Multifunction Devices: A Perfect Solution for Offices

Creating and sharing content has become so convenient! If you want to capture a moment and share it with your friends, all you need is a phone. Nowadays, even entry-level phones are equipped with cameras, Bluetooth and social networking tools. Digital cameras too have become very affordable; you can buy a decent 10 megapixel camera for under Rs 6,000. Although you can carry your photos with you and view them on the screen, they look best in print. Color inkjet MFDs are a convenient and economical means to get studio quality photo prints at home. In addition, they come in very handy when you urgently need passport-size photos and photocopies. Photocopying doesn’t require PC connectivity and it’s as simple as placing the source on the scanner bed and hitting the copy button.

Epson Stylus OfficeTX 510fn

MFDs have evolved into highly versatile printing machines. The latest models support wireless printing courtesy built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, which make them a very convenient shared resource, especially at the office. High-end MFDs for offices feature high-speed printing and mechanisms such as automatic document feeder (ADF) and duplexer to automate copying/faxing multiple pages and two-sided printing. MFDs specialized for photo printing, are equipped with individual color ink tanks, memory card reader and PictBridge direct printing support. Higher-end models feature USB host function with which you can print directly from USB flash drives and external hard drives.

HP K209a

Even though MFDs pack in a slew of features, operating them is a breeze thanks to the navigational aids and intuitive user interface. MFDs have now started featuring touchscreens and jog dials for user input. Some extremely user-friendly devices even feature built-in help and detailed instructions. In this comparison, we tested a dozen multifunctional devices spanning all budgets and application areas. While some are ideal for home use, others are best suited for photographers or office desks. And yes, owning such a device is no longer expensive. You can buy one for as less as Rs 4,500. So turn over and take your pick.
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Test Process
The multi-function devices were evaluated on the basis of their features, build quality, ergonomics, performance, and warranty and support. Let’s find out what went into each of these parameters.

Navigating functions is very convenient with aids such as directional pad and jog dial

Features
We started off by logging the general features of the devices, such as the functions they offered, connectivity options and the type of display each had. Since all MFDs come with a built-in scanner, they all serve as a copier. Only those that featured the fax function scored additional points. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow you to print wirelessly from compatible sources such as laptops and mobile phones. If the device is equipped with a memory card reader and support for PictBridge, you can print directly from flash memory cards and digital cameras, thereby eliminating the need to transfer the images to the PC prior to printing. Devices that featured multiple connectivity options scored higher points than those that had only a USB port. Next, we moved on to the specifications of the individual components of the MFD. We noted the number of ink tanks that the printer required. Some high-end MFDs that were more suited for imaging featured six ink tanks for a wider color gamut. We also noted if the copier settings included options for choosing the paper size and type, and setting the print quality and reduction and enlargement percentages. Being the next most important parameter after performance, this section was allotted 25 percent of the overall score.

Tables – Entry Level

Performance
SPEED: We measured the time taken to print 15 copies of a single page text document and combi document (text and images) in draft, normal and best modes. When printing a 4x6 photo, we measured the time taken to print one copy in best mode. The speed excludes the time taken to spool the document prior to printing.

QUALITY OF FINE PRINT: We took prints of a text passage in 1 point, 2 point and 3 point font sizes in draft, normal and best modes on Alabaster paper. Then we took a macro shot (1 cm distance) of the print with a digital camera to evaluate the quality of character formation.

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IMAGING QUALITY: To assess the quality of a photo print, we took a borderless print of a 4x6 photo on 260 gsm photo glossy paper. We subjectively evaluated the quality of the print in terms of color reproduction, contrast, detail and skin tones. We also evaluated the image quality of a 300 dpi scan of an A4 size photo, and the print quality of a magazine page copy taken in normal mode.

Tables – Mid Range

**Build quality
**Here, we subjectively evaluated the quality of the outer shell of the MFD and the paper trays. We noted the quality of plastic used in construction of these components. Some printers sport glossy exteriors to enhance the visual appeal. However, glossy surfaces are prone to scratches and stains. We also awarded points for the aesthetics of each device. This section was allotted 10 percent of the overall score.

Ergonomics
Packing three functions in a single unit, an MFD should be easy to operate even for a fi rst-timer. An intuitive user interface, well laid out control panel, and good button size all contribute to user friendliness. We also noted if the paper trays could be folded to prevent dust from creeping in when the device is not in use. This section made up 15 percent of the overall score.

Scores Weightage

Warranty and support
Since an MFD has lots of moving components, it is prone to mechanical issues. It’s good for it to be backed by extensive warranty and support. Not only should it come with a good warranty period, but there should also be an authorized service center in your city. All these points were factored in while evaluating this parameter.

