Printer Buying Guide | Everything About Multifunction Printers!

While there are printer models that can do multiple jobs at the same time, why would you settle for a single function printer?

The size of devices such as printer is decreasing day by day. Almost every device on the market has bigger brothers in its history. Thanks to the development of production technologies, not only size are becoming smaller but also different products can fit into a single structure. The best example is of course smartphones. 

If you remember, the first digital cameras offered a resolution of 1.3 MP or 2.1 MP, and even on a standard smartphone today, it is now possible to see several times. Similarly, as smartphones began to gain features, they began to threaten devices such as music players, handhelds, and even portable gaming consoles. there are also smartphones with projector now. Soon you will be able to watch the photos and videos in your smartphone on the wall or ceiling of your room. It’s hard to believe the first time you hear it, isn’t it? 

There is no doubt that technologies that will fit into smartphones will increase as the technology progresses. Of course, this also applies to all other devices such as multifunction printers.

What does multifunction printer mean?

Today’s trend is also multifunctional printers. All of the products that were sold separately, such as printers, scanners, copiers and even faxes (on some models), have all come together under the umbrella of a “multifunctional”. 

The purchase of all products separately means you have to spend more on cost and will require more workspace. As we mentioned earlier, multifunction printers are essentially a combination of several technological devices.

Note that many of the multifunctional products do not have professional-grade components in terms of addressing end-users. But users who need more always have the option to buy these devices separately. The price will also change and rise in line with the capabilities of the product you will receive. For example; although the cameras in smartphones are often sufficient in daily use, there will always be alternatives such as DSLR for those who want to be in photography professional. However, the products in the “multifunctional” class will meet the needs of many users. 

Why choose multifunction?

If you want to buy a new A4 size scanner today, you can find it easily for 3000-4000 rupees in India. Colour printers with inkjet technology are partly more affordable and can be found at 2000 INR. Copiers and fax machines are generally manufactured according to office standards and are expensive while buying but more economical in the long term. Therefore, it is not right for a single home or small office user to invest so much. Multi-function printers, scanners, printers and copiers are standard features. On some models, you may also see the fax feature. Today, you can even buy a multifunction printer under 4000 INR in India.

When you look carefully at the small shops in your neighbourhood, you will find that most people prefer to have a multifunctional model. 

We recommend you to buy a new printer for your home or small office. Depending on the frequency of use, you should opt for inkjet or laser printers.

Photo printing advantage

With the developing technology, photo printing can now be performed on all printers that feature colour printing. Multifunction printers are also included in this group. Other than the entry-level affordable models, the options are usually equipped with various features for this function. For example; the products can be equipped with a memory card reader or USB port so that even if your computer doesn’t work at the moment, you’ll have the chance to print photos from the stored memory. When you attach the memory card or USB, it detects the photo files in a short time if any, and are displayed via the LCD screen. 

You can select the photo to be printed using the control buttons on the printer. You can even crop the photo or make adjustments such as cutting and effects, with the built-in software in the printers. If you’re looking at a cheap printer, be aware that it will not include all the features.

In contrast to the past, inkjet products now print on CMYK guidelines and come with four or more cartridges for mid-tonnes. Previously, there were two different cartridges, colour and black, and if any colour in the colour cartridge ran out, you need to replace. Nowadays, because the colours are in different cartridges, it is enough to replace the cartridge which is exhausted. 

On the other hand, printer manufacturers are also seriously inclined to save ink. If you use specially manufactured cartridges and paper for photo printing, you can print in high quality up to A4 size (297 x 210 mm). Of course, the only way to send photos to printers is not to use the built-in USB port or the memory card. You may also see Bluetooth or WiFi support for some products on the market, though not much. This allows you to transfer photos wirelessly from your smartphone or a portable computer to your printer. In the laser class, it is possible to encounter colour printing products. However, we do not recommend laser products for photo printing because of the resolution and printer costs. If you have a hobby, such as printing your holiday photos, we recommend you to go for an inkjet printer. If you’re going to use your printer in a crowded office, then it’s best to choose laser technology. 

Connection options

The parallel interface, which was indispensable in the printer connection in the past years, has been replaced by USB, a universal standard. Most of the products on the market support USB connection, and with some other products, you may also encounter an Ethernet interface. As you know, thanks to the USB interface, the connection is managed through only one computer. In the Ethernet connection, the printer receives an IP address over the network and is accessible to all computers on the network. All the computers where the printer is installed can print. 

What we’re saying is that an Ethernet-enabled multifunction printer will basically give you the advantage of being able to control multiple computers. Well, if your current printer doesn’t have an ethernet interface, can you still use multiple computers? 

Yes, it’s possible, with devices called USB Print Server, you can share all printers on the network, regardless of brand and model. If you’re thinking of office use or multiple access, pay attention to the ethernet interface. Another important point is the wireless. It is also possible to see wireless network support for some products on the market. Although there is not much price difference, it is best to buy a printer that offers wireless network support. This allows your printer to be wirelessly connected to the router or access point on your network, and all computers running on the network can access it without using any additional cables. 

An important point is the USB interfaces found in network products. Sharing interfaces open both portable drives to the network environment and provide IP support by providing network support to USB-connected printers. Therefore, if your modem or router has a USB interface, you may not need to purchase a USB Print Server.

Inkjet or laser printer?

This question, which is valid for almost all printer selections, is also one of the most important points in the multifunction printers. In fact, in our article we talked constantly; inkjet and multifunction printers have significant advantages and disadvantages over each other. You should first consider how often and for what reason you will use your printer. The laser printer is undoubtedly the best option if you plan to print frequently during the day. However, if you are going to get print once a month, you can say that inkjet is more advantageous in terms of the acquisition cost, if not with printing. Less space-saving, lighter and more cost-effective, inkjet printers are able to take advantage of laser printers when it comes to photo printing. If you often need to print, or if cartridge costs are constantly bothering you, it makes sense to make your choice on the laser side. Printing is much more economical for laser printers, but space and the energy consumption is one of the biggest problems of laser printers, though not as much as before. Nowadays, inkjet printers are constantly developing in cost-cutting technologies and are very successful in preventing technology from losing power.

Conclusion

When we look at it, we see that a standard inkjet printer can be bought from 2000 Rupees in India. So there’s no point in taking pressure outside and paying the same money to the stationery. When we maintain our reasonable approach, it is worth noting that multifunctional inkjet products start at 2500 Rupees in India. The copy and scan features are some of the highlights Therefore, nowadays, printers that are not multi-functional are no longer popular and losing the market. 

If you are still confused about printer then check out our in-depth printer reviews