Laser MFPs: Review Of Home Printers. How Do I Pick A Good MFP For Home Use? Compact Models With Refillable Cartridge And Other Options

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

With the development and improvement of technology and scientific knowledge, our life becomes easier. First of all, this is facilitated by the emergence of a large number of devices and apparatus, which over time become common household items and become integral elements of the home environment. So, these units include multifunctional devices (or MFPs).

Today in our article we will talk in more detail about what they are, for what purposes they are used, and also what advantages and disadvantages they have . In addition, in our material you can find an overview of the best, most popular and demanded models of MFPs among consumers.

What it is?

First of all, it is necessary to determine what, in fact, are MFPs. So, this abbreviation stands for "multifunctional device ". This unit is called multifunctional because it combines the characteristics and principles of operation of several types of equipment at once, namely: a printer, a scanner and a copier. In this regard, it can be concluded that the purpose of the IFI is rather broad.

Today, on the market for technology and electronics, you can find several types of multifunctional devices, namely: laser and inkjet varieties . Moreover, the first option is considered the most preferable, effective and economical (compared to the second).

Pros and cons

Before purchasing a laser multifunction device, you should familiarize yourself with its features. It should be remembered that the MFP (like any other technical device) has a number of unique features and properties. Only by carefully analyzing and studying all these characteristics, you can make an objective and informed choice, respectively, in the future you will not regret your purchase.

To begin with, consider the positive properties of laser units

• High printing speed . Thanks to this characteristic, the user of the unit will be able to print a large number of documents in a relatively short period of time. Accordingly, we can talk about the high efficiency of the device.
• High level of clarity . In some situations, the printing of documents using inkjet units is of poor quality. First of all, flaws can appear in the form of blurry and unclear text. Such problems can be avoided by using a laser-type MFP.
• Ability to withstand high loads . The unit will not give any failures even in the case of printing a large number of bulky documents, which is especially important for offices or specialized service stores that provide services for printing documents.
• Good print quality not only for texts, but also for diagrams and images . Often, documents not only consist of plain text, but also contain a variety of diagrams, tables, infographics, images, etc. At the same time, printing such elements is especially difficult, due to which the final document does not always look neat. The maximum print quality of additional elements is ensured by laser multifunctional units.

Despite the large number of positive characteristics, it is also necessary to remember about the existing shortcomings. So, the main negative features of laser multifunction devices include their rather high cost . Accordingly, not every person can afford such a purchase.

It should also be borne in mind that laser users report that all available functionalities fully compensate for the high price tag.

In any case, the final decision on the purchase of the unit should be made, focusing on your material capabilities.

Species overview

In the modern market of technology and electronics, there are several varieties of laser multifunction devices. So, you can find equipment with a refillable cartridge and with double-sided printing, monochrome, compact, network, LED, automatic and wireless units. Also available to the user are MFPs without chip parts for scanning, devices with consumables, etc. For the convenience of users, all existing subspecies are divided into 2 main categories.

Black and white . Black and white devices are mostly suitable for people who plan to print only text documents. This is due to the fact that text is rarely multi-colored. Most of all, black and white units are suitable for offices and those people who hold official positions.

Colored . Colored multifunctional units are suitable for printing pictures, diagrams, infographics, diagrams, etc. This is due to the fact that such bright elements bring contrast and create the structure of the document.

It is important to note the fact that almost all modern MFP models are equipped with a duplex printing function.

Popular models

A large number of good and reliable multifunctional devices can be found on the market today. At the same time, various models are suitable for home or office use, have small or large sizes, etc. Today in our article we will consider and compare the main characteristics of worthy multifunctional units (both inexpensive and luxury).

Xerox B205

This device is perfect for a small office, as it has a compact size. The maximum efficiency rating of this device is at the level of the ability to print 30,000 pages per month. At the same time, the unit is capable of printing 30 pages in 60 seconds. The standard package, in addition to the main unit, includes a cartridge of the 106R04348 type for 3000 pages, a scanner with a resolution of 1200 × 1200 and 4800 × 4800 dots . It is also important to note the presence of a one-sided automatic feeding system for originals for scanning. For the convenience of the user, the manufacturer has provided for the presence of USB on the front panel and Wi-Fi connection.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w

This product provides high quality black and white printing. In addition to the large number of modern functions, the ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing external design of the unit should also be noted. Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi technology, the user has the opportunity to send documents for printing from devices with iOS and Android systems. In addition, it should be noted the presence of a USB 2.0 port. The printer, which is part of the MFP, has the ability to work with both glossy and matte paper. Besides, users report the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w's high level of comfort and ease of use, in particular the lack of noise.

Brother DCP-L2520DWR

The Brother DCP-L2520DWR model is characterized by an optimal ratio of price and quality. So, in order to purchase this device, you will need to spend 12,000 rubles. At the same time, the model is equipped with a large number of modern technologies and functions. The outer casing of the unit is made of such practical and reliable material as dark plastic . It should be noted the presence of a USB port and a Wi-Fi module.

