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| | | Multifunction laser printers, also called all-in-one printers, print in monochrome and color, as well as copy, scan, and fax documents. Some multifunction printers have an integrated fax modem, enabling users to fax hard copies as they would with a regular fax machine. Many systems offer networking capabilities and flatbed scanning. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Basic monochrome laser multifunction printers (MFPs) start around $200. These machines typically are compact and print 20 pages per minute. They can scan with a flatbed or sheet-fed scanner, fax and copy. One well-reviewed product is the $250 Samsung SCX 4521FG.
- Monochrome laser MFPs start around $200 and offer additional features such as automatic document feeders, two-sided (duplex) printing, networking and the ability to scan and fax documents from a PC's hard drive. Three well-reviewed options are the $250 Canon imageClass MF4150 which has a compact design and works as a standalone copier and fax machine, the $400 Dell 1815dn which offers built-in Ethernet networking and a sheet-fed scanner, and the $350 Konica Minolta PagePro 1390 MF, which has a flatbed scanner but doesn't provide networking connectivity.
- Color laser MFPs start at $449. These models typically print between 8 and 31 pages per minute om black and white and 4 to 8 pages per minute in color prints, as well as flatbed and document-fed scanning. However, some models don't include faxing, double-sided printing or automatic paper feeding. Well-reviewed models include the $515 HP CM10117 Color Laserjet, the $595 Samsung CLX-3160FN and the $600 Brother MFC-9420CN.
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| What should be included: | - Color and black and white print cartridges.
- Photo and printer software.
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| Additional costs: | - Replacement toner cartridges ($75 -$200+). Note that toner cartridges will print approximately 2,500 sheets for black toner and 2000 sheets for color toner. High capacity toner cartridges yield 5,000+ sheets.
- Paper for photo printing ($20 for 120 sheets).
- USB printer cable to connect to computer ($10).
- Vendors that offer a wide variety of printer supplies include Supplies USA , Amazon.com and Data Bazaar.
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| Discounts: | - Prices for printers vary widely, so it pays to shop around. If shopping online, factor shipping costs into the total price. If buying locally, it may be helpful to bring a printout of an advertised online price to see if the merchant can match it. In some cases, prices at a store can be higher than what is advertised on the store's website.
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| Shopping for a multifunction laser printer: | |
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Article updated August 2007 |
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