Thursday, May 18, 2006

So............


Speaking of scanners, I have been looking at what's available these days. Mostly it is "all-in-ones", machines that combine the functions of fax, scanner and printer. I wonder if they are really good at all three jobs?

Back in the 60's, I had a roommate who owned a huge console TV, stereo and radio. It was as large as a sideboard. When the TV went bad, and the whole unit had to be taken to the repair shop, we had to do without any media for about 30 days - which - when you are 20-something, is a fate worse than death! The only radio we had was in her car. Ever since then, I have been leery of machines or media which are combined into multiple-function units.

As of now, I have both a fax and a printer, both of which are working well. Should I trash them for an all-in-one? What do you think? Would you considering buying one if you were in my shoes?

13 comments:

utenzi said...

I almost bought one recently but instead went with a color laser printer. Like you, I already have older FAX and scanner machines, Judy. My Mom has one of the all-in-one machines and it really works great. It's an inexpensive one--I think it was $49 with a computer purchase--and I was quite surprised at how well it worked.

Loren said...

No expertise here, but it depends a little on what you hope to do with the scanner.

I’m using my scanner to scan old photographs that are quickly fading, so I want the best quality scanner I can afford.

I think you’d end up with a higher quality scanner for less without the other two functions but If you only want to scan for the web, either choice would probably be fine.

Peter said...

Yep Judy, you will get better scanner results with a GOOD scanner but for most people the multi units are great, I use the copier feature a lot too, in Oz the Fax is fast being replaced by email so I personally wouldn't spend the extra for a fax facility in the multi of my choice.
I am a confirmed Canon user BTW.

Anonymous said...

I have a Dell combined copy machine, fax and scanner. Have to say I'm very pleased with all three features.

Anonymous said...

I have been using a combination printer for about 8 years now. Can you believe? So far, so good.

Cas
It's an HP.

Anonymous said...

I have an all-in-one unit that I worship and adore in ungodly ways. It's compact. It produces brilliant output. It's quiet. It's so...efficient. I couldn't recommend it any higher if they paid me to do so.

Anonymous said...

A multi-function device (MFD) is good, however consider how you will be using the scanner. A lot of MFDs only scan pages that can feed through a slot. Whereas, a bed scanner allows you to put fragile items on a flat surface without potential damage to the original.

kenju said...

SO, that's the advice I needed. I sometimes scan things that are not flat and cannot be fed into a slot. That means I need a flat-bed, I think. Thanks.

rashbre said...

I have a colour laser and an older all in one both from HP.

The all in one has greater versatility for photgraphy and special papers. With an auto feed its quite handy for the occasional fax or paper copy too, but I use the laser the most.

Mine are an HP2600 laser and an HP7230 allinone. Both are very reliable and the toner, whilst expensve in the laser lasts for ages and only needs to be replaced one colour at a time.

srp said...

I know if you are trying to save space the all-in-one can be a real plus. I scan pictures on my parents set up and then send them to my computer with Hello. It saves them in the full size so I can play with them if I want.

kimbofo said...

I have an all-in-one printer/photocopier/scanner and it is rubbish! That's not to say all the all-in-ones on the market are terrible, but I'd advise you to do some research and don't go for the cheaper option. Sometimes it's worth it to pay a little extra if it's going to do the job properly. Good luck!

By the way, Michele sent me!

Anonymous said...

Judy, I have a Hewlett Packard Scanner and printer combo. It doesn't have a fax machine, but it does an beautiful job of printing photos and scanning them as well. The software that comes with it is easy to use and has a lot of options, such as their "image center" which I use sometimes for printing photos a certain way.

I can vouch for the clarity of the photos, they are sharp and clear and come out just as good as they do from the photo shop.
I use Hewlett Packard ink for photos, and I use Staples store brand ink for regular printing for papers that don't need a long shelf life.

I liked it so much that I bought one for my mom for Christmas a two years ago. She is 74 and likes it.

I hope this helps!

Karen said...

Hi again Judy! I have the exact one in your post, but it doesn't fax, at least we're pretty sure it doesn't. Hmmm....maybe we'll have to check that out. Maybe you should consider the phrase, "If it's not broken, don't fix it."

Michele sent me back. Hope you're having a great day!