’s our compilation of the best MFPs to buy in 2018.

1. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4730

What makes it stand out?
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4730 is powered by PrecisionCore, a proprietary algorithm that optimizes the printer’s in-built tech to offer users commercial-quality prints with laser sharp texts.

2. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4730

The Brother MFC-L2750DW XL is loaded with features like fast duplex printing, quick ADF, a second paper tray, fax capability, and more. The laser printer delivers advance printing at a speed of 36 pages per minute, as well as scanning and copying. It even does two-sided prints faster than many printers print single pages, along with scanning through the 50-page document feeder (automatic) and multi-page scan, fax, and copy.

What makes it stand out?
Has NFC support. Also, users can scan-to and print-from cloud services directly from the 2.7-inch color touchscreen, including Evernote, OneNote, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

3. Canon Color imageCLASS MF733Cdw

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF733Cdw delivers a page capacity that can expand to over 1,000 sheets, which makes it a device that cuts high capacity rules. The print speed is 28 pages a minute with the first document in the user’s hand in less than 10 seconds. When it comes to connectivity, the Canon imageCLASS MF733Cdw can be hooked up through WiFi as a network printer, allowing users to scan, print and send tasks on the go. Moreover, the imageCLASS line by Canon gives users incredibly affordable printing (high volume) with a hint of Canon color tech draped over it.

What makes it stand out?
The printer’s toner cartridges (high capacity) come with the vendor’s proprietary V2 Color Technology, which enhances the color gamut of shadows and dark areas to elevate the remaining spectrum in versatile ways.

4. HP LaserJet Pro M477fdw

This all in one laser printer boasts a printer, copier, fax, WiFi Direct, double-sided printing, a 50-sheet auto document printer, 4.3-inch touchscreen (color), and more. It offers laser color printing at a speed of 28 pages per minute, and both initial black & white and colored pages are produced within less than 10 seconds. The input capacity is 300-sheet paper, and the monthly volume is 4000 pages. Additionally, the HP LaserJet Pro M4777fdw boasts the print quality of 600 * 600 dpi. Lastly, the printer boasts solid security that improves compliance with data.

What makes it stand out?
Users get to select Original HP Toner cartridges that are equipped with JetIntelligence – designed to help the device produce up to 33 percent additional prints at a 40 percent faster speed.

5. HP OfficeJet Pro 8710

The primary functions of this printer (inkjet) include wireless printing, two-sided printing (duplex), Instant Ink ready, touchscreen, AirPrint, and more. According to the vendor, it delivers professional quality prints at a 50 percent lower cost than its inkjet counterparts. Also, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 makes it easy for users to access shortcuts and manage tasks – they just have to tap and swipe its 2.65-inch LED. The printer boasts fast print speed at 18 pages per min for colored prints and 22 pages per min for black and white prints.

What makes it stand out?
The free HP ePrint app enables users to print from anywhere using their tablet or smartphone. Also, AirPrint makes it convenient to use an iPad or iPhone for the purpose. Moreover, users can even print without access to a network, courtesy of Wireless Direct printing technology.

Final Verdict

These are some of the best all-in-one/multi-functional printers you can buy. Make sure you understand your current scanning and printing needs determine the best fit. Be sure to consider your expected print volume and how often you will be scanning.

The post Top 5 Multi-Functional Printers appeared first on Home office geeks.