MFP For Home (51 Photos): Printer, Scanner And Copier 3 In 1, Rating Of The Best. How To Choose A Cheap And Reliable MFP For Home Use?

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

More recently, the most common printers have been widespread in the offices of private companies and government agencies. However, the rapid development of advanced technologies has led to the fact that the price of these printing devices has decreased significantly, which is why they began to be purchased for home use. And after a while, ordinary printers were replaced by unique MFPs.

Description

MFP is an abbreviation, in decrypted form it sounds like a multifunctional device. It simultaneously plays the role of a printer, scanner and copier. Allows you not only to output printed files to paper, but also to process information in the process of output … Thanks to this unit, the working life and everyday life of people are greatly facilitated, since the MFP contains several devices at the same time.

The world's first MFP was released by the Japanese manufacturer Okidata. It was assumed that the device will be used in professional activities, but they began to acquire it for home use. The public, in turn, became very interested in this device. Everyone wanted to know the detailed characteristics of the unit, for what working conditions it was created.

The main and most basic function of the MFP is to ensure the fulfillment of the assigned tasks from one workplace, which is very convenient for the home, and especially for the office. In terms of functionality, the MFP is in many ways superior to conventional printers. No one disputes that the printer perfectly copes with the tasks of transferring text files from electronic form to paper. But the multifunctional device not only prints documents, but also allows them to be scanned and photocopied. Besides, The MFP is able to work not only with text files, but also with various images … For example, make a printout of photos for a family album.

It is worth noting that modern MFP models can make copies of paper documents even when the computer is turned off. Printers in this case require mandatory activation of the PC. Another difference between printers and MFPs is print speed. And in this matter, printers triumph. In terms of pricing, a single MFP device is much cheaper than the individual devices that it includes.

But if a breakdown suddenly occurs, repairing an MFP can significantly hit your pocket.

Species overview

Today, many types of MFPs are known. They differ not only in size, but also in functionality. Small MFPs are often equipped with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module .allowing you to wirelessly connect to a primary source such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. Small MFPs have a color cartridge , allowing you to instantly print photos and other color images. Many copy centers have mini-MFPs with a black and white cartridge that can print text documents.

In the offices of large companies, and for home use, they choose 3-in-1 device that includes the functions of a printer, scanner and copier … At industrial enterprises, you can find a three-in-one MFP with a fax.

Don't forget about the existence of LED MFPs … In such devices, ink works by a diffusion method. When exposed to high temperatures, the coloring composition evaporates, absorbing into the surface of the paper. The color saturation of the ink may change under these conditions. The reason for this is the temperature level. Thanks to this method, the paint dries instantly, and accordingly, the image does not blur.

Such devices are most often used in professional photo shops for printing photographs.

Laser

Unfortunately, most users attach great importance to the descriptions of the MFP, accompanied by a low price. But such a feature can be a trap for manufacturers. The low cost of the entire device can be a one-off charge for the cartridges for it. But that doesn't mean laser multifunction printers are bad. One toner refill allows you to print multiple documents and images.

In fact, laser MFPs have many advantages:

• they have a high print speed;
• If moisture accidentally gets inside the system, the printed images or text will not smudge.

Inkjet

An important feature of inkjet MFPs is the ability to print information not only on paper, but also on other surfaces. For example, on CDs or DVDs. When using photographic paper, the finished images are quite bright. The workflow of an inkjet MFP is ensured by the combination of several shades of paint flowing onto the surface in thin streams. From here, by the way, came the name of this type of MFP.

The number of built-in ink tanks in the machine may vary. This is why different types of MFPs are designed for different purposes. Of course, multiple ink tanks increase the color rendering of the device. But, accordingly, a higher amount is spent on replacing cartridges. The only one the disadvantage of an inkjet MFP is that its ink is adversely affected by the environment.

For this reason, the inkjet MFP should not be placed near a window, near a battery, or in cold areas.

Model rating

Today there are many models of MFPs with great functionality and wide technical capabilities. You can buy a budget device for printing photos at home, and when comparing with an expensive device, you can understand that the purchased product turned out to be the best. Or, conversely, buy an inexpensive MFP with many functions that prove to be the worst in their work.

In order to choose a reliable device that meets all consumer requirements, it is proposed to get acquainted with the top 10 multifunctional devices, which include world-famous manufacturers and large companies producing computer equipment.

Canon Pixma G2411

An important feature of the presented system of a multifunctional device is to equip with CISS (continuous ink supply system), due to which the prints are more saturated. But the main thing is that ink does not dry out, even if the MFP is not used for a long time … The dimensions of this device are small, so that the device can be easily placed on a shelf near the computer. The control panel has several buttons with explanatory pictograms and a display with a diagonal of 1.2 inches. Since this MFP is inkjet, its printing speed cannot boast of being fast. In 1 minute, the device prints a maximum of 9 sheets with text information or 5 sheets with an image.

