All-In-One Printers

Enter new all-in-one printers,also called multifunction printers (MFPs),which combine some of the most critical office functions into one fully integrated, compact, easy-to-use and fast machine. Really, they're a win-win for all involved in their sales. For VARs, they offer the opportunity to branch out of the toner and consumables business and to deliver document-management services. For customers, the elimination of bulk goes hand-in-hand with the elimination of costs, in some cases by an order of magnitude or more.

Next, let's not forget about the software that comes with the printer to manage workflow, handle document archives and process electronic forms. Also a boon: security features that block out spam. Of course, you can expect sharp resolution and impressive printing/scanning/transmission speeds. Prices range from several hundred dollars into the thousands.

Players in this market are all more-than-familiar names; Hewlett-Packard, Canon and Xerox, respectively, held the biggest slices of the printer market last year, according to IDC. But that certainly doesn't leave vendors such as Brother, Lexmark, Minolta or Oki Data out in the cold. Each is doing its part to offer a complete range of office functions in one premium package.

Suffice to say, this isn't your father's fax machine.

Brother MFC 9800
The latest in laser multifunctions from Brother is the all-in-one MFC-9800. It is a slightly heavier version of a home multipurpose printer, but if your clients have the room, this versatile product will serve your workgroup well. It supports Windows (95 and XP) and the Apple series of OSs. It features flatbed color scanning with 8 MB of memory to store up to 600 pages.
Dimensions: 16.8"-x-19.4"-x-18"
Resolution: 600-x-600 dpi laser output (print/copy)
Speed: up to 15 ppm (print/copy)
Est. street price: $699.99
Features: 8.5"-x-11"/14" recording paper size; up to 8.2" scanning/recording width; 5.8" to 8.5" document input width; 203-x-98 lpi; USOC RJ11C Modular Jack (or equivalent) connection required

Lexmark X620e MFP
The Lexmark X620e MFP can add security features to your customers' networks that they never knew they could use. The X620e MFP features built-in corporate security that disallows all unsolicited e-mail. And because of its ability to send e-mail faxes, customers will no longer build up extra charges on the long-distance bill from faxing. The Lexmark X620e MFP is compatible with the optional Lexmark Document Solutions Suite.
Dimensions: 48.5"-x-27"-x-29"
Resolution: 1,200-x-1,200 dpi (b/w); 300-x-300 dpi (scan)
Speed: Up to 30 ppm print/copy (letter, black); up to 23 ppm scan (letter, black)
Est. street price: $6,999
Features: Maximum 272-MB memory MFP;
8.5"-x-14" maximum scan area; 25% to 400% reduce/enlarge range; scans to PC file or FTP server; USB, two internal card slots, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX ports; standard Ethernet or MarkNet Print Server connectivity; optional internal local ports; TS232C serial, 1284-C bi-directional parallel port

Lexmark X522s MFP
The Lexmark X522s MFP combines high-performance print, copy, fax and color-network scanning with advanced paper-handling capabilities to meet the needs of demanding workgroups. It's powerful, yet affordable features integrated into one compact multifunction device saves money, space and time. In addition, this unit works with Lexmark Document Distributor Software.
Dimensions: 26"-x-22.44"-x-23.4"
Resolution: Black 1,200-x-1,200 dpi; 300-x-600 dpi (scan)
Speed: Up to 25 ppm print/copy (letter, black); up to 21 ppm scan (letter, black)
Est. street price: $3,749
Features: 272-MB maximum memory MFP; 8.5"-x-14" maximum scan area; 50% to 200% reduce/enlarge range; scans to file TIF, JPG, PDF, PostScript Level 2; USB, Centronics IEEE 1284 Bidirectional Parallel, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX ports

Oki Data
The OkiOffice 87 is a convenient, powerful multifunction device that is surprisingly small,about the size of a standard desktop printer or fax. And, if desk space is at a minimum, the OkiOffice 87 eliminates the need for multiple devices, so the workspace is less cluttered. The unit is compatible with most PC operating systems.
Dimensions: 12.3"-x-15.3"-x-7.5"
Resolution: 600 dpi (print); 300 dpi (scan)
Speed: 8 ppm print/copy; 10 ppm scan; 3 pps transmission
Est. street price: $599
Features: 2-MB RAM standard memory; 10/100 one-touch dial; 8.5" maximum scan width and document-input width; automatic document feeder

Hewlett-Packard PSC 950
Hewlett-Packard's PSC 950 can handle flatbed scanning, color copying and standalone faxing; it offers some extras for digital camera users, too. More home-oriented than other models, HP's PSC 950 handles simple office tasks and prints photos, all at a good price. Its ease of use is definitely a plus, but because you have to feed the paper into the fax, anything involving multiple sheets can and should be more of a home-use device.
Dimensions: 10.7"-x-17.8 "-x-14.1"
Resolution: 2,400 dpi-x-1,200 dpi (color); 600-x-600 dpi (b/w)
Speed: 12 ppm b/w copy/print; 9 ppm color copy; 10 ppm color print
Est. street price: $399
Features: 8 MB installed memory; 25% to 400% reduce/enlarge range;100 maximum sheet capacity; serial/RJ11 modular, USB/4-pin connectors

Canon F50 Multi 4-In-1
The Canon Multipass F50 Multi 4-In-1 offers the capability to scan (the MultiPass F50 handles both sheet-fed and flatbed scanning), copy and fax from the extensive control panel (with more than 30 buttons) and from LCD menus. With this all-in-one unit, copying and scanning are quicker and easier than before.
Dimensions: 12.8"-x-23"-x-17.3"
Resolution: 600-x-600 dpi (b/w); 2,400-dpi-x-1,200 dpi (color)
Speed: 17 ppm print (b/w); 12 ppm print (color)
Est. street price: $499
Features: 270 fax-page memory capacity; 25% to 400% reduce/enlarge range; 100 maximum sheet capacity; parallel, USB/4-pin connectors

Minolta MinoltaFax 3800
The MF 3800 all-in-one fax, copier, scanner and printer makes information move faster and helps your clients share and distribute documents more easily. It offers enhanced print/copy quality as well. With versatile copying, one can make up to 99 copies for multiple copies of multiple originals. A bright, easy-to-read LCD display provides readout for instructions and information, including fax number and sender ID.
Dimensions: 16.69"-x-16.53"-x-27.89"
Resolution: 300 dpi (standard PCL4); 600 dpi (optional PCL5e, GDI)
Speed: 8 ppm print; 2.3 pps scan; 2.5 pps transmission
Est. street price: $1,450
Features: Contact image-sensor scanning system; 14 MB maximum memory; 250-sheet standard paper drawer with option for second unit; parallel interface, serial interface, LAN card, Internet fax/network scan connectivity

Xerox Centre 555
The Document Centre 555 Multifunction System features true multitasking capabilities. With this versatile office machine, your clients can do it all: print while they scan, copy while they e-mail and scan while they fax. The 555 Multifunction System is a networkable appliance that best meets the needs of small to midsize workgroups and offices.
Dimensions: 53"-x-43.9"-x-25"
Resolution: 600-x-600 dpi
Speed: 55 ppm print/copy/scan (b/w)
Est. street price: $19,440
Features: 64-MB standard memory (512-MB optional); six preset reduction/enlargement levels; 200,000 sheets maximum monthly volume; 1,200 sheets maximum input; 2,250 maximum output; two standard paper trays; embedded controllers