All-In-One Printers....

Soundguy · Dec 15, 2004

( Might you know anything about the Brother MFC-420CN? )

Sorry.. no experience with that model.

( I've never tried to fax via modem.
Are there any advantages/disadvantages doing it this way )

More or less it is the same technology.. a fax machine is just a dedicated unit.

Only on very rare occasions have i ever had fax connection problems.. and that was back in group 1 days and 4800 connects.. etc... most group 3 stuff should be bullet proof. You might get flakey software or drivers.. but the technology has been 'here' for years and works seamlessly for all intents and purposes.

Soundguy

milkman · Dec 15, 2004

Lazy,
I found this place had good deals on motherboard and processor bundles, they'll assemble and test for small fee, and they're cheaper than I found elsewhere. http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/Main.hmx?UID=XX%2D3992201&CID=&Back=ProdFLASH-LEXAR.hmx?

GerardC · Dec 15, 2004

( Oh, might as well give my take on All-in-One units. They typically do everything OK, but nothing great + if a part of it breaks the whole thing then is pretty much useless. The only thing they do great is take up less desk space. This way as technology in parts change you can just upgrade the part that changed i.e. printer vs. scanner. )

When I bought my computer a few years back, I went with all separate components for the reason you stated. Since then, my wife and my kids got computers so I have backup components if needed.
I'll be getting rid of my HP 940c printer but keeping my scanner. I have all the bases covered now in case of a malfunction in my 3-in-1 unit. G

GerardC · Dec 15, 2004

You might get flakey software or drivers.. 

Soundguy:

My computer came pre loaded with QuickLink III. Is this a good software or should I go with something else? G

Soundguy · Dec 16, 2004

( They typically do everything OK, but nothing great + if a part of it breaks the whole thing then is pretty much useless. )

On the contrary.. I find they do everything about as good as a similar dedicated unit. For instance.. my brother multi function unit performs as a laser printer as good as my brother laser printer on my desk, both in 600dpi mode. It performs better than my older intellifax fax/copier... less dpi.

The MPC fax works as fast.. it copies faster than an older intellifax, and just a smidgen slower than a standalone zerox machine, with one exception.. the MPC is digital buffered scanning/printing. I can use it as a copier.. feed the original in, say I want 10 copies.. it scans it, then pops out copy after copy. The dedicated xerox machine makes the optical carriage move back and forth for each copy.

Yes.. if one portion of it breaks.. you may be stuck with a crippled machine.. however, have you noticed that an entry level multi function machine costs just about the same as a similar quality standalone laser printer? Kinda skews the deal way to the other side when you can buy all for the price of one.. and when it dies.. replace and upgrade.

Soundguy

jwstewar · Dec 16, 2004

( On the contrary.. I find they do everything about as good as a similar dedicated unit. )

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. That is not what my experience has shown me. I've had several and ended tossing them in the trash - wouldn't even put anyone through the aggravation of trying to use them.

GerardC · Dec 16, 2004

( Well Gerard, I'm going to hope that you picked a good one. After reading this thread this morning I went on my lunch break and bought the same exact printer. I got it at Office Depot for $130 plus a $30 mail in rebate. I can't wait to get it home, hook it up and print!

Lawrence )

How are you making out? Did you print any photos yet? G

buckle97 · Dec 17, 2004

How are you making out? Did you print any photos yet? 

I got the printer all set up the other night, printed three photos, and then my wife said "Great! You have the new printer hooked up. I need to type up some recipes to put in with Christmas gifts." She has been printing text documents ever since /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.
The three photos I managed to print look amazing. The printer I just gave up was a HP Photosmart 7150. This All In One unit prints much better quality photos than that "photosmart" ever did. I am sure glad I took your advice and picked this Epson.

Lawrence

P.S. My wife mentioned scanning and copying this weekend. Looks like I may never get to play with my new unit /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.

GerardC · Dec 17, 2004

Glad to hear you like it /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

Seems to me like your wife got an early Christmas present /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.
At those prices, you might think about getting one for your self too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. Hope your printing soon. Good luck with it. G

buckle97 · Dec 17, 2004

Seems to me like your wife got an early Christmas present 

Gerard, you are a genius! When I get home tonight I am going to tell my wife that printer was her early Christmas present. How well do you think that will go over? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Probably okay as long as I have plenty of other gifts for her under the tree Christmas morning. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lawrence