All in One Printers

By Andrew Kelly

All in one printers are also known as 'multi function printer / product / peripheral' or MFP, 'multifunctional devices' or MFDs,AiOs for 'all in ones', or 'mopiers'. Typically allin one printers contain many print related functionsa in one machine or area. This allows for more efficient offices and less confusion about printing machines. For the most part, all in one printers tend to be better at providing better document distribution, management and production, particularly in large scale office environments.

Typically all in ones include the following features:

• Printer
• Copier
• Scanner
• Hard disk
• Media card
• Fax

Systems that include fax capabilities are becoming less common, though it will be some time before they are altogether obsolete. In the meantime fax cards have evolved to using standard USB ports and connective hardware.

An MFP or multi functional printer / product / peripheral is typically a device that can function both as a computer peripheral and standalone autonomous unit that can be accessed without touching a computer.

MFPs for home generally include color inkjet printers that can handle color copying and printing. In larger office settings though laser print engines are more likely solutions, as this is the cost effective approach for large volume output. Some home MFP units also contain memory cards that allow printers to print directly from digital cameras.

The Canon Image Class MF8170c was tone of the first affordable color MFPs in existence and cost around $1000 or less at that time. It wasn't long before all the major printer or copy machine manufacturers followed suit with their own MFPs.

Author Details
Andrew Kelly writes articles for various sites concentrating on computer technology. He contributes heavily to The A-Z of.com on computer matters and has helped set up a wireless local area network for his remote village in Scotland

Source: The A-Z of Printers

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