Top All In One Printers of 2008 (under $500)

The Good

• A great looking glossy printer. Build structure is solid but not detracting from the sleek elegance of the unit.
• Simple to handle, setup and configure for network use. Easy diagnostics, control panel and multi-tasking device.
• Best in class for speed of ‘alternative' functions, i.e. faxing, scanning.
• Best in class for photo quality and a very high standard of print for all output.
• Printing of all media is faster than most multi-functions, even during duplex printing.
• Scanner is outstanding, crystal clear quality of both documents and photos and extremely fast.
• Auto document feeder and paper trays are very reliable and transitions media quickly.
• Auto-duplexing is a very impressive feature saving time and cost of consumables.
• Prints direct from digital hardware and media cards with brilliant results.

The Bad

• Colors can sometimes appear over saturated, and take a big hit on ink usage.
• Not the equal of a pure photo printer, and certainly not photo lab quality but the best in this range.
• Large design for an all-in-one which creates a rather large footprint (for length, not height)

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The Good

• Simple, cleanly designed printer, solid and resilient. A true workhorse multi-function printer.
• Intuitive control panel with additional configurability of input trays and media types.
• Best in class for speed of printing. Fax and scanning speeds are also better than any in this range.
• Flatbed scanner and feeder system are flawless (note it only takes up to A4 sized media).
• Best color LaserJet multifunction for print quality. Not on a par with the color inkjets reviewed but superior to all lasers.
• Toner cartridges are not expensive and last a considerable amount of time.
• Cost per page is up there with any color laser, stand-alone or multifunction.
• A multifunction printer which offers a considerable range of features, speed and quality for the small business or workgroup setting (maybe even the home office).

The Bad

• Requires extra configuration/patches to run the scanner with Windows Vista.
• A bulky unit which needs a solid base and has a considerable footprint.
• Is noisy in power save/off mode as the internal fan constantly spins.
• Doesn't support scanning across a Mac network.
• The fax facility is superb but it is worth mentioning there is no group dial facility which some users may require, as is provided on other multifunctions in this range.

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The Good

• Solid multifunction printer, highly reliable and durable. Excellent heavy duty unit.
• Simple installation and setup, all delivered via software install or LCD display which provides easy navigation.
• Memory slots offer printing direct from card, which is seamless and quick to action.
• Print quality is professional, with minimal loss of clarity or graininess.
• Another super performer for the small office or workgroup environment
• Much quieter than its more expensive siblings and quicker to calibrate.
• No great differential between cost of consumables and those of others.

The Bad

• Duplexing as advertised is only manual, hence it doesn't really have duplex capabilities!

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The Good

• Impressive design build but the mix of glossy and matt finishing's in various tones of grey does look somewhat dated.
• Robust workhorse multifunction printer, delivering excellent results and a smaller footprint than others reviewed here.
• Very impressive software bundle to help the novice user get the most from the printer and aid the intermediate/advanced user through advanced configuration/editing.
• Excellent print speed, good scanning quality and speed, if nothing to write home about.
• Clean, sharp print quality, both text based and graphics. Smooth image projection to multiple types of media.

The Bad

• Photo print quality lacks the depth of some printers reviewed here. Isn't up to the standard of photo labs.
• No fax facility which will be a major turnoff for some potential buyers.

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The Good

• An impressive, professional looking all-in-one printer. Solid build and extremely robust.
• Reliable in all departments of output delivery, printing, scanning and faxing.
• Highly intuitive control panel, with an excellent navigational setup.
• Simple to install and an abundance of advanced features for superior print management.
• Wired and wireless very easy to setup, very smooth during job processing and transition.
• Print quality is almost photo lab in standard, sharp and vivid. An all round superb performer.
• Customer support is one of the best of any manufacturer, on a par with Canon and Xerox and better than Dell and Brother.
• Duplex printing is best in class for speed and quality as a combination aim.
• For wireless (or wired) network printing, with reliable speed and excellent print quality this is a supreme all-in-one printer for the home, small office or workgroup.

The Bad

• Some of the software bundled with this printer may prove difficult to install on lower spec PC's.
• Some reports of paper mis-feeding and paper jams. Can take some time to initialize/calibrate following malfunction.

Looking for the best Multi-Function Printer on a budget. Review of Best Multi-Function Printers (under $250)