You no longer need a home office to need-okay, want-a multifunction printer. With prices dipping below $80, why not get the ability to print, scan, copy, and handle photos with aplomb all in one device? We put four models to the test-including Kodak's first-ever EasyShare multifunction printer-and were pleasantly surprised.

 

Thanks to a few important upgrades, downloading pictures directly from your camera, notebook, or smart phone is easier than ever. All but one of these multifunction devices has an LCD screen for previewing photos, and two of these screens are larger than two inches (just a year ago LCD screens were the exception, and they didn't usually exceed two inches). Two have optional Bluetooth for $49.99, three have PictBridge, and all of them support seven memory cards. If your budget tops out at $200, you don't have to sacrifice a thing.

 

How We Tested
Picking the best all-around printer wasn't easy. We began by printing a batch of business documents that included multi-page, text-only files as well as those with a mix of pictures, graphics, and fine print (similar to what you'd find in a real-estate brochure or press release). We then printed seven different 4 x 6 photos, and two 8 x 10 photos, comprising indoor and outdoor shots. Finally, we copied and scanned a one-page black-and-white document and one-page color photo. We timed how long each printer took to complete each task and examined the quality of each based on level of readability for text. For photos, we paid special attention to each printer's ability to handle details, color, and different lighting situations.


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