Perhaps, in our digital age, the phrase "multifunctional device" everyone heard. In principle, manufacturers do not offer anything revolutionary: the idea of combining several functions in a single “combine” has been known for many decades. What are the old Soviet radio sets, combining a radio and
a record player in one case
? This is really convenient, because the free space of the room is used more rationally; changes in electronic circuits allow you to abandon part of the duplicate elements (two power supplies); additional features appear. This is not a complete list of the advantages that a multifunction device has. And quite deservedly. Now, the term "multifunctional device", as a rule, is understood as a combined scanner and printer. The trend is that soon these devices may no longer be sold separately. The reason for this is the cost: a multifunction device will cost less than two independent devices.
Number of prints
When deciding to purchase such a “harvester”, you need to decide on the desired print volume (scanner resources are usually not considered) - the final price largely depends on this. Each such device is characterized by the permissible number of printed pages per month. The value is specified in the specification. Although the excess does not mean that the printer in the MFP will fail, however, the wear of the elements will be accelerated.
The way to create a fingerprint
Inexpensive options that allow you to display images in color, created on the basis of inkjet technology . For home use, you can recommend buying a Canon MFP, one of the hallmarks of which is the ability to relatively easily refill ink from used cartridges. In addition, you can further reduce the price of one print by installing the CISS system (ink supply from special containers located outside the MFP). Nevertheless, recently budget devices have appeared on the market that use the laser printing method. So, for example, Samsung Laser MFP is only 20-30% more expensive than an inkjet counterpart. At the same time, buying a device with an integrated laser printer, you can forget about the need to print something once a week (necessary to prevent ink drying in inkjets). The only drawback with affordable laser MFPs is the inability to print in color. Color models exist, but for a simple user, their cost may be too high.
Copier features
Although the copy machine is not needed every day, sometimes you can not do without it. Of course, you can go to the nearest point of sale where photocopying services are offered, but this becomes completely redundant if a modern MFP is connected to the computer. It is enough to put the original document on the scanner glass and press the button on the panel - the device will automatically scan and print everything itself. More advanced models not only allow you to specify the required number of prints, but also work without a computer at all - a kind of small copier. When buying, you should familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the copier implemented by the selected model.
Communications
Now most models connect to a computer via the USB bus. As a rule, this is quite enough. However, if the MFP requires some flexibility in use, then you should pay attention to Wi-Fi devices.