Off Topic: All in one printer/Fax machines

Okay, I’m needing to go out and buy a new printer and noticed that for about fifty bucks more, I can buy one of these all-in-one deals that has a scanner and fax along with it.

Now, will the fax still need a regular phone line plugged into it, or will it use the internet hooked to my computer? Sorry for the stupid question, but I’m a bit confused here. :biggrin

Can anybody recommend one of these devices?

Yes the fax will still use the phone lines. I use the Lexmark 1200 model. It does everything for about $90.

I just bought a Brother MFC 685CW. It does all the normal stuff (copy, scan, fax, etc) and it’s also wireless and has voice mail built in. It even has memory card slots for printing pictures (easy for printing those pictures of damage tenants have done). It’s a VERY NICE machine. It was about $150 on sale at Office Max.

Good Luck,

Mike

Mike,

Does the unit do duplex printing and have a multi-sheet feeder for printing and faxing?

I don’t know what duplex printing means. However it does have a multi-sheet feeder for printing, scanning, and faxing as well as a flat sheet scanner for printing, scanning, and faxing.

Mike

Thanks, Mike. Duplex printing is printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. Yours sounds very much like my HP, except that the cost is less.

I have Brother MFC-8870DW, the wireless version since all my house is wireless (4 computers). It is by far the best I have seen and used. What you will save on toners makes up for the price. I have a dedicated wired fax line into it for faxing. It retails at around $600

Only drawbacks for me:

  1. It jams on 16# paper (legal yellow pad papers), so I use an HP printer for that
  2. It jams on envelopes, so I use the HP printer
  3. It is B/W not colored

Unless I buy a higher capacity commercial grade printers, this is the printer for me. The same wired printer is cheaper but offers the same functionality

http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=MFC8870DW

After owning several models of these, the only one I’d recommend is HP.

Lexmark is a close 2nd, but quality generally is not as good as HP.

Canons frequently have this thing that they call an ink absorber. Works great. When full, your printer quits working. Takes an “authorized” service repair to fix it. Buying a new printer is cheaper.

Espons (I believe) whichever has the single ink colors. You’ll be changing inks all the time.

Brothers, unless they’ve changed, frequently run “ink tests” if left on. I ran out of ink without ever printing anything (well, not much anyway).

Haven’t ever had a problem with HP, not counting the fact that they usually don’t have a straight printing path.

Raj

I just purchased a Brother MFC-240C 4in1 @ staples for $90. I do believe now they are for sale w/ a $30 rebate!(you need a staples rewards card :rolleyes)

Thanks for the heads up, guys. I’m still shopping around but a couple HP models have caught my eye.

Any reccomendations on a specific HP model?

HP C4180 is what I currently use and works great. Has LCD readout, card-readers and offers either black and color or photo and color ink options. Has upteen choices when printing, and had for around $75 (1 year ago).Can’t complain.

This model is NOT a fax machine. Next step up to get that.

Raj