Non-food processor: choosing an inexpensive MFP
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The models selected for the TOP-5 are similar in terms of parameters. Although, there are differences, and to understand which ones, it is worth looking at the table. And in this catalog you can independently choose and buy a printer.
Affordable price and low cost of consumables.
Ergonomic flaws, limited number of paper sizes and types.
Price from 4 642 up to 9 500 ₴
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Brother DCP-1512R Price from 4 642 up to 9 500 ₴ → Print / scan resolution (optical): 2400x600 dpi / 1200x1200 dpi Brother has had to make a number of compromises in workflow and design to create this MFP in order to keep the cost down. So, when printing large series of sheets, the device pauses for cooling (perhaps an internal cooler would not interfere with the MFP). Owners of the DCP-1512R device note a dim display without backlighting and not very responsive buttons, and the power cable is non-removable. In the reviews, the owners also note a fairly fast (except for situations with a large print queue — the MFP has a modest amount of memory of 16 MB), although the scanner is noisy. However, the affordable price of the device is one of the lowest on the market, and the cost-effectiveness of its maintenance for buyers covers the shortcomings. The starter toner cartridge included in the package is designed for 1000 pages (according to some sources — 700). By refilling or refilling the toner, the toner capacity can be increased to approximately 1,500 pages. The standard cartridge TN-1075 has the same capacity, it is not chipped, which facilitates the procedure for refilling it, which even in a specialized service has a moderate cost. For lovers of maximum savings, there is the possibility of refilling the starter cartridge. Just remember that the manufacturer does not guarantee 100% quality and reliability of the device and may refuse to use it under warranty. The output tray capacity of the DCP-1512R is small, only 50 pages. The input tray is open, which is typical of a low-cost compact MFP. On the other hand, such a feed, in the absence of a bypass tray, will be convenient when printing on already used sheets of paper instead of clean paper to save it. When the tray is single and open, this is the easiest way to print. A closed tray, on the other hand, is smoother and more reliable in feeding, but it needs to be opened and closed periodically. Please note that the maximum media weight for this MFP is limited to 105 g/m² and only A4 and similar sizes are supported on just two types of paper, plain and recycled. With copying from the DCP-1512R everything is in order. He has a copier with a resolution of up to 600x600 pixels has a mode of copying certificates, placed on a separate button. Original type settings are available — text, photo, graphics, brightness and contrast adjustment, one- and two-sided copy settings, zoom with presets, and 25-400% custom mode. The release time of the first copy is claimed up to 16 s. There are also additional "environmental" functions — energy saving and optional auto-off when idle. |
Reliable design, capacious cartridge, convenient control panel.
The small capacity of the starter cartridge, the high cost of a standard cartridge, the lack of a network interface.
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Print / scan resolution (optical): 600x600 dpi / 600x1200 dpi The Panasonic KX-MB1500 MFP features a simple, industrial-grade design. The device is compact, the reduced height is especially noticeable — the output tray is actually disguised in the body and allows you to place only 30 printed sheets. The input tray has a capacity of 150 sheets, and at the same time completely closes, which distinguishes it from other low-cost models. Also a pleasant surprise is the presence of a bypass tray for priority manual media feed — its slot is located just above the main tray. The control panel of the MFP looks clear and functional. It has a 2-line LCD display without backlight. Since the KX-MB1500 inherited the digital unit from the fax model, it does not perform useful functions here. It takes up to 10 seconds to exit the first page. The printer's print resolution allows you to display text with high quality, while printing raster images is not its forte, also in draft mode, users note the "ladder" effect on certain fonts. The MFP features fast scanning, and a proprietary utility allows you to combine material into a multi-page TIFF or PDF file. When copying, 25-400% scaling is available (like many other models), there is also a copy function with 2/4/8 copies on 1 sheet. The high monthly load claimed for the KX-MB1500 makes it recommended for both home and office use, but the lack of a fax and network interface severely limits its use for businesses. The MFP has generally good reviews for reliability, however, the most economical users may be deterred by the rather high cost of a standard cartridge and the lack of compatible counterparts. The MFP comes with a 500-page starter promo cartridge. The full capacity of the standard KX-FAT400A7 cartridge is an impressive 1800 pages, in addition, there is also an option in the form of a 2500-page KX-FAT410A7 high-yield cartridge. The one-piece design cartridge is made complete with a drum and can be easily refilled thanks to a conveniently located plug for filling the toner. |
Powerful wireless printing, easy access to economy mode, flip-up lid for books and magazines, 10,000-sheet yield.
Input tray design, difficulty with self-refilling, small starter cartridge capacity, no high-capacity cartridge.
