One Stop Print Shop

The multi-function device has come a long way from the compromise it once was for consumers with very tight budgets - Helen Bradley samples a range of machines from entry level to seriously expensive, and what you need to know to make the right choice.

Multi-function devices are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This time it's not just the traditional consumer base or SOHO customers embracing the technology. Now MFDs are a feature in professional offices, workgroups, and design houses where they're busy copying, faxing, printing, collating, and even folding and stapling documents.

One look at these machines and you’ll realise that they’re a force to be reckoned with, and are no longer the poor man’s alternative to buying several high quality dedicated machines.

MFDs combine a range of functions in the one machine and can print, scan, copy and many still include the ability to send and receive faxes. The obvious benefit to using an MFD is in space saving – instead of three or four machines you have one which performs the task of four. You also have less to worry about in terms of installing and updating device drivers and stocking consumables as an MFD uses just one set of each.

On the training side, users only need to learn to use one machine rather than four. When considering cost, if you pool the money you would spend on individual scanners, faxes, printers and copiers you can generally buy a quality MFD for much less than the total cost of four individual machines. On the flip side, if one part of the MFD breaks down, the scanner for example, you’re instantly without at the very least a scanner and copier.