Digital Printer » Multifunction Printer

Answer to Your Needs With a Multifunctional Printer

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:18:59 +0000

Recent craze towards multifunctional or all-in-one printer is because these can save valuable space, convenient to do several jobs and are less costly.

A multifunctional printer is capable of doing various tasks, namely printing, photocopying, scanning, etc. Sometimes these printers can also be used as a fax machine, and you can take direct photo-prints from your digital camera.

It is important to know a few points before selecting a multifunctional printer.

The type of Printer: The two main types of printers in vogue are inkjet and laser printer. Both these printers produce high quality of printing. Inkjet printers use magnetized plated which directs ink onto sheets of paper in desired style. Normally using two cartridges, one for color and the other for black and white, the printout quality matches with laser printer. This is less costly and portable; the only disadvantage being it is much slower in comparison to laser printer.

Laser printer operates by sending a laser beam producing an image on the drum. Also known as page printers, the laser printers are much faster as the entire page is printed here in one going. Though expensive, these types of printers produce high quality printing at high speed with unlimited variety of fonts.

It is important to check the resolution of the printer. Normally higher the resolution, the better is the print quality.

Compatibility of the printer: Selection for the printer should also consider the type of operating system the printer can work with. There are printers which can work with multi-systems like Windows, Linux, Mackintosh, etc.

Scanning: By scanning, graphics and text can be directly transferred to and stored in a computer and printed as per your need. Normal multifunctional computers will have a 600 dpi resolution. In case of a photo printer the resolution may be higher. The color depth capacity of a scanner is important factor to be considered also. The greater the bit depth, the greater is the resolution and more colors can be represented.

Scanners normally come as flatbed or sheet-fed. Flatbed scanners are more versatile as they can scan a range of documents irrespective of their thickness whereas in a sheet-fed scanner the documents are scanned one sheet at a time and the documents need to be detached from the magazine or book for scanning. Scanners are normally sold with a twain driver which can be easily installed in any computer and can work seamlessly with other applications.

Copier: In comparison to analog machines, digital copiers have much larger zoom range for reducing as well as enlarging. The speed and resolution of the copier is generally the same as that of the printer.

Faxing: The easy way to transmit documents over phone line is faxing. The majority of these machines transmit between 14.4 to 33.6 kbps speeds. This means 6 to 10 seconds and 3 seconds respectively to transmit data per page. Normally 512 kilobytes of memory in a fax machine can hold about 20 to 25 pages of incoming and outgoing pages without relying on paper. The speed dial indicates how many fax numbers can be stored in the memory of the machine.

Optional items such as automatic paper feeder, extra paper trays and enhanced photo printing capability printers are available also. In case of automatic paper feeder, you don`t have to wait and feed manually for copying and scanning more than one sheet. Optional paper trays can add up 500 pages to the total capacity. Enhanced photo printing capability printers have high resolution capability, four to six cartridges and also provide a direct connection for downloading photo from your camera. Also it allows you to view the picture before printing.

