Multifunction Copiers

The ‘all in one’ copiers

Introduced in the late 1980s, the multifunction copier, which may also be known as a ‘mopier’, a multifunction device, or a multifunction printer (MFP), is just what it sounds like. It’s basically an all in one printing, copying, faxing unit. There are a couple of different types of these digital office copiers available. Some of them come with a printer, a fax machine and a copier, and are generally known as printer fax copiers. You can also get four in one multifunction copiers that come with a printer, a fax machine, a copier, as well as a scanner.

Some of these units may also feature emailing capabilities and some models will also let you instantly scan and send documents across your network or the internet without the need for a computer. On many of them you can print, copy, scan, email and fax simultaneously, even when other jobs are running. You can get multifunction copiers in both black and white and color models, network copiers, and refurbished models. You should also be able to rent one of the many types of multifunction copiers.

Most multifunction copiers can work as a computer peripheral, which uses a computer port, like ethernet/Wi-Fi-LAN, USB, and FireWire. They can also work without a computer connection. Lower end models are usually inkjet-based however most large office copiers use a laser print engine for higher quality work. Some units also have sockets for memory cards so you can print pictures directly from digital cameras.

Multifunction copiers are ideal for the small home-office, as there’s no need for three or four separate machines. This is a great way to save both space and money. However, these items may not be suitable for every type of business. A lot of multifunction copiers can perform all three or four functions adequately, but they don't necessarily do everything well. This could be compared to a “jack of all trades but master of none” scenario. If you require high-resolution scanning and/or advanced faxing features, make sure you choose your multifunction copier carefully.

When it comes to speed, many low cost multifunction copiers are pretty slow in the both printing and copying, especially in color. If your business depends on quick printing and copying you should look for the fastest model you can afford. You should also be aware that the more memory a multifunction copier has, the more it costs. Although 8 megabytes (MB) of memory may be enough for home and small office use, you will probably need at least 16 MB of memory if you work with large documents or have a lot of people using the machine.

On the fax side of things, be sure to check the fax/modem speed. Most multifunction copiers that have faxes included have integrated fax/modems of 33 Kbps fax/modem. This means your faxes will be sent quickly and save you money as your phone line won’t be tied up as long. If you require color faxing, fax broadcasting, and/or group dialing, make sure the copier has those features included.

For printing resolution, the higher the dots per inch (dpi) is, the higher the image quality will be. The standard resolution of 600 x 600 is generally good enough for most office use, but it’s not good enough for the photo quality that graphic artists and other professionals will need. Scanner resolutions for multifunction copiers are often low so make sure the model you get can fulfill your demands.

Some lower end units don't have automatic document feeders and while this may not sound like a big deal, you don’t want to have to stand by the copier and insert single sheets into it all day long. It’s a good idea to get a copier that has an automatic document feeder that holds at least 50 sheets.

You should never shell out your hard earned cash for an all in one or four in one multifunction copier without testing it in the store. You should test each function separately to make sure everything meets your needs.