Value for money
This index shows how much value the MFD offers. It was calculated by stacking the sum of the device’s overall features and performance scores against its price. The MFD that scored the highest index was given the Best Value award.
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Best Performance (ENTRY LEVEL - BELOW RS 12,000)CANON PIXMA MP568
- Rs. 11, 995
SPECIFICATIONS
Connectivity: USB, PictBridge and Wi-Fi; Display: 2 in color LCD; Print resolution: 9600x2400 dpi; Other: Memory card reader.

Best on the block

The Canon Pixma MP568 is targeted at those who want pristine photo prints at home. It has a print resolution of 9600x2400 dpi and thanks to the brilliant color reproduction, the quality of photo prints is jaw dropping. The 4x6 photo that we printed was almost flawless; the details, skin tones and contrast were excellent and it took less than 1.5 minutes to print it, which was the quickest. It’s not the fastest when printing text and combi documents in draft mode, but at 8 ppm (text) in normal mode, it’s the fastest in its category. It also performed well in scanning and copying tests, with superb reproduction of colors and details. This is a great-looking device and packs in lots of features. It can print from memory cards, cameras and storage devices. You can even scan photos directly to USB drives. It features a 2-inch color LCD and a 5-way d-pad with a jog dial for navigation. The paper feed is top-loading and the input and output trays fold to prevent dust from entering the device. We didn’t find any flaw in this device, but we wish it had a built-in Bluetooth adapter to print wirelessly.

VERDICT
An excellent MFD with style, versatility and superb performance.
FOR: Good print speed, excellent print quality, USB host function, stylish.
AGAINST: The addition of a Bluetooth adapter would have been nice.

Best Value (ENTRY LEVEL - BELOW RS 12,000)BROTHER DCP-195C
- Rs. 4,720
SPECIFICATIONS
Connectivity: USB andPictBridge; Display: 2 in dot matrix LCD;Print resolution: 6000x1200 dpi; Other: Memory card reader.

Get your money’s worth

The Brother DCP-195C was the most affordable MFD in the round-up, and it is indeed very good value for money. It comes clad in a white shell and looks very elegant. It doesn’t eat up much desk space either. What we really like about MFDs by Brother is the provision for cable management and the ease in installing the cartridges. The USB port is located under the scanner bed and a channel is provided for routing the cable. The ink tanks fi t into a small housing to the right of the device. It takes around four minutes to get ready after new cartridges are installed. It has a 2-inch dot matrix LCD and buttons for copying controls, menu, photo capture (using PictBridge), scan, stop and start. The device is pretty simple to set up and operate. At 16 ppm (text) and 12 ppm (color pictures) in draft mode, the DCP-195C is speedy, but it takes a slight hit while printing in normal mode; it managed barely 3 pages (color pictures) in a minute. The reproduction of details and colors is very good, but we weren’t satisfied with the quality of text print in normal and best modes. The text was legible but it appeared a bit smudgy.

VERDICT
A decent entry-level MFD for those who are on a really tight budget.
FOR: Compact, good reproduction of details, decent speed.
AGAINST: Average text print quality.

Best performance (MID RANGE - ABOVE RS 12,000)HP OFFICEJET PRO 8500
- Rs. 22,899
SPECIFICATIONS
Connectivity: USB, PictBridge, Wi-Fi and LAN; Display: 3.4 in touchscreen; Print resolution: 4800x1200 dpi; Other: Duplexer and ADF.

Best in the mid range

The HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless is perfect for offices where print volumes are high and print quality is a concern. It has a monthly duty cycle of 15,000 prints and offers features that help reduce paper consumption and time. It’s a very versatile MFD with an automatic document feeder and built-in duplexer. It features a 3.45-inch touchscreen LCD. The intuitive UI makes it easy to configure and operate. To the right of the paper tray are memory card slots and a USB port that supports PictBridge and USB host. So you can print directly from digital cameras, and USB drives. This was the fastest device in the round-up, with a printing speed of 24 ppm in draft mode and 18 ppm in normal mode. It even churns out 4x6-inch photos in 1.5 minutes. The print quality is excellent; fine text in 2 point font was legible and the color reproduction was very good. The reproduction of details didn’t match up to our expectations though. The 4x6 photo prints appeared grainy compared to results by other devices. But that can be overlooked as this primarily an office machine.

VERDICT
An excellent office machine that offers a blend of heavy duty cycle, speed and top notch print quality.
FOR: Excellent print speed, intuitive touchscreen UI, duplexer, ADF.
AGAINST: Photo prints aren’t too sharp.