Canon i-SENSYS MF643Cdw

This MFP model was produced by the world famous Japanese company Canon. Accordingly, we can talk about the high quality of the unit designed for color printing. The market value of this equipment is about 16,000 rubles. This multifunctional device has many positive characteristics and properties. The Canon i-SENSYS MF643Cdw has the ability to work with Windows and Mac OS systems, as well as print from smartphones.

If necessary, the user has the ability to adjust the color correction parameters. It should be borne in mind, however, that a USB cable is not included as standard.

HP Color LaserJet Pro M281fdw

A multifunctional device of this type includes the following units: printer, scanner, copier and fax. For the operation of this MFP, you need a branded toner with a resource from 1300 to 3200 pages. Printing by itself with the HP Color LaserJet Pro M281fdw is high quality and faster . At the same time, before purchasing this model, one should bear in mind the fact that consumables for the device are expensive.

KYOCERA ECOSYS M6230cidn

The equipment of this model is distinguished by a high level of productivity: up to 100 thousand pages can be printed per month. Thanks to these characteristics, the device will be appropriate in an office or even a service center . The machine has an automatic duplex printing and scanning function. It is also important to note that for the convenience of the user, the manufacturer has provided the possibility of remote diagnostics and management. There is also a large touchscreen liquid crystal display.

Thus, we can conclude that the market offers a large number of interesting samples of the equipment in question . Thanks to such a wide assortment, each person will be able to choose for himself such a device that will meet his individual needs and wishes.

At the same time, depending on financial capabilities, you can buy both cheap budget options and expensive units.

How to choose?

The choice of a multifunctional device is a responsible decision that must be approached with the utmost seriousness and care. This is primarily due to the fact that the purchase itself is quite expensive. In the process of purchasing a 3-in-one unit, several key points should be considered.

• Device type . As mentioned above, on the modern market of technology and electronics, you can find several types of laser MFPs, namely: black and white and color units. You should decide in advance which of the types will be the most suitable and corresponding to your needs.
• Functional content . Modern multifunctional devices can be equipped with various technologies. So, Wi-Fi, additional elements (clock, timer, etc.) may be present.
• Place of use . MFPs are devices that are purchased for home, office, service centers, etc. At the same time, depending on the place of use, the set of required functions can significantly change, and, accordingly, the price of equipment. You should decide in advance where you will use the unit.
• Dimensions . First of all, it must be said that most multifunctional devices have rather large dimensions. Therefore, you need to prepare the installation site in advance. At the same time, even within this framework, you can find both small and larger devices.
• Exterior design . Despite the fact that it is the functional features of the MFP that are of paramount importance, in the process of purchasing the unit, one should also pay attention to the external design of the equipment. Thus, the primary focus should be on the ergonomics indicators, which have a decisive influence on the comfort and ease of use of the device. In addition, choose the color of the MFP case according to your personal preferences, as well as focus on the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the device.
• Manufacturer . If you want to be sure that you are buying a high-quality unit, the production of which was carried out taking into account all international technical standards and requirements, then you should focus only on trusted manufacturers who enjoy authority and respect among buyers (both among the professional community and among amateurs).
• Price . As mentioned above, the high cost of MFPs is one of the negative characteristics of such products. Accordingly, in the acquisition process, you need to focus on your financial capabilities. In general, experts recommend paying attention to equipment from the middle price segment, since it corresponds to the optimal ratio of price and quality.
• Place of purchase . The purchase of a multifunctional device must be carried out only in company stores and official representations. Firstly, in this case, you can be sure that you will purchase a quality product, and not a fake, and secondly, only highly qualified and experienced sales assistants work in such stores, who will always provide you with professional assistance and answer everything questions you are interested in.
• Feedback from buyers . Before purchasing a specific model of a multifunctional device, it is necessary to study in detail the reviews and comments of users about this unit. Thanks to this approach, you will be able to assess how the characteristics declared by the manufacturer correspond to the real state of affairs.

Thus, taking into account all the key parameters and factors described above, you can purchase an MFP that will be of high quality and long service life. Thanks to this, over time, you will not regret your purchase, it will perform its functions 100%.

How to use?

Choosing a specific device model and purchasing it is only the first step. Unquestioning adherence to the rules and principles of the use of MFPs also plays an important role . So, first of all, it must be said that before starting to operate the unit, you should carefully study the operating instructions, which are an integral part of the standard equipment. Traditionally, this document contains refueling recommendations, useful life information, and other critical information.

As a general rule, the instruction manual consists of several parts . So, you can find sections devoted exclusively to safety, home troubleshooting, storage rules, etc.

It is imperative to adhere to all these recommendations, since non-observance can lead to serious damage.

It should also be borne in mind that user manuals vary greatly depending on the specific MFP model. Accordingly, some of the rules that are specific to one model cannot be applied to another.

Thus, it can be concluded that multifunctional devices are a type of equipment that is irreplaceable today (both at home and in the office). In doing so, it saves both your budget and space (instead of purchasing multiple units, you can only buy one). At the same time, it is very important to pay close attention to the process of choosing a device; a number of key factors should be taken into account. Only in this case in the future you will not regret your purchase. However, even after purchase, you should be careful - follow the rules and recommendations of the manufacturer in order to maximize the life of the MFP.