TYPE OF MFDs
Multifunctional devices are of two types - Inkjet and Laser. Home or SOHO MFDs are usually inkjet-based, and thus can allow colour printing and copying. The quality of these MFDs is also improving. Most large-office and a small number of SOHO units use a laser print engine. Laser-based MFDs are best suited where you need high-quality, low cost-per-page output at large volume and with a high speed.

The market for MFDs can be divided into three sectors: low-end, mid-range and high-end.
Low-end devices are generally designed keeping in view the needs of the SOHO segment. These machines are typically built around a fax machine but can be connected to a desktop for scanning and printing. They can also be used as a convenience copier for items that can be fed through the fax scanner.

Mid-range MFDs are built around a small copier and connect to a computer for printing, scanning and they can send and receive faxes if attached to a phone line. These machines include a book platen for copying magazines, books, or other three-dimensional items. These units are ideal for small workgroups, where workers can reduce the time needed to walk to larger office machines.

High-end MFDs offer a lot of value-additions. These units offer extremely fast printing, plus sorting and finishing options (such as stapling) normally not found on printers. The idea behind these machines is to provide copier-like functionality from a desktop computer, reducing the need for people to print a document and then walk it over to the copier to make multiple sets.

KEY FEATURES
Networking:
Firstly check if you need to use the multifunctional for network use. MFDs generally don't come with all the accessories; you'll need to place them on a network. You might need to purchase an additional network card so that you can share the printer feature. Sharing the fax and scan features may be limited depending on the software.

Flatbed or sheetfed:
There are three methods of accepting source documents for scanning, copying and faxing: sheet-fed, flatbed and flatbed with sheet-fed. So you need to decide what method will suit you the best. Generally low-end multifunctional devices use sheet-fed method. Before buying such models, make sure the item you want to scan, fax or copy can be fed through the sheet-feeder. As these models will not be able to copy books or any 3-D objects. In the mid-range category, you will get the flatbed models. Flatbed models allow you to scan, copy and fax a greater variety of items that may not be passed through a sheet-fed model, books for instance. High-end models generally include both flatbed and sheet-fed document feed options. They are ideal for home or network users who need to copy, fax or scan multiple documents.