When printing photos on glossy paper, 1 image with a standard size of 10x15 cm is processed a little more than a minute. The process of scanning 1 sheet takes 20 seconds. The advantages of this MFP model are fast copying, economical ink consumption and long service life. The only drawback is the inability to use it as a network device.

Brother DCP-L3550CDW

This device is a laconic combination of price and quality. The design itself is highly durable and reliable. The easy-to-use tray holds 250 sheets of A4 paper. Accordingly, you do not have to download frequently. This model of MFP contains a laser printing system, which means that refueling of cartridges has to be done rarely. The print quality of the model is close to the multifunctional devices used in the printing house. The maximum resolution for printed images is 2400 dots per square meter. inch.

For ease of use, the operating panel of the device contains a full-color LCD display equipped with touch control. Setting up this MFP is pretty simple. If necessary, the device is connected to several PCs at once. Included with the device is a cartridge that allows you to print 1000 color pages. The product also provides the ability to display images from mobile phones or tablets.

A distinctive feature of this model is the availability of the duplex printing function.

Epson l850

First small size model equipped with 6 cartridge colors. The wide functionality gives users endless possibilities in printing and scanning documents, as well as images of varying complexity of execution. The connection of this MFP is versatile. It can be connected via a USB cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. The operating panel houses a color LCD display with easy-to-use control buttons.

Thanks to piezoelectric inkjet technology, the displayed images acquire high quality and full color, which is essential for printing photographs. As for the print speed, then photo images of 10x15 cm format are ready in 12 seconds after launch.

Brother DCP-1602R

This MFP model successfully combines good equipment and high performance. All working potential is hidden in a small package. But, despite the dimensions of the structure, the user has free access to the paper tray and cartridges. The shelf for receiving paper is located at the bottom of the structure. The output of finished documents is made through a special niche. The entire control system is located on the top panel, and the keys are equipped with signatures in Russian.

This model of MFP when connected to a computer does not require additional installation of the driver from the disk. The PC operating system automatically finds utilities for the new device on the Internet. The printing speed of the unit is quite high, 20-22 sheets in 1 minute … This device allows you to copy documents without turning on your PC. The advantages of this MFP are the low cost of consumables and ease of management.

The only drawback that users note is the hard closing of the scanner lid.

Canon Pixma TS5040

The presented MFP inkjet unit is made in a classic style, has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The main part of the body is made of plastic with a matte surface, thanks to which there are no fingerprints on the scanner lid and other external elements, and dust does not settle. The control panel is located at the front of the device. It consists of a small set of buttons and an LCD display. In the same part there is a connector for a removable memory card. The paper tray can hold 100 A4 sheets at a time. A distinctive feature of this MFP model is quiet operation … When the unit is connected to a PC, the drivers are installed automatically.

When printing photos and images, color rendition is preserved, the gradient does not change and does not undergo even minimal distortion. This MFP model is equipped with multiple wireless capabilities. However, the most popular is the Wi-Fi module, which allows you to print documents and photos directly from your phone. The advantages of this model are broad functionality, attractive appearance, and most importantly, low cost. The only one the disadvantage is the high price of consumables.

Canon i-SENSYS MF3010

Quite an economical model of a laser MFP that can be used both in the office and at home. The main thing is that there is enough free space for installation, since the dimensions of the device cannot be called miniature or acceptable. The maximum resolution of the scanner is 600 dots , however, this is quite enough for this unit. The default system settings accurately reproduce image color gamut, brightness and color contrast when scanning documents.

Important advantages of this model are good print quality, compatibility with non-original cartridges, durability, attractiveness and reliability of the case. The disadvantages include the rapid consumption of the cartridge - after 300 pages, you will have to replace the coloring elements.

HP LaserJet Pro M132a

The presented MFP model is equipped with wide functionality, has a high printing speed. The body is made of heavy-duty plastic that is resistant to wear and tear. The front panel contains control keys and a small LCD display. This MFP is connected to a PC via a USB cable. The printer system is equipped with laser technology. There is a function to monitor the consumption of the remaining toner. The product is equipped with a system that reacts to signals from outside. In simple terms, there is no need to activate the MFP using the “on” key on the control panel. It is enough just to send the document for printing.

This MFP is designed to work with various types of paper, differing in texture and weight .… The advantages of this model are ease of operation, compactness, high print speed and low cost of consumables.

Samsung Xpress M2070W

The presented model of the MFP has a large size, which is why it is rarely purchased for home use. Most of the owners of this device note the potential for working with the scanner. The lid is equipped with movable hinges, so that you can scan not only ordinary sheets of A4 paper, but also books, as well as bulky folders with documents.