Multifunction Printer – The New Face of Home and Office Equipment

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:14:58 +0000

Computer equipment constantly keeps on improving and the average everyday consumer is the end beneficiary of the numerous improvements. One of the newer creations on the open market is the multifunction printer. You can purchase these electronic devices either on the world wide web through the larger online retail outlets or at the typical brink and mortar outlets everywhere.
The bigger computer companies have various multifunction printers available for both business use as well as for the home. Machines such as these are capable of handling your printer jobs that are output from your computer, as well as faxing this and other material across the globe, and has the ability to scan numerous documents into your computer system.
Numerous purposes are well served by these electronic devices. Because these devices have the capability of three machines you will be able to save space in your business office or in your home. If you consider positioning a printer, scanner and a fax machine in either your office or home you will require three different types of machines for all these tasks to be accomplished.
With a multifunction printer you can complete all these jobs with just one electronic device and take up much less space. Practically everyone can use some extra space on their computer desktop in either their home or office. If you fall into this category then this device is for you. With all these capabilities built into one machine you are very likely to save both time and money. In place of purchasing three machines you will just need to purchase one.
Research and Buy Your Multifunction Printer With Care
Its no secret that profits are important to the large computer equipment manufacturers so they do compete with each other to provide the best equipment. Because computer equipment is major money maker you want to make certain that you obtain the best machine you can for the money.
The representatives of the larger retail stores will be capable of giving you the needed information on the various multifunction printers available in their respective stores. Additionally, you can get information on the numerous printers on the market by going onto the world wide web and researching there. Another excellent way to judge a particular multifunction printer is by reading up on the various user reviews for your chosen future printer listed on different internet sites.
A good idea is that prior to buying your multifunction printer you should read up on what other peoples experiences have been for that particular model. Typically you can get valuable information from these kinds of user feedback such as the reliability of each separate machine as well the operating costs of the various supplies required for each device. You can also get from the reviews the quality of copies for these machines. Very valuable information indeed prior to your purchase.
Additional information that you can obtain from these reviews is that they will critique the various functions of each device. That is to say, the scanner component on one machine might be superior then a comparable component on a different manufacturers machine. This information is readily available and can be a critical part of your buying decision.

How to Fix Common Printer Error Codes for Brother Multifunction Printers

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:24:17 +0000

Have you ever encountered a printer error code while using your Brother multifunction printer? Chances are that you have. It is not that the Brother multifunction printer is an inferior machine; in fact, it is one of the best multifunction printers out there. But just like any machine, it can bog down. And when it does, a printer error code might pop up on your computer screen or on the LCD control panel of the printer.
What are the common printer error codes of Brother multifunction printers and how can we fix them? Here is a list of these common printer error codes.
• Error Code S05. A printer error code like this happens when the transfer of data via the parallel port is not going smoothly. Just reset your printer to get it going again.
• Error Code E50. This printer error code flashes when the fuser unit of your Brother multifunction printer gets damaged. When this happens, it is a signal that you must replace your printer’s fuser unit.
• Error Code E51. When the printer’s laser beam, lid or mirrors are not placed in their appropriate positions, it results in this printer error code. Please check if ink cartridges and everything in your printer is where it should be before you start using it again.
• Black pages. Sometimes, the message “Black pages” can flash on the screen, or a black page is actually being printed out. In this case, you would need to take your printer to a service center and replace its jumper wires and diodes.
• Check paper path. When this message shows up, it means that your Brother printer has a dirty or misaligned eject roller. Clean it or straighten it up, whichever is necessary, and then try printing again.
• Poor quality of copy. When the output of your Brother multifunction printer, be it the printout or the fax, is smudgy, it could be because the scanning mirrors or the glass is dirty. Clean them up if they are. However, if these are clean, then the problem could be your printer’s camera. You can try out unplugging your printer for a few hours, but if the problem persists, you may have to go to a service center to get your printer’s camera replaced.

