To Multifunction or Not

[Comp625]

Basically I'm heading off to college. I've decided that if I take the non-multifunction route, I'll be grabbing a Canon i850. The generic ink is cheap and the printer is awesome for everything (from text to graphics to photos). However, I want to ask you guys (alot of you who are in college or already graduated from college)...is it a wise idea to buy a multifunction machine instead?

My logic is, a multifunction machine allows me to scan and copy documents as well as print them out. Since I'm lazy, I don't want to walk all the way to the library just to make a photocopy of a book (or whatever) when I can just do it in my dorm room. Now I understand the cost per page is expensive with the multifunction machines but my question is have you guys ever found the need for a multifunction machine in college?

Thanks!

 

[EeyoreX]

I just used a printer for my time in college. I was (still am) uncomfortable with multifunction machines. There are simply that many more things to go wrong. I suppose if space is at a premium (many times it is in college) a multifunction machine is best. If you will only do the occassional scan/photocopy, a multifunction would be wasted. If on the other hand, you are going to want to do higher quality scans of photos as well as documents/books, a multifunction might not be the best quality. Personally, I'd get the Cannon (or whatever printer of choice) and buy a small inexpensive USB scanner. Even a flatbed can be about $99 and is still small enough to fit out of the way when not needed.

\Dan

 

[AngryKid]

At $88 at Sam's Club for the HP PSC 1200, who really cares if some of the functionality is wasted. Surely it will come in handy some time before the demise of the printer. Small foot print and excellent print/scan quality. Not much of a decision to me... If you're worried about it breaking, spring for the $13 three-year service plan.