The output tray holds 100 sheets. This MFP is connected to a PC via a USB cable. Multicolor laser printing. Print speed is 20 sheets per minute … The presented MFP is equipped with the possibility of duplex printing, but its adjustment must be done manually.

The model is also designed to work wirelessly, but documents to be printed must be located in the Google cloud storage.

HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5075 (M2U86C)

This MFP model is equipped with a Wi-Fi Direct wireless module and support for Apple AirPrint and ePrint technologies. Thanks to this equipment, the user at any time can send for printing photos or documents that are present in his smartphone, tablet or any other mobile gadget. This MFP model allows you to get high-quality photos that do not have borders … In this case, the color rendition in the images will not have any distortion. Copying documents can be done without connecting to a computer. The small size of the MFP allows you to install it in any place convenient for the user. Due to its low weight, it can be moved and even carried to another room.

This MFP model is ideal for home use. Connection to a computer is made via a standard USB cable included in the kit. Print speed is 10 sheets per minute … The main advantages of this model are low cost, ease of settings, long service life and modern design. The disadvantages include only the rapid consumption of cartridges.

Canon Maxify MB2140

The appearance of the presented MFP strongly resembles a cube in its geometry. However, all of its edges are streamlined. The body is made of high quality plastic, the surface of which has a matte film. It does not leave traces of dust and fingerprints. The device scanner is located at the top. The paper delivery tray is at the bottom. But the control panel is in a slightly unusual place, namely: on the hinged cover of the scanner. There is also an LCD display where the information necessary for users is displayed. A convenient and simple menu is made in Russian, respectively, the process of managing the MFP turned out to be as simple as possible.

The presented MFP model allows you to make a printout of documents stored in the memory of flash cards and any other media.

This machine can be used as a fax if necessary. It is enough just to connect the unit to the telephone network. Received fax messages go into the MFP's internal memory, after which they can be saved on a computer and any other external media, but only in PDF format. The paper tray assumes a maximum capacity of 50 sheets. Moreover, it is not necessary that the paper be office paper. It can be a glossy or matte base with a maximum sheet density of 300 gsm. m … The advantages of this model are a significant cartridge resource, acceptable cost of consumables, ease of use and data storage in the device's memory.

How to choose the right one?

Choosing a quality MFP is not easy. Unfortunately, many users do not know which specifications to look out for. But before you go shopping, you need to ask yourself a few important questions and immediately give answers to them.

• What information will be displayed through the MFP? For photo printing, it is best to choose an inkjet model. A laser design is sufficient for printing text documents.
• How actively will the MFP be used? If you intend to print more than hundreds of pages, it is best to opt for models equipped with a continuous ink supply system. Otherwise, the purchase of standard cartridges will seriously hit your pocket.
• Method of using MFP … If the device will work in conjunction with a computer, the MFP connection system does not really matter. If the device is chosen for autonomous operation, its design must be equipped with a Wi-Fi module and a card reader.
• MFP cost … Having decided in advance on the amount allocated for the purchase of the device, you can significantly narrow the range of search.
• Service … It is very important that the MFP has a warranty for several years.

In the event of its failure, it will be possible to repair it according to the warranty case free of charge or replace the device.

Having decided on the basic requirements, it will be possible to choose the most suitable MFP option. The main thing is that the device supports the required print format. If high quality image output is required, higher resolution scanner models should be considered. If it is possible to use the MFP over the network, it will be possible to connect the unit to several PCs at once.

Modern MFP models are equipped with refillable cartridges, which looks very economical for many users. Owners of compact MFP models are a little more difficult - they cannot refill consumables, but only exchange them for new cartridges.

How to use?

It is much more convenient to connect the MFP via a wireless Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. This only requires pairing the devices. But the process of connecting wired MFPs looks more complicated.

First of all, you need to connect the MFP to the PC using the USB cable supplied with the device. After connecting, the computer's operating system detects a new device, instantly finds drivers for it on the Internet and offers to install it.

If the drivers are not found, you should use the disc also included in the kit.

The next step is customization. To do this, you need to go to the application that was installed along with the drivers, select the required operation function and change some parameters in the window that opens. For example, for scanning images, the minimum resolution should be 300 dpi.

Special attention should be paid to the process of cleaning the device. It is extremely rare, but it still happens that the paper gets stuck inside the structure. Respectively, ink stains, streaks and dots appear on prints. Such flaws indicate the need to clean the device .… Some users believe that it is not difficult to carry out this procedure with their own hands. But without certain knowledge, it will not work to clean the internal elements of the structure from the crumbling tonic, get rid of dirt and dusting.

For this reason, it is recommended to consult a specialist.