Most MFPs include flatbeds suitable for scanning photos or single-sheet documents. Note that some direct-email features won't work with all ISPs, so be sure to find out if they will work with yours before buying. Any given MFP can offer either or both kinds of email. The more common choice for low-end MFPs is to open an email message on a PC and add the scanned document as an attachment. A direct-email function allows you to scan a page and send an email directly to your Internet service provider (ISP) or an in-house email server on your network. PC faxing can be in the form of a fax utility, a fax driver that you use like a print driver, or both.Įmail features also come in two forms. But it doesn't necessarily include a PC faxing function-faxing documents directly from your PC without having to print them first.

If you want to copy with the computer off, make sure the MFP will work as a standalone copier, operated from its control panel.Ī fax feature almost always includes standalone faxing, which you control through the MFP's keypad. Be sure to check the sizes the MFP can handle transparencies are often limited to 35mm. The ability to scan transparencies (slides and strips of film) is unusual enough that it's often listed as a separate function.

If you plan to connect over a network, make sure the scanning works on a network. Some MFPs are limited to scanning over a USB connection. Printing, scanning, and copying are a given, but even these basics aren't as straightforward as you might think. Getting beyond generalities about home and office MFPs, it's useful to make a list of the functions and features you actually need. If you need a printer for the dual role of home and home-office MFP, you'll want an inkjet for its photo quality, but one equipped with office-centric features like an ADF and a fax modem.

(The latter type includes LED printers, and even some inkjets.) You probably also want it to support faxing, though there is much to be said for using an online fax service instead, and to include an automatic document feeder (ADF) to scan, copy, fax, and email multipage documents. When looking for an MFP strictly for an office, you probably care more about text than photos, which means you'll want a laser or laser-class printer. There are only a few choices in this subcategory: You can spot them by their ability to scan slides and strips of film, a feature most MFPs leave out. Beyond that, if photos are your primary interest, and you're looking for a way to print them from virtually any source-memory cards, USB memory keys, cameras, slides, strips of film, and original photographic prints-you need a photo-lab MFP. If you're looking for a home MFP, you probably care about photo quality, which means you want an inkjet. The single most useful way to categorize MFPs is by intended use: home, office, or both. Best Malware Removal and Protection Software.

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