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Multi-function Printer Recomendations?

Posted by Cliff on from the working-hardware-that's-hard-working dept.

worm eater asks: "My office is thinking about purchasing a multi-function printer/copier (MFP). We are currently looking at the Panasonic Workio 3510, but there is a surprising lack of reviews on the internet (there is one at ePinions). Has anyone had any experience with this model (which went on sale last month) or other similar machines? We are looking for a good B&W copier / laser printer capable of connecting to our LAN. The ability to interface with Exchange and send internet faxes would be nice, but not essential. As with pretty much any copier, we will need high quality support. Thanks in advance, Slashdot."

5 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. Find something with Jet Direct/network by BrynM · · Score: 4, Informative

    If it only uses a parallel port or USB, stay away from it. Being able to plug a printer in anywhere there is a network drop and having it be self sufficient (no I don't mean loading papaer itself, just not a slave to a PC) are a must. Having co-workers clamor around your desk because you have the FAX and the printer sucks and can slow your machine down if the drivers suck(voice of experience).

    --
    US Democracy:The best person for the job (among These pre-selected choices...)
    1. Re:Find something with Jet Direct/network by tadheckaman · · Score: 5, Informative

      Answer to that problem is this a print server, a small device (now they have ones that plug right on the parallel port) that turns a LPT printer into a networked printer. We use them alot for clients and for outselves, so far we havn't had a bit of trouble.

      --
      My potato gun was confiscated by the United Nations. They said I wasn't allowed to have weapons of mash destruction.
  2. ONE function failure takes out ALL, 'til repaired! by ivi · · Score: 4, Informative


    When are we going to be able to use something
    (eg a further developed e-Smith server/g'way)
    to reduce the cost of sharing such functional-
    ity across a LAN?

    If we -could- connect & share single-function
    devices to a network, ie -via- separate ports
    of an old Pentium II running e-Smith software
    (now known by Mitel Networks as "SME Server")
    when any of them failed, only its functional-
    ity would disappear until it got fixed.

    An "All-In-One" boxs cost effectiveness comes
    from sharing an expensive single network port
    across the different functions (print, FAX, &
    scan, to name a few), but at the expense of a
    big loss whenever the single unit "broken" or
    having its (typically small) toner cartridge
    replaced, not to mention paper jams & conten-
    tion for any two of the functions provided...

    I say Make a simple (eg e-Smith-style) server
    with lotsa ports (printer, USB, etc.) do what
    an e-Smith box can do for printer/FAX sharing ... so users can choose cheaper (with no net-
    work interface), single-function peripherals,
    that can be used -simultaneously- by multiple
    Users.

    Too easy, eh?

  3. MFP's suck and I'll tell you why. by shaitand · · Score: 4, Informative

    1. Your local hp authorized repair shop? guess what, probably can't get parts.

    2. The quality is significantly lower than having a seperate scanner/printer/fax modem

    3. A seperate scanner/printer/fax modem is more versitle and not limited to the cookie cutter software and functions of a MFP.

    4. MFP's typically requirely highly proprietary software so they aren't cross platform friendly.

    5. The software typically gums up your system, stand alone copies work but you have more durability, cheaper supplies, and less hassle in general with a real low end copier.

    6. All hp mfp's (and some of their other usb printers) have a known problem with jobs getting stuck in the print queue which they have not resolved. As an authorized reseller/repair center when I call support they are allowed to read me the red text which indicates the known issues that "don't exist", that's one of them. Officially it's a resource problem, unofficially it's just a problem.

    6. MFP's aren't nearly as durable, one your fax load in addition to your print. They are made as cheaply as possible an equivelent stand-alone printer is ALWAYS built with more durable parts, so a high end MFP compares with low end lasers in this department.

    That said, if you absolutely insist on an MFP, go with a high end hp, other manufacturers MFP's suck even more.

  4. Multifunctions have come a long way by Wolfman3027 · · Score: 4, Informative
    but I would not suggest getting an HP, their drivers tend to be propriatary. They are essentially printers with copier functionality.

    We settled on a Gestetner 4502 (Ricoh 1045) after looking at HP and several other vendors. The Ricoh line took a dependable copier and added print, scan and fax capabilities.

    We have been running for almost a year with this model. We ran for three years with it's predecessor. The only calls I have had to make are to order new toner and to have a tech come out for the 6-month cleaning.

    We did have one problem with the NIB not detecting the network when it was first delivered. Our users were able to use it as a stand alone fax and copier until the tech came out with a new board the next day.

    The major drawback is it only has the printer drivers for UNIX / Linux. Faxing is not supported from a Linux desktop.