How to Buy a Printer Scanner Fax Three in One Combination

Scanner information seems scarce, and most inexpensive scanners are in a 3 in 1 combination which includes the printer, scanner and fax.

There are many choices at the store but few that are satisfactory or will create a reasonably good scan. This is difficult to determine at the store, since most are not connected so you can try a scan.

If you want a really good scanner for photos and fine work, just break down and buy a high-priced scanner as a single piece of equipment. If, however, you need a scanner for internet copies occasionally, and can use a printer scanner fax combo or 3-in-1, this information may be helpful.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• know dimensions for placement
• decision-making ability

1. Decide what you need and the space you can fit it in. Many of the scanners will no longer fit in the slot in a wardrobe style computer desk. Calculate the size you can use, and decide if you must have Wi-Fi or not.

2. Determine if you can live with the new copier scanner combination that takes FOUR ink cartridges--one for each primary color, and black.

3. Check the surface area for the scan. Most scan 8 1/2 x 11 or maybe 9 x 13 inches, but you may find it fuzzy around the edge. Be sure the size of the surface is larger than you need.

4. Look out for the printer-scanner-fax combination that has an expiration date on the ink cartridge. There are several that will not print after the expiration date, no matter whether you have used ANY of the ink or not.

5. Once you have found a scanner you believe might work, check the cost of the printer cartridges in case you want to print. There are usually two cartridges, the color and the black, and they should not cost more than $60 for the two. You may be able to find them on the internet for less than at the office supply, too.

6. Be sure any printer scanner fax combination is compatible with your computer. Most will work with any of the newer computers, but if you have an older operating system, it may not be compatible.

7. Once you have made these observations and decisions, you can select the scanner of your choice. There will be few that are under $100, and a few more in the $150 range, but the price does not seem to be related to the quality of the scan--until you get into the high priced scanners that are not 3-in-1.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you can return the scanner if it does not work satisfactorily. I returned four, and put my old one with the scratched screen back in place four times before I found one that would scan a piece of jewelry.
• copyright 2009 Linda Richard
• As soon as you get your scanner, put protection like cellophane or even kitchen wrap over the glass. This will protect the glass from some scratches. Even with protection, scratches just seem to happen, but this will help.

Resources

• Contact Us

[tachic]

on 7/13/2009 I love my 3 in 1 printer/fax/scanner!