Rethink Ink

Multi-Function Inkjets Go Beyond Printing
to Serve the SOHO User

By Judy Jefferson

Third in a Series

For most small office/ home office workers, multi-tasking is a way of life. Being able to perform several different tasks at once, be it juggling phones, computers, printers and other technology tools while balancing and meeting client needs is a mandate for success.

It makes sense then, that the ideal printer for SOHO and most small businesses should also be able to handle multiple tasks and functions without skipping a beat. This is why multi-function printers make a lot of sense for small offices that are jammed by different projects, but constrained by tight budgets and limited space.

The typical multi-function printer (MFP) must be able to perform at least two of the following functions: Printing, scanning, copying and faxing. More high-end systems might also wrap a binding capability into the fax function, and even feature high-resolution output, extended paper capacities, electronic sorting and stacking, and maybe even wireless and network-ready capabilities.

Inkjet MFPs function pretty similarly to standard single-function inkjet printers, in that they rely on multiple ink cartridges to produce characters and images on paper. Most can also print digital photographs at various resolutions, and can support photo-quality imaging and prints on photographic paper. Inkjet MFPs can also be very reasonably priced, with many very good systems in the $100-$300 range. Prices can be slightly higher than single-function printers, but this is okay since these devices can do a whole lot more than just produce output from a PC.

The problem with inkjet MFPs is the problem facing most inkjet printers: The potentially high cost of the consumables, ink and paper. Ink cartridges are the Number One concern, especially since you can burn through a lot of them, depending on your MFP

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