Any business owner’s job includes selecting the appropriate IT equipment, but with so much hardware available, it isn’t always simple. When deciding between a specialised device and an all-in-one unit (or multifunction device) with both scanning and printing functionality, there are a number of things to take into account.
Extra Features
An all-in-one printer has the ability to print, scan, and occasionally fax documents. The majority of all-in-one printers allow users to copy documents without a computer by sending the input from the scanner straight to the printer. Even though it is generally possible to set up a digital scanner to mimic this process using a different printer, additional software is usually required. All-in-one printers are thus the best choice for companies that need scanning as well as combined printing, faxing, and copying capabilities.
Scanning Quality
There are many different scanners and all-in-one devices with a range of specifications available, but generally speaking, dedicated scanners generally give better scanning quality than scanners attached to all-in-one printers. Dots per inch (DPI) is a measure of scanning quality, with a higher DPI indicating a higher resolution image. Therefore, businesses that work with high-quality digital artwork or where high-resolution output is vital should choose for dedicated scanners.
Price
All-in-one printers and digital scanners come in a wide range of price points, from entry-level to luxury versions. The all-in-one printer is often more expensive than the other types of equipment, though, because it offers more features and capability. If you already have a printer, using a dedicated scanner will save you money. It’s important to take into account a printer’s running costs, such as ink cartridges. Although laser variants are available for greater quality output, inkjet models are the least expensive all-in-one printers.
Other Considerations
The majority of all-in-one printers support network and USB connections, with some also providing Wi-Fi access. The majority of digital scanners, however, use USB cables to connect. There are a few networked scanners available, but they are often very expensive. It’s also crucial to take into account some of the extra capabilities that come with many all-in-one printers, such the capability to print directly from a memory card or camera, which may be useful in your office.
