A 3-in-1 printer, or multifunctional device, is a convenient and practical tool. It is capable of solving a variety of office and home tasks. But it has both pros and cons.
The main advantages of MFPs
The main advantage of any 3-in-1 printer is its versatility. It is able to print, copy, scan documents, take high quality photos, receive faxes. Modern MFPs do all this with good quality. The cost of such devices is now not much higher than the cost of a similar inkjet or laser printer. As a result, there is a considerable savings in price, because not three devices with different functions are purchased, but one. Their warranty service period is also long, it ranges from 2 to 5 years. Their color printing is also at their best, so they can often be seen in service with photo workshops and express photography studios.
The main cons
The pluses can cover such minuses, which are not always obvious at first glance. Firstly, these are the dimensions of such devices. Sometimes it is easier to place separate printer, scanner and copier in a confined space than to cram one MFP in there. Another disadvantage is the rapid wear of the working parts of the MFP, since most of them intended for home use are not prone to high daily workload. This applies primarily to inkjet devices, which are much cheaper than their laser counterparts. Repairing MFPs, both laser and inkjet, can hit a user's wallet hard, and the cost of new cartridges, if the device is under warranty, can surprise anyone.
The performance of the MFP deserves special attention. Simple home MFPs do not have high printing and copying speeds, which makes you think about purchasing separate devices that are separate in their functions.
Pros and cons to home and office conditions
MFPs for home and office perform related tasks, but the load on them differs many times. If an inkjet device may be suitable for the home, the frequency of use of which is low, then for the office it is necessary to use a laser MFP. The wear resistance of its spare parts is an order of magnitude higher than that of inkjet ones, the speed of printing and copying is in no way inferior to conventional laser printers and copiers. Although its price bites, its acquisition is justified. But if the MFP breaks down, then this is tantamount to the complete deprivation of office equipment and the suspension of work. Therefore, in addition to a multifunctional device, it is worth having a separate laser printer, scanner and copier in the office.