All in One Multifunction Printer

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:32:32 +0000

AIO stands for “all in one” and MFP stands for multifunction printer/peripheral/product.
But what is difference between these two. Don’t suppose to do same task. In fact they do same thing but in different scale and quality. AIO is small desktop used for home, the larger one is used for small office/home office (SOHO). But the MFP is used for large office desktop with additional parts and features.
The idea of AIO (all in one printer) or MFP (multifunction printer) came from the twenty first century people who don’t bother to move because they don’t have time and space for that. Therefore internet and easier compact, remote control technology created besides working from home to replicate the office environment in residential place.
How come all in one multifunction printer become so popular. Because it handles the issue of taking up all the office space with all sort of machines. In fact its combination of all regular office needs in one device. Multifunction printer can be offered in diverse functionalities and features depend on demands.
Before invention of all in one multifunction printer, it was vital to have all of different functionality devices separately and was such a mess to configure and place them. But now you just sit and by pushing the button, do all send and receive documents process like a piece of cake.
What are these Features and Functionals?
Printer: The major part that holds the name “all in one multifunction printer”. It can be offered in various models like laser printer or inkjet printers. Also depends on type of usage can be designed in multiple paper feed size and type.
Fax: fax or facsimile is a telecommunication for sending and receiving documents through telephone lines. MFP devices include this functionality which raises its capability.
Scanner: Turning paper to electronic documents capability is another feature of all in one multifunction printer.
Copy: Many times people need to copy a piece of paper which is for personal use at tax period or when sending out an office memo to all coworkers, copying is an essential piece of office equipment that is included in multifunction printers.
AIO for home users usually is not networked and connected with USB or parallel. Sometimes they have wonderful features which is lacking in larger desktops like smart card readers or connection to digital cameras. The SOHO the small home office size are usually networked and connected with USB and parallel. They may include document storage additional to print, fax, copy, scanner features.
Office MFP units are usually full featured. They beside the basic functions like printer, fax, scanner, copy may have advanced features like duplexing, stapling, holepunching, offset modes and booklet creation. They always networked and connected with USB or parallel.
At last Production Printing MFP are large freestanding expensive units which don’t include advanced networking features like the smaller version but instead concentrate on functionalities like high speed, high quality output, finishing includes book making with cover insertion. They often divide in two segment, light and heavy printing production which factor of speed differentiate them. By the way, all multifunction peripherals divide by factor of speed (pages per minute=PPM) into different segments.

5 Reasons to Buy or not to Buy Multifunctional Printer for Your Home Office

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:38:48 +0000

If you wish to accomplish various functions at the cost of a single product-a multifunctional printer is just what you need. You can use a multifunctional printer to print, copy, fax and scan. Letâs go ahead and discuss the advantages of such a product.It is small in size and big in functionA multifunctional printer is fairly small in size and does not occupy much space. It is ideal for your home office as it provides ample space to place your essential equipment.It is multipurpose in natureAs the name well suggests, a multifunction printer is made to perform a variety of tasks. While the printer is a single entity, it has the ability to print, fax, copy and scan. It is a single machine which can provide a variety of functions.It is flexibleA multipurpose printer is portable and can therefore be moved around with ease. There are times when you might need to shift the product to a smaller location, or, owing to shortage of space, place it in a corner. It is well adapted for such emergencies and can be placed at each workstation without occupying a lot of space. It is scalableScalability is perhaps the biggest virtue of a multifunctional printer and this makes it all the more adorable printer for home office use. The machinery is tough and it is made to withstand hours of abuse.These were the advantages of a multifunctional printer. Letâs now discuss some of its disadvantages.Wrong Choice of PrinterWhile choosing a printer for your multifunctional set up, you have only two options. The first is a standard inkjet printer which uses magnetized plates to take a print out and the second is a laser printer which sends a laser beam to produce the desired effect. The disadvantage of choosing a relativity inexpensive inkjet over a laser printer is the lack of speed. Compatibility with the operating systemSome printers are only compatible with a standard Windows set up while others prefer Mac. You need to choose a printer which is compatible with both as well as other OS like Linux.Wrong Choice of ScannersIt has been noticed that while setting up a multifunctional printer, people tend to ignore their scanners and opt for a sheet bed scanner. Instead, go in for a flat bed model. Copier instead of AnalogFor a multifunctional set up, you need to choose a copier instead of an analog machine. It is faster and more efficient but some people refrain from doing so. Likewise, it has been noted that some people go in for an automatic paper feeder instead of a manual fed model.

