The role of the multi-function Device, or MFD, has changed significantly over the last couple of years. Not only has the quality of these devices increased dramatically, but the digital camera explosion, and to a smaller extent the prevalence of the DVD-R, has changed how we use such machines.

 

And so we see that several of the machines in this month's roundup shy away from the traditional SOHO setup of past units and launch headlong into digital photography territory. For example, the Epson Stylus Photo RX630 not only offers sophisticated negative scanning but also no longer includes faxing facilities.

DVD and CD burning has created a market for direct-CD printing, as the old method of printable stickers causes havoc with some drives, and one of the units also includes this facility. And though the MFDs we present this month are the cream of the crop, the features they include at the price were unheard of even 12 months ago.

 

So, which one is for you? If you're looking for simple text printing and scanning for business or school, these devices will handle the job, and if you're a photography enthusiast, then you won't be disappointed.

 

Price-wise all-in-one devices are a much better buy than selecting an assortment of separate devices. Over the following pages we sort out the good from the ugly to find the ultimate MFD.