There are numerous types of impressive printers out there in the world, including inkjet, laser, 3D, and more. The all-in-one printer, however, is a type that includes features from many different printer subcategories.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- All-in-one printers are fantastic “jack-of-all-trades” devices that can handle multiple types of printing.
- These printers tend to be fast, reliable, and efficient, in addition to excelling with the creation of color prints.
- All-in-one printers often include the ability to scan documents, fax documents, and make copies of documents.
What is an All-in-one Printer?
An all-in-one printer is a type of printer that includes numerous different functionalities that are typically found with inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines, scanners, copy printers, and more.
Insider Tip
You can expect to achieve somewhere between 12 to 20 pages per minute (PPM) when using an all-in-one printer.
The Benefits of an All-in-one Printer
Not every all-in-one printer is made equal. Some boast certain features while others lack certain features, but they can print on various paper sizes, including the most popular A4 photo paper. However, there are some benefits and advantages you can count on when using an all-in-one printer.
Increased Printing Speed
Many all-in-one units advertise an increased printing speed over traditional printers. You can expect to achieve somewhere between 12 to 20 pages per minute (PPM) when using an all-in-one printer. Keep in mind, however, that there are different types of all-in-one printers. Generally speaking, all-in-one laser printers are significantly faster than all-in-one inkjet printers. In other words, do your research before making a purchase.
Insider Tip
In addition to making simple prints, these units can often scan items, fax documents, and make multiple copies of documents.
Wireless Connectivity
Modern all-in-one printers tend to offer a wireless connection. This means that they can print content wirelessly from a Wi-Fi-enabled computer, smartphone, tablet, or related device. These printers can also typically print straight from a cloud server, so you can handle print jobs remotely. Of course, wireless printers are not truly wireless, as they still need to be plugged into a power outlet in order to function. Still, they can be extremely convenient for the modern worker.
Scan, Fax, and Copy
One of the key benefits of choosing an all-in-one printer are the additional functionalities they bring to the table. In addition to making simple prints, these units can often scan items, fax documents, and make multiple copies of documents. To scan a document is to make a digital back up of it, while faxing a document sends it to another user via a telephone line or the Internet. If these features are important to you, make sure the printer you are going to buy advertises them.
Great for Color Prints
The best all-in-one printers tend to excel when it comes to reproducing photos and other images that require vivid color. If this is an important feature to you, we recommend buying an inkjet all-in-one printer, as the ink cartridges used with these models are great for color reproductions.
Warning
All-in-one laser printers are significantly faster than all-in-one inkjet printers. In other words, do your research before making a purchase.
F.A.Q.
Color printing: Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Color printing may not be necessary in a typical office environment, but it can be useful for artists and other creatives.
What does all-in-one printer mean?
When a printer is advertised as being an all-in-one printer, that tends to mean that it offers certain functionalities beyond simple printing. These can include scanning, faxing, and making copies, among others.
How important is printer resolution?
This depends on what you are printing. For normal everyday print jobs, you can get by with a 300 DPI. Color images may require a 600 DPI or higher.
STAT: A typical personal printer holds about 100 to 150 sheets of paper in a single tray, while a business printer will hold a minimum of 250 sheets. Higher-end models may hold 500 to 1000 or more pages in a standard or upgraded configuration. (source)
