fatbaby2

Any input would be appreciated on multi function printers for around $200.

I will not be traveling with it. Scanning not a required function.

TIA

ScottC

Very happy with the Epson Artisan 810 - fax, scan, copy, duplex, print, WiFi, Ethernet

All in all a very reliable unit.

dtsm

I bought a HP model for well under $200 that includes color printing/scan/fax/copy, etc.

If you visit Amazon.com and search the multifunction machines, there are probably 20 different models to pick from. If color is not important, probably can get one for under $100!

If you do go up to $200, it should include ability to connect via wifi.

fatbaby2

OK THX.

Color is not important.

Prob is I need to pick one up locally (BWI)TODAY, thus AMZN is not an option.

fatbaby2

THX.

Best Buy has it for $169.

swanscn

on sale at Best Buy $149. I own one of these printers and it works great Win 7 compatible also and it is wireless (has a wire for those who need one).

SylviaCaras

I just installed HP OfficeJet 4500 - all features - fine for occasional use, clear printing,attractive design, medium footprint, clunky, noisy, slow, inexpensive - my primary use is scan, rare fax, backup printer. I'm content with my under $100 purchase.

Sylvia

cordelli

When I was looking all of the office stores had one or two models on a clearance table, usually new in box, just not a model they were going to be selling any more. Staples, Office Max, etc.

They will have quite a few under that price point, even brand new regular price.

Efrem

You will, I suspect, find that scanning is like a camera in a mobile phone: few people think they want it until they have it, but then they wonder how they ever lived without it. Faxes, in my professional and personal worlds, are going the way of the dodo bird even if they're not quite there yet. Attaching scans to e-mails is more and more the standard approach to sending documents. Among other things, it gives the receiver much more flexibility in storing and printing (or not printing, if viewing the document on screen is enough).

That said, you're unlikely to find a unit that does copying and faxing but not scanning. Scanning is the first step in the other two. The computer interface is already there, too. It's easy to program the unit to link them directly. The added cost is zero to negligible, the added benefit to many people is huge, so manufacturers all put it in.

That said: I have an Epson photo-quality unit. My wife has a more basic HP. Neither is new. Both work fine. $200 buys you good (not great) photo printing these days. If you don't need that, you can get one for much less.

(If you need great photo printing, try FT's photography forum - right below this one in the list.)

dtsm

Good deal. I just went downstairs and noted ours was the HP deskjet 4400, paid more than $100 at time of purchase.

In retrospect, should have bought a wifi capable unit!

crhptic

I've purchased 3 Brother MFC machines for under $200 and been happy with all three. You should be able to find them at the local big box office store, Walmart, Best Buy, etc.

msb0b

In that case, a monochrome laser will offer lowest operating cost and best quality output. I would avoid inkjets because ink will dry up even if you don't use it.

TA

very much agree on this point. I hate the notion of being jerked around by ridiculous costing inkjet refills. I got an HP 3015 for my parents years ago, they're very happy, and recently bought an HP 3050 for myself. Unfortunately I believe the latest incarnation of it is not able to be print shared via a central print server, but you might want to verify that.

winkydink

I'm very happy with the Canon imageCLASS MF4370D. $170 @ Amazon right now and replacement toner is reasonable (remember to factor that into your buying decision).

Boraxo

We have a 4 year old HP scan/fax/copy printer that we got for $199 (MSRP $399). It used to permit wireless printing when it was attached to our airport, but since we moved we have to attach the cable to our laptop every time we want to print something. A real PITA when you use your laptop all over the house.

So my recommendation is to make sure you get a true wireless printer that is compatible with your current computer and doesn't require a hardwire cable connection to your modem or computer. Thankfully that covers most systems today and the price has dropped substantially in the last couple of years.