Product Focus: Color Laser Multifunction Printers for Under $1,000
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Who says you can't have it all? Today's color laser multifunction printers can meet the document needs of most small offices, with all-in-one printing, faxing, and scanning. While they may not provide the kind of high-end performance in each area that you would expect from a dedicated device, these compact units can save both office space and money. Indeed, in our survey of the top color laser multifunction printers (MFPs), we found nearly 20 models that are priced under $1,000.
As with any all-in-one device, you should consider what features are most important to your office setup, since not all MFPs are equally adept at each function. If your office tends to print a lot, for example, focus your attention on print speed, paper capacity, or the ability to handle double-sided printing automatically.
While functionality differs from printer to printer, all models at this price point share a few features:
- All are Windows and Mac compatible.
- All but one include fax functionality. (The Lexmark X543dn, priced at $770, does not.) The rest offer up to 33.6 Kbps in fax transmission speed.
- All provide USB 2.0 and Ethernet network connectivity, and several have additional options.
All prices are the manufacturer's suggested retail price; the reseller price may be up to 50 percent lower. Product info is based on manufacturers' specifications compiled by GovConnection.com and from the manufacturers themselves; we have not done any testing to verify manufacturers' claims.
Don't miss "They Even Do Windows," a companion story in our March issue, highlighting the standouts in connectivity; supported memory; print speed; and bargains under $600.