Multifunction Devices: A Perfect Solution for Offices

25 Nov, 2010, 12:56 pm IST | by Anand Tuliani

12 MFDs thoroughly tested, which one's going to sit in your office?

Multifunction Devices: A Perfect Solution for Offices

Creating and sharing content has become so convenient! If you want to capture a moment and share it with your friends, all you need is a phone. Nowadays, even entry-level phones are equipped with cameras, Bluetooth and social networking tools. Digital cameras too have become very affordable; you can buy a decent 10 megapixel camera for under Rs 6,000. Although you can carry your photos with you and view them on the screen, they look best in print. Color inkjet MFDs are a convenient and economical means to get studio quality photo prints at home. In addition, they come in very handy when you urgently need passport-size photos and photocopies. Photocopying doesn’t require PC connectivity and it’s as simple as placing the source on the scanner bed and hitting the copy button.


Epson Stylus OfficeTX 510fn

MFDs have evolved into highly versatile printing machines. The latest models support wireless printing courtesy built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, which make them a very convenient shared resource, especially at the office. High-end MFDs for offices feature high-speed printing and mechanisms such as automatic document feeder (ADF) and duplexer to automate copying/faxing multiple pages and two-sided printing. MFDs specialized for photo printing, are equipped with individual color ink tanks, memory card reader and PictBridge direct printing support. Higher-end models feature USB host function with which you can print directly from USB flash drives and external hard drives.


HP K209a

Even though MFDs pack in a slew of features, operating them is a breeze thanks to the navigational aids and intuitive user interface. MFDs have now started featuring touchscreens and jog dials for user input. Some extremely user-friendly devices even feature built-in help and detailed instructions. In this comparison, we tested a dozen multifunctional devices spanning all budgets and application areas. While some are ideal for home use, others are best suited for photographers or office desks. And yes, owning such a device is no longer expensive. You can buy one for as less as Rs 4,500. So turn over and take your pick.

Tags: Multifunction Devices , printers , scanners , copiers , fax , office electronics , computer peripherals

RELATED STORIES

Brother MFC-J430W Review

Brother MFC-J430W Review

The MFC-J430W by Brother, one of the largest and well-known manufacturers of MFP and AIO units, is an all-in-one printer which features print, scan,

UK scientists build the 'un-printer'

Epson L100 Printer

Epson Brings Integrated Ink Tank System Printers to India

Ricoh to Enter DSLR Camera Market, Buys Pentax

Tech2 Talks Printers With Canon, India

HP Introduces 'Buy Back Offer' in India

 

features

Tech2 checks out the Connex350, world's only multi-material 3D printer

Tech2 checks out the Connex350, world's only multi-material 3D printer

During our recent trip to Chennai, we got the chance to spend a couple of...

By Karan Shah

Tech2 Talks Printers With Canon, India

Tech2 Talks Printers With Canon, India

Tech2 got in touch with VP Sajeevan and imbibed his glimpses on Canon, and

By Rossi Fernandes

Multifunction Devices: A Perfect Solution for Offices

Multifunction Devices: A Perfect Solution for Offices

12 MFDs thoroughly tested, which one's going to sit in your office?

By Anand Tuliani

MORE FEATURES

STAR Plus launches an app for iPhone, iPad

Vandana Das

Thu May 24, 11:16:40

Epson L100 Printer

Derek Ramsky

Thu May 24, 10:58:20

MORE DISCUSSIONS