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Photographs by Kevin Candland
Multifunction
If you're like most small-office users, you have a space problem: You've collected a zillion complicated, desktop-hogging pieces of equipment. But if you're starting from scratch, you can free up space and save money by choosing a multifunction device. MFDs combine a printer, a copier, and a scanner--and often a fax--inside a single case.
We tested four MFDs, each designed to handle color ink jet printing and color scanning. We looked at Brother's $499 MFC-7150C, Compaq's $399 A900, Hewlett-Packard's $599 OfficeJet R40 (which has no fax capability), and Xerox's $499 WorkCentre 480cx.
In exchange for the space savings, each of these MFDs forces you to accept trade-offs. None, for example, makes faxing as straightforward as a stand-alone fax machine does. All four MFDs are confusing to use in some way, usually because of complex software. The HP OfficeJet R40 comes closest to being a good overall package, but it can't fax. The Brother MFC-7150C, meanwhile, has a simple control panel, but its print quality is only middling. Making copies is no fun with the Compaq, and it takes too long with the Xerox. So when you consider buying an MFD, try to anticipate what you'll use it for most and make sure your choice is strong in that area.
Software: The Multifunction Glue
For most users, the most compelling benefits of MFDs are that they free up desktop space and simplify connections. These models aren't much bigger than ink jet printers, and they require only one power outlet and one parallel port connection to your PC. And unless you'd choose the cheapest stand-alone products on the market, an MFD costs you less than three or four separate devices.
But a bunch of hardware in one box does not an integrated system make....