Multiple Tips to Buy a Multifunction Printer

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:41:02 +0000

The phase of economic depression has done something positive, indeed. Those who run their small-scale offices have turned more saving-friendly. They are devising and applying latest and unique methods of effective cost-cutting.So if you are one of those who want to save the maximum, then you need to start from basics. Start from choosing the best office automation products. Go out to grab a multifunction printer. It will help you to make the most of your plans. How?Buying a multifunction printer can be a boon to your business. For fun part, it can be your new saving account or a piggy bank. It will help you a lot to reduce costs and office expenses.Surely, a machine which works not only as a copier, printer or scanner but also helps you in receiving and sending the faxes can be no less than a boon. However, you need to be a bit careful while buying your printer.Choose Your Technology : Like any other conventional printer, a multifunction printer comes either with laser technology or ink-jet technology both. It is upon you which one to choose. Remember, the ink-jet multifunction printers are the most suitable printers for low-scale businesses.Paper-holding Capacity : As you need to get printouts too frequently, the paper holding capacity of the printer must be sufficient. Choose a printer which can hold 200-250 sheets in its paper feeder.See The Speed : Choosing a printer which prints documents at a great speed is a clever step. It really minimizes your office expenses. A good multifunction printer must print 20-30 pages per minute.Memory Matters : This too depends upon the type of business you carry. A printer with a memory capacity of 6-8 MB is adequate enough for a small business holder.Easy Integration and Installation : Your new multifunction printer needs to be efficient enough to get connected to the existing network easily. So don’t forget to ask for the user manuals or software which help you to install and integrate your printer with minimum effort.Helping Wizards : Also a reliable printer is one which can guide you successfully when you face troubles while operating it. Thus look out how helpful are the inbuilt wizards which guide you step by step when you need troubleshooting. Also it helps in upgrading process.User Friendly : As it is a multifunction printer, its operation becomes more complex. So you need to grab a product which is easy to use. The switches, well guided indications and signs describing the effortless use of the printer make it more user friendly.Made for Multiple Users : A multifunction printer must be equipped to be used by multiple users at a single point of time . As there are no separate scanners and copiers, many people would want to use it synchronously. So there should be the feature of wireless connectivity so it can be used by multiple users accordingly.LCD Screen : A less equipped printer needs a PC to get the photos printed. As you need to reduce costs drastically, you need to buy a multifunction printer which comes with a big LCD screen. Thus you will not require a PC.

10 Things to Consider When Buying a Multifunction Printer

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:11:54 +0000

Buying a new multifunction printer blindly is a bad idea considering the amount of money that you need to spend. Think about these 10 issues first before you finally make your final purchase.1. Figure out what you and your Business needs
The best way to find out what the needs are is to do a full simulation of your business. This can be done via flowcharting or by discussing with other individuals. Remember that multifunction printers are not just there to play both roles of being a scanner and printer, some have a lot of time-saving features that your business might need.2. Break down the Expenses
The price tag of the multifunction printer shouldn’t be your only basis in budget. Remember that the printer may need maintenance or extra supplies to keep it up and running. Whether it is more ink or possible replacing of parts, all of these will cost you money and should be part of the equation when knowing the Total Cost of Ownership.3. Weigh in the Pros and Cons of the Printer
Research is necessary to get this done because you need to be acquiring information from third parties and other consumers that have tried the printer. Figure out what makes it great and see if those benefits are aligned with your business objectives.4. Judge its Network Connectivity
If you are managing a small business, you most probably have a business network where all of your clients and personnel communicate. If there is a need for that multifunction printer to be used by many, you need to make sure that firstly it has good network connectivity. Otherwise your overall productivity can be seriously affected.5. See how easy it is to Use
Even the devices that are very rich in features are useless if people can’t figure out how to put them to use. Make sure it is user-friendly not only for you, but other people that will be using it and who may not be so technically inclined.6. Look for Multitasking Support
Don’t be fooled by the all-in-one machine claim because while all multifunction printers are made to be multipurpose, not all can handle different tasks at once. Even if time-saving isn’t your biggest objective, a printer that supports multitasking is so much better and more productive.7. Make sure it performs well and it’s Stable
You can figure out the performance and stability of the printer if you do some research and see what others have to say. It is never a good thing where you purchase the best printer and realize later that it’s a faulty model.8. Know the Background of the Manufacturer
Multifunction printers are highly powerful and pretty delicate as well and problems should be expected in the distant future, or sooner if the printer is frequently used. Do a background check on how well the company supports these inconvenient issues.9. Determine if it meets your Security Requirements
Some businesses house highly classified information that shouldn’t be leaked out of the network. Even if all the computers are fully secure, an insecure printer can put a hole in the network where hackers can take advantage.10. Consider the Software that is Available
Find out what software it comes with and what 3rd party applications it is compatible with. Good software can make an already user-friendly printer to become even friendlier.
A multifunction printer is a big machine with a lot of things to look at. Make sure you take note of the specifications and compare with others before making your purchase.

