Multi-Function Machines

[hlewton]

Is there a WEB site where I can get unbiased product ratings? If I need to be more specific, I would like to compare multi-function machines for printing, coping, scanning, and faxing.

Thanks.

[MerC]

You probably don't want to hear this, because you've been told already, but when buying a MFD, you need to also buy on-site maintenance/replacement. This is because if one function goes down it will probably take the whole thing with it - and you'll be without vital hardware. This is likely to affect your business. Just a thought.

Rgds

[bigaldoc]

There's probably a gazillion places to look and compare. I don't know if Epinions.Com is free from advertising pressures or not, but at least it's a starting place.

[hlewton]

MerC,

Thanks, I did think of that but with the limited space I have I thought one machine would fit better.

I know you are right because I do already have one MFC, which I have never been too happy with. I bought it about 4 years ago and I was hoping they were drastically improved since then. That is the reason I wanted to read reviews.

Thanks again.

[hlewton]

Big Al,

Thanks I did try that site before posting. It led me to another but still there were no reviews on the MFC I am interested in.

[jolas]

Here's one MFC

[hlewton]

Jolas,

Thank you.

[hlewton]

Jolas,

That was a good site. I'm glad I read it. The MFC I was thinking about was rated the worst of the 4 they reviewed.

Thanks again.

[Granville]

Just my <img src=/S/2cents.gif border=0 alt=2cents width=15 height=15> from working at a site where we have 3 MFDs, 4 photocopiers, 5 faxes and 20ish printers I find about 50% of the problems come from the multifunction devices. The average age of the MFPs would be about half that of the other devices.

[hlewton]

Granville,

Thanks and I totally agree with your assessment of MFCs. I may have to wait for a while and hope they improve because space is really at a premium for me.

[WyllyWylly]

With a separate scanner and printer, you could duplicate much of the functionality using a PC. My scanner software came with a "copier" feature (which would be really great if I used it).

I think you're going to find that these devices do many jobs, but don't do any of them particularly well. Jack of all trades, master of none - the price you pay for convenience, I guess.

[hlewton]

Mark,

Thanks. I already have separate printers and a scanner. I looked at my software for the scanner thinking it might do copying but I didn't find anything. I also have an older MFC that I could use for faxing but the thing does not print very well and the ink is always clogging. It never was very good from the very beginning so I do know and believe all the statements about MFCs. I was just hoping that in the last 3 or 4 years since I bought the one I have that they had kept up with technology and made drastic improvements. Doesn't appear that is the case. I guess I'll just have to start stacking my devices I need.

Thanks for the input.

[WyllyWylly]

HJave you considered faxing from your workstation, and using that as a fax machine? That could alleviate at least one problem.

[hlewton]

Mark,

Actually, I did think of that and I used to do that on rare occasions from my work computer when I was working but I have forgotten the name of the software package needed to accomplish that. Maybe it is built in to the OS, I just don't remember much about it. At work they always had someone else that came around and setup all the computers so I really don't have a lot experience with it.

Thanks.