Printer, Scanner, Fax and Copier reviews that make since.

There will be general reviews that group similar products and detail the Pros and Cons of each type of machine. I will also explain some the advanced features and cool add-on products that are worth a look for those in need of a little document management or control in your office.

What I do and why you should listen.

I have spent the last 10 years being the go-to guy for configuring these types of devices to do "everything" they can do ( that of course is a lie ) I don't believe anyone has ever configured everything. I am also responsible for finding answers to unique problems where there is little or no straightforward documented support solution. In my reviews, I will tell it the way it is, according to me of course.

I will start with a little summary about how things have progressed *in my experience* and where things appear to be headed. I will only cover the main features I feel are important

First there was a copier
Then there was a copier that also performed network printing
Then came a scanning option that allowed paper documents to be captured and stored as multi-page files.
Then the fax option on copiers began having the ability to forward to folders and email.
Then the devices had third-party apps that ran on them providing document management type creation and integration to include searchable pdfs.

Most people need a printer/copier with an easy-to-use scanning solution and an affordable document management product that doesn't require too much integration or IT support. If it doesn't save you time or provide a benefit to your operations, it is just fluff you do not require.

Currently the devices do a good job in their basic configuration of scanning to email, scanning to folder, integrating with ldap search, and routing faxes to email or folder.

The display screens on these devices have become quite large and and nice to work with.

Third-party applications can be ran on these screens for integration into several high-end document management systems as well as some affordable solutions for small offices. I rarely see these types of installations, but it is more because the public doesn't know about them and the dealers/salespeople lack the knowledge to promote them properly.

I will focus my reviews on machines that print more than 20 pages per minute. The small machines have most of the same features but lack the large display for ease of use and third-party integration.

There are two major types of machines

Copiers with print, scan and fax.

Faxes with copy, print and scan.

I will just focus on the copier first devices.