Top 5 Multifunction Printers in the Market for Home Office Use

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:01:11 +0000

Multifunction printers have been talked about to a great extent in the last couple of years. So whatâs the hype all about or rather why are they so great? The very fact that they have printer, copier and scanner all enclosed in the same unit offers a powerful combination of functionality and compactness. These especially are great for small businesses or home-based offices that cannot afford to buy separate printers, copiers and scanners for their daily requirements.

The top 5 in the market

When it comes to multifunction printers for home offices, one needs to look at several aspects â the first being the cost â though of course cost isnât the only driver. Here we look at the top 5 picks in the best multifunctional printers and also state why theyâre so good.

1. Brother MFC- 7820N Printer

This oneâs a winner all the way. All of Brotherâs multifunctional printers come with easy installation and set up. However, what sets this one apart from its siblings are compactness, high speed and affordability. It has sharp and crisp laser quality printing, has a scanning resolution of around 1200×1200 dpi. It has good quality fax as well. The layout and design is one of the most note-worthy aspects of this multifunction printer. The feeder in the printer is especially designed for even envelop printing, which makes this even more versatile. With an average speed of 20 ppm and a surprisingly quick warm-up speed of 10 seconds, this printer is much better when it comes to its other counterparts.

2. Canon Pixma MP600

Canon Pixma MP600 has a high quality print output, with sharp and crisp text and photos. With a mono speed of 30 ppm and color of 24 ppm and a color resolution of 9600×2400 dpi, it provides high quality color prints. However it lacks a film scanner or an automatic document feeder.

3. HP Officejet 9120 multifunction printer

This multifunction printer is great for an office workgroup for a home based business. It has an Ethernet print server and good multitasking ability with scanning, copying and fax abilities inbuilt. With a relatively good mono speed of 25 ppm and color of 22 ppm, and two sided copying, this printer suffices for home office use.

4. Samsung SCX 4200

This oneâs a laser multifunction printer and has a 600×600 dpi resolution, a mono speed of 18 ppm. Being a laser printer, it is much better than the ink cartridges. It provides good quality prints and a reasonably good speed. All in all, the Samsung SCX 4200 multifunction printer comes at an affordable price which makes it good for home office use.

5. Epson AcuLaser CX11NF

This oneâs a color laser multifunction printer and hence isnât really great at printing color photos. However its good for text and graphics in general. The Epson AcuLaser CX11NF multifunction printer has an average speed of 18 ppm for text and 4 ppm for graphics (which can be quite slow). The tray input capacity is just 180 pages.

Brother Mfc or Canon Pixma: Which is the Better Multifunction Printer?

