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All-in-ones require a considerable amount of testing, as they can print, scan, copy and, sometimes, fax. We use an amalgamation of our usual inkjet and scanner tests, as well as introducing copying tests for automatic document feeders, plus flatbed scanner copy tests.
All timings are taken from the moment the printer picks up the paper until the
last page emerges, or from the moment the scanner starts until the image is displayed in Photoshop.
Print tests
We measure print speed using an official five percent coverage A4 document, developed by IDC Consulting. Ten pages are printed at Draft quality. We use the same document, printing a further 10 pages using Normal (or default) quality.
Our next test involves printing our mono-quality document on coated paper to test greyscale fades, 2pt to 16pt text (both serif and sans-serif fonts) and a mono photo. Then a colour web page is printed from a StreetMap website on plain paper to assess both speed and quality. We print a series of five 6 x 4in photos that reflect scenes people print in the real world and record the average time per photo. Finally, we print our usual A4 photomontage on manufacturers’ recommended paper at the best possible quality settings.
Scan tests
We rate each scanner on both speed and quality. We first scan a 6 x 4in photo of three models at 300ppi (pixels per inch), checking for faithful reproduction of skin tones. We then scan a 10 x 8in photo of some jewellery on a two-tone velvet background at 600ppi. We check for colour accuracy and quality of the reflection of light on shiny surfaces. The most demanding test is a scan of the 6 x 4in print of three models at 1200ppi.
Next, we scan a 12 x 10in glossy print showing a pair of mounted candles and holly on patterned cloth. We scan at 300ppi, which gives sufficient detail without creating unmanageable file sizes. We pay close attention to small details such as the texture of the cloth and petals of the yellow flower, as well as examining colour and white balance accuracy.
Finally, we time how long a preview takes and then scan the five percent coverage A4 text document at 150ppi.
Copy tests
Most copies are of mono text, so we make five copies of our five percent coverage document (with the original printed on a laser printer) both in Normal and Draft mode on plain paper. We measure speed in both and note whether quality is badly affected by switching to Draft mode. We also make three copies of our 6 x 4in test photo at Best quality, checking for accurate colour and detail reproduction as well as measuring speed.
Finally, where an automatic document feeder is present, we copy a four-page colour DTP document onto plain paper in Normal colour copy mode and four text pages in Normal mono.
How we work out the ratings
At the bottom of each review are five star ratings: Quality, Speed, Features & Design, Value for Money and a final Overall rating. We don’t just pluck these figures out of the air: they’re calculated using a mixture of benchmark results, objective scores and subjective quality ratings.
As always, the scores are relative to the group, so a one-star Overall score doesn’t mean the device is the worst of its type, just that it was the least impressive here.
The Quality score is derived from subjective judgements of each print,
copy and scan. Two members of the Labs independently make judgements
to avoid bias.
The Speed scores for the three functions are calculated, then averaged to get final Speed ratings. The Features & Design score is a mix of objective and subjective assessments.
We take into account support for memory cards and cameras, the capacity of input and output trays, and the size of LCD. We also consider usability of hardware and drivers, and whether the print engine uses individual ink tanks or cartridges with built-in print heads. Network capabilities, duplex units and automatic document feeders are rewarded.
To calculate Value for Money, we combine the purchase and delivery price. We then consider each device’s Quality, Speed, and Features & Design scores. While there’s no Running Cost score, our continuous rundown tests are factored in, with a low weighting.
The Overall score is a straight average of all other scores, with the Labs Winner award going to the machine with the highest Overall score.
A Recommended award goes to the runner-up, while a Best Value award goes to the machine with the highest Value for Money score.
 Our photomontage tests almost every area of print quality, including colour fades and mono reprocution.
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In this 300ppi scan, we check for detail capture and contrast, particularly on the bright flower.
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We use this photo to judge skin tone reproduction - it's simple to see when it's wrong.
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This is one of five 6 x 4in photos we use to judge real-world print quality, using everyday subjects.
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This article appeared in the July, 2006 issue of PC Authority.
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