The functions of a copier, fax machine and scanner are incorporated seamlessly within a single multifunction printer. This funnelling of vital office technology makes it one of the most versatile, space saving solutions for the modern business. What is it that sets the multifunction printer apart from the others? Well, I've already alluded to one of its key points, space saving. A multifunction printer will remove the need for you to clog up your office with numerous different pieces of equipment. You won't need a fax machine, photocopier or a scanner, instead this one simple device can do it all for you. Invariably this has helped to make the multifunction printer an essential part of the contemporary workplace. It provides an opportunity to banish unnecessary equipment, remove constricting cabling and enjoy a more streamlined workplace.

There's no compromise when it comes to quality either. Whilst it would be fair to say that the individual devices that go into the mix when creating a multifunction printer aren't as good as the best stand alone machines, it would be equally fair to suggest that the multifunction printer is still a highly effective product capable of exceptional quality. Most produce a great standard of print and are able to reproduce very good copies, using the scanning functionality along with the printer to do so. Why buy devices individual (and at great expense), when you can simply combine them in one efficent, high quality bundle. Whilst some might prefer to have dedicated devices for their individual purposes, others would undoubtedly prefer to have just one machine to control all the functions, especially if it saves some money.

When it does come to choosing your multifunction printer you'll have to think long and hard about which one is best equipped to meet your requirements. There are so many exceptional brands out there offering a high standard of products, all of which have their own unique characteristics. Take for example Samsung printers. Of course this is one of the world's largest electronics brands and it is a name that has become synonymous with the production of quality televisions, mobile phones and much more besides. Their printers too are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace, theSamsung CLP 660 being a good example of that. Samsung colour laser printers are particularly sought after, offering a very good standard of print quality, a great specification and a competitive price to boot. However, add in a scanner and fax capability and your standard laser printer is upgraded to a multifunction device.

Just as with most laser printers, a multifunction printer usually also offers a fantastic capacity level. With the addition of copier functionality especially, it is important that your printer is able to match the requirements of all users; therefore having a tray, or a number of trays, holding upwards of 250 sheets can be vital in ensuring that your staff don't have to continually restock the printer.

With all of your vital office technology assigned to a single multifunction printer, there can be no confusion over locating and using the printer. Whilst this could cause some congestion issues, most models now include a fair amount of memory to ensure that all of the work is properly queued and then printed in sequence.

The multifunction printer is all about efficiency though. Whether it's performing numerous tasks at one time or just stopping your office succumbing to technological clutter, it does everything you need and more. As the technology develops even further models will become more advanced and quality will invariably improve. However, that said, if you buy a multifunction printer for your office today, you certainly won't be disappointed with the results.

Here are a few of the key benefits of a multifunction printer:

• Includes fax capabilities
• Simpler single device for all functions
• Incorporates copier function
• Improves work efficiency
• Will cut down costs