Welcome Please log in.

Cart:: $50.00 until free delivery.*; Checkout

Questions? 1-800-STAPLES

Multifunction Machines

How do they compare to stand–alone machines?

By Mark Toft
Staples Editor

Depending on the model, the printer on a multifunction can be as good as or better than a stand–alone machine. The same is true of a multifunction machine's copier, fax machine, and scanner. Ultimately, you need to compare the core features.

Printing comparisons

Machine	Print speed range (pages per minute)	Resolution range
Inkjet multifunction	8–20 ppm (black and white), 6–17 ppm (color)	From 600 x 600 to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Inkjet printer	6–21 ppm (black and white), 4–17 ppm (color)	From 600 x 600 to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Laser multifunction (black and white)	10–25 ppm	600 x 600 dpi
Laser printer (black and white)	14–50 ppm	600 x 600 to 2400 x 600 dpi
Color laser printer	4–20 ppm (color)	Up to 2400 x 2400 dpi
Photo printer	4–17 ppm (color), slower for photos	From 2400 x 1200 to 5200 x 720 dpi

Copying comparisons

Machine	Copy speed range (copies per minute)
Inkjet multifunction	2–20 cpm
Laser multifunction	10–25 cpm
Personal copier	4–18 cpm
Business copier	13–18 cpm

Scanning comparisons

Machine	Scanning resolution range
Multifunction machine	Inkjet and Laser: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Scanner	Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi

Faxing comparisons

Machine	Transmission speed range	Number of fax pages it can store
Inkjet multifunction	3–6 seconds per page	100–480
Inkjet fax machine	3–9 seconds per page	20–485
Laser multifunction	3 seconds per page	480
Laser fax machine	2–8 seconds per page	80–600

The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.

Legal disclaimer