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:15:04 +0000

People with home devices often prefer to use multifunction printers simply because these devices conserve space and have many features that home offices need compacted in just one device. Most leading printer manufacturers have multifunction printers as part of their product line.
Among the multifunction printers available in the market today, those created by Brother and Canon are some of the best. The question is this: Which is the better line of multifunction printer, the Brother MFC or the Canon PIXMA?
Brother MFC Multifunction Printers
Most Brother MFC printers have advanced features that really define what multifunction printers are. They are small and lightweight, but certainly compact.
They can work as a decent phone and fax machine. Messages can be recorded on these Brother MFC multifunction printers, making them double as answering machines. They can be operated as speaker phones.
They can work as scanners, with the option to scan to email, scan to file, scan to image or scan to OCR. The Brother MFC multifunction printers are also fitted with widescreen LCD control panels that allow for previews of scans, prints and faxes.
Most of all, they are versatile printers with the ability to print in monochrome or in color, depending on the model. They can even function as photo printers with photo ink cartridges . Also, they can print from USB flash drives and other memory cards, and they are Ethernet-ready.
Canon PIXMA Multifunction printers
On the other hand, Canon PIXMA multifunction printers do not have the advanced features that the Brother MFC multifunction printers have. They are as versatile as can be expected from multifunction printers, but the features that Canon PIXMA multifunction printers possess are just basic, good for small working environments.
For one, many models only have basic fax functions. Some cannot print from or even read USB flash drives. Some cannot function as photo printers.
Eventually, what it all comes down to is what exactly do people with home offices need in multifunction printers. If they want multifarious functions and features in a printer, and if their printing needs demand versatility in a printer, they should go for Brother MFC models. However, if they are not that big on features and functions and are more focused on printing output quality, a Canon PIXMA model would be a better choice for them.

All About Multifunction Printer, Scanner and Copier

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:16:05 +0000

Multifunction printers are the best for small offices and or the home. It is a real miracle – one unit that prints, copies and scans. It saves on space and money. One point has to be kept in mind that it does all these functions but not all of them well. If the requirement is for high grade scanning then this three-in-one model might prove to be inadequate. It is all right for moderate use and not for intensive application.

As regards the speed the printer might prove to be too slow for professional use. This is especially so in the case of colour printers. While using a multifunction printer and trying to get some fast assignment completed then the rate of 22 pages per minute as against the crawl of 12 pages per minute does matter.

Multifunction printers that have more memory turn out to be more costly. This inadequacy becomes apparent when one tries to do three things together – scanning, printing and copying. If the requirement is heavy then it is best to opt for a multifunction printer that has 16 MB – to say the least.

The quality of the image depends on dpi or dots per inch. The standard (600×600) will suffice for printing but is unsuitable as regards quality of photo. Scanner resolutions must be noticed, as these are usually low in multifunction models. There is a wide gap as regards quality between interpolated and optimal resolution.

Multifunction printers that have to be fed with one page at a time can become a real headache and eat up the whole day. It is best to buy a multifunction printer that is fitted with a document feeder system that is automatic and at each go holds 15 sheets at the minimum.

It is advisable not to just pick a multipurpose printer off the store shelf, have it packed, pay and walk off with it. Always play around with it in the store giving a good amount of time and attention. Carefully scrutinize the specifications and see how the printer actually behaves when put to the test. Each operation should be tested separately. After all it must meet the specific requirements of the buyer – no matter how small it is.

Most of the multifunction printers are manufactured with the prime function of photographic output. But being three-in-one the other utilities are kept in mind.

The scanner function is of great importance. There are two main types technologies involved in manufacture of scanners. CCD or charge-coupled-device performs better as regards quality of image especially when dealing with books. On the other hand the other technology of CIS or contact-image-sensor makes the machine more durable. Other points to consider are sheet-fed versus flat-bed machines.

The flat-bed ones allow scanning of thicker objects. Try to include in the purchase package an OCR or optical-character-recognition. It converts the pages that are scanned into text documents that can be edited. This will save a lot of time – running into hours – if the original soft copy is misplaced. For those who want to store old photographs purchase with this multipurpose printer attachments that will enable scanning of slides and films.

The speed of making copies can never be up to the mark unless the unit has these gizmos. Always bear in mind that documents have to be lifted and replaced innumerable times. Apart from speed other areas of importance are user friendliness and storage of memory. But with all the attachments included it will be child`s play to manage multiple copies; only few buttons will have to be pressed.