Best Multifunction Printers Do It All, But Performance Varies Widely Independence MO

This month's chart features all newly tested models.


1 . Local Companies

Power On Technologies Inc
816-737-2900
5893 Raytown RD
Kansas City, MO
Fotos Copies Plus
816-421-6482
1816 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO
Office Machine Mart
816-474-0099
111 W 31st St
Kansas City, MO
Excel Office Supply & Equipment Co
816-421-3191
229 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO
Copier Shop
816-436-7600
7400 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO
OfficeMax
(816) 455-1555
317 Ne Vivion Rd
Gladstone, MO
Indepedent Graphic Services
(816) 436-6831
700 Ne 76th St Ste D
Gladstone, MO
Express Toner Inc
(816) 420-0858
7 Nw 72nd St
Gladstone, MO
Oce North America
(913) 599-6608
7000 Squibb Rd
Mission, KS
DIGIX, INC.
(913) 385-3344
7861 Mastin Dr.
Kansas City, MO

2 . Introduction

Click here to view full-size image.Each of the multifunction inkjet printers on this month's chart is a newly tested model. Among these MFPs--also called all-in-ones--speeds varied widely. In our lab tests, the best performer across the board was the Canon Pixma MP600, which is priced low at $200 and earned our Best Buy.

Regardless of whether it was churning out text, graphics, or photographs, the MP600 printed faster than the competition, generating text at a brisk 11.9 pages per minute, graphics at 3.7 ppm, and glossy photos at 2.3 ppm.

The MP600 has many features, including dual paper trays and a duplexer for producing double-sided prints. Whether this model is the appropriate device for you, however, will likely depend on two features it lacks: It has no built-in fax capability, which limits its appeal for office users; and photo enthusiasts will be disappointed that the product doesn't scan film.

If you're willing to spend more, the $399 Canon Pixma MP960 delivers the works. It has a duplexer and two paper trays, as well as a big, 3.5-inch LCD screen, a scroll wheel for easy menu navigation, seven inks, and film scanning.

The $99 Lexmark X5470 distinguishes itself with more than just a very low price: It's the only model here that has a built-in fax machine.

3 . Copies and Scans

As a copier, the MP600 is fast--on average it took 13 seconds per page. The MP960 churned out a copy every 17 seconds. Some of the other models took significantly longer. Epson's RX580 required 25 seconds to make a single copy, HP's C5180 took 28 seconds, and the Lexmark X5470 dragged its feet, finishing the task after 32 seconds.

The MP600 and MP960 delivered the best-looking copies, earning a Very Good mark for the dark, sharp text in their reproductions. The HP and Lexmark models received a Good for copy quality; and the Epson RX580 scored a Poor.

The Epson and the Lexmark produced the least-attractive scans; a lack of sharp details and inaccurate colors contributed to the Fair grade that each printer received. Scans from the other three devices looked slightly better--each model earned a score of Good.

4 . Find the Very Latest Printer Charts

Click on the links below for the latest online printer rankings or a comprehensive list of all printers we've tested.

5 . Featured Local Company

Power On Technologies Inc

816-737-2900
5893 Raytown RD
Kansas City, MO


Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History