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Print / scan resolution (optical): 1200x1200 dpi / 1200x1200 dpi In the low-cost segment, Samsung offers some of the most interesting devices in terms of price / quality ratio. The SL-M2070W has a signature design with a dark top and a control panel with a 2-line LCD character display and quick access buttons. Of the interesting features, it is worth noting the Eco button to turn on the toner, paper and energy saving mode and the auto ID card copying mode, in which copies of both sides of the document are placed on one sheet. And duplex printing on this machine is only available in manual paper feed mode. The claimed print speed reaches 20 ppm, and the first page out time is 8.5 seconds, which is confirmed by tests. The reviews also note a good copying speed. To a large extent, fast work with numerous documents in the print queue is facilitated by a considerable amount of installed memory (128 MB) and a fast processor (with a frequency of 600 MHz). On the other hand, the 150-sheet feeder is an open type, with the paper receiving tray being an open compartment cover. This design is not very convenient for large print volumes and sometimes causes complaints from users in terms of reliability and the possibility of even paper installation. The copy mode offers an original document type setting to improve copy quality, copy brightness, and a manual scaling function. It is possible to copy with the background removed, to place several copies on one sheet. Conveniently, the scanner lid hinges up to scan magazines and books. The manufacturer's recommended monthly print volume is 10,000 pages. This is the highest result among the survey participants. The capacity of the standard cartridge MLT-D111S is 1000 pages, but in the kit from the store you will receive a starter cartridge for only 500 sheets. Additionally, to save toner when printing voluminous documents with graphics, you can use the proprietary Samsung Easy Eco Driver, which somewhat “cuts down” the appetites of the device. The MFP cartridge contains a chip that blocks the possibility of refilling, and this procedure can really be done in a specialized workshop, and not on your own. Samsung can operate over Wi-Fi using Wi-Fi Protected Setup for easy network access without the assistance of a system administrator. The MFP can directly print files from a mobile device and, conversely, scan documents into its memory using NFC technology — just bring the gadget to the appropriate label on the Samsung cover. To do this, the Samsung Mobile Print for IOS and Android software must be installed on the mobile device and Wi-Fi Direct mode must be enabled in the MFP. The SL-M2070W also supports remote printing via the Internet through the Google Cloud Print service. |
Compact, affordable consumables, refillable.
Small starter cartridge, no networking, non-standard control panel.
Price from 9 399 up to 20 271 ₴
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Canon i-SENSYS MF3010 Price from 9 399 up to 20 271 ₴ → Print / scan resolution (optical): 1200x600 dpi / 600x600 dpi Canon has carved its niche in the laser printer market through the affordability and quality of its products, and continues this strategy in the field of MFPs. I-SENSYS MF3010 has a not quite standard design — almost a cubic shape with angular edges. At the same time, the device takes up little space on the table. At the bottom of the MFP is a 150-sheet open input tray. The printer supports numerous formats and a wide range of paper weights. The MFP control panel located at the top of the device is responsible for setting up the basic functions of printing and copying. It has an 8-segment LED indicator that, instead of the usual display, shows the selected mode, number of copies, etc. At first, the panel may confuse the user with unusual symbols, but the colour scheme of the main buttons and a couple of glances at the manual will help you remember the conventions and better navigate it. When printing, the printer needs 8 seconds to exit the first page and the speed indicators are within the claimed limits. The print resolution of 600 dpi, according to users, is sufficient for high quality text, but the graphics are obtained with imperfect quality. For printing images with a lot of small details and photos, the MFP is most likely not suitable, but for handouts and accompanying materials it is quite. The i-SENSYS MF3010 uses the familiar Canon 725 1600 page laser cartridge. The device allows you to refill the cartridge without additional tricks, according to MFP users, the cartridge resource is enough for up to 5 refills. Thrifty owners also refill the starter cartridge with a capacity of 700 pages (guideline). It can be refilled relatively inexpensively. In the copy mode, scaling of 50-200% (instead of 50-400%) is available, there is an ID copy mode (like Samsung SL-M2070W), placing several copies on one sheet, etc. The maximum number of copies obtained in 1 cycle is small — 29 In general, the functionality of the device is at the level of analogues. |
Ethernet interface and wide range of network printing, the presence of an automatic sheet feeder and fax, a convenient folding panel.
Open feed tray, expensive standard cartridge.
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Print / scan resolution (optical): 600x600 dpi / 1200x1200 dpi If most entry-level laser MFP models cannot boast of having a network interface, then this problem is not relevant for the HP LaserJet Pro M127FN. Once connected to a local network and set up, this MFP works as a network printer and scanner. This is a convenient solution for the office. The printer supports the proprietary ePrint remote printing service and can receive jobs directly via the Internet from any location — the MFP is assigned an e-mail address to which jobs can be sent. Additional features include printing from mobile devices. Claimed support for Apple AirPrint and printing from other tablets and smartphones through the HP ePrint service. Sheets are fed using the 150-sheet open input tray. The output tray has a capacity of 100 sheets. The first page is out in 9.5 seconds. Recommended monthly capacity up to 2,000 pages, maximum 8,000 pages. The device supports a variety of media types and paper weights, and readily accepts both letterhead and envelopes. Job processing is fast thanks to good hardware (128 MB memory and a 600 MHz processor). Of the additional features useful in the office, it is worth highlighting the 35-sheet automatic document feeder for scanning and copying. Also of the advantages is a convenient folding control panel, the development of the functions of which will not take much time. The device is equipped with a two-line LCD display without backlight. On the Web, you can find user complaints about the difficulties in setting up the MFP, claims about the initial unavailability of drivers for 64-bit systems, as well as errors in the firmware associated with network access. Let's hope that the manufacturer will overcome these "diseases" in the new firmware. The printer comes with a 700-page promotional cartridge, while the standard HP 83A (CF283A) has a capacity of 1,500 pages. The cartridge does not contain protective equipment, refilling in the service is inexpensive, and the procedure for disassembling the cartridge is relatively simple. And you can extend the "life" of the starter cartridge using the toner save mode. Copying can be done at normal zoom and up to 99 copies in one operation. At the same time, two-sided copying of the original onto one sheet and setting the copy quality are available. Business users will appreciate the 300x300 dpi fax with 500 pages of memory and the ability to store up to 100 speed dial numbers. Among low-cost models, the presence of a fax is a rarity. |
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