If you own or operate a business, you need some type of printer with a scanner. At one time, you needed to buy technological items independently of each other. You purchased computer printers, scanner systems, copiers and fax machines separately. This is not necessarily the case anymore.

Although these items still exist individually, it is much more beneficial and cost friendly to buy all-in-one systems. Portable printers and scanners are also available. Large machines that take up a large amount of space are quite costly and unnecessary for small businesses. Smaller, portable printers scanners combo machines are much more appealing.

Here are a few things to consider when buying a portable printer scanner copier machine:

1. Cost: It costs less to buy a portable printer, scanner, and copier than to buy each piece separately.

2. Repair: You only need to worry about upkeep on one piece of equipment.

3. Ease of use: Instead of learning (and training employees) on multiple machines, you learn to copy, scan, print and fax on just one.

Action Steps for Smart Shopping for Computer Printers
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a printer with scanner or an all-in-one device from the manufacturer

Instead of buying a printer and a scanner separately, buy a computer printer/scanner combination or an all-in-one system.

I recommend: Hewlett-Packard Development Company sells a variety of HP LaserJet Multifunction Products (MFPs). These printers, with scanner, copier and printer functions, range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Panasonic Corporation of North America sells the KX-MB781 multifunction small business printer, scanner, fax, and copier. Lexmark International sells the X1270, a computer printer, scanner and copier.

Find a printer with scanner at retail stores

For the largest selection of printers and scanners, visit retail stores. Visiting retail stores also allows you to compare products and pricing quickly.

I recommend: Well-known retail stores like Best Buy and Circuit City both offer a large variety of printers, scanners and copiers. Super Warehouse offers a large selection of Kodak scanners, along with other well-known brands.

Buy a wireless small business printer scanner

If you have a business with many computers, consider buying a wireless printer scanner. These machines allow you to scan to any computer or print from any computer on the network. They are also small enough to move from place to place.

I recommend: Dell offers a few different all-in-one portable printer, scanner and copier systems. They even offer a portable printer and scanner for a home office. B & H Foto & Electronics offers a nice selection of wireless all-in-one products. If you are operating a business looking for only a scanner, visit Epson America to view the GT-2500 Plus Scanner. This product gives employees access to the system via a network card. For compact, portable scanners, visit PENTAX Imaging Company. If you are looking for a small, mobile scanner, visit ScanShell Store. This company sells the Scan Shell 3000DN.

Tips & Tactics to Make Your Computer Printer Buy

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you are buying a portable printer and scanner or a larger all-in-one machine, check to see what is included. Make sure the cables and toner come with the computer printer/scanner, especially if you buy from a small Internet company.
• •  Check the operating systems that are compatible with the printers and/or scanners. Some of the newer models may only work with some of the latest operating systems.
• •  Keep in mind that mobile scanners will not have the same high resolution that larger, all-in-one systems provide.