Multifunction Printer/Network question

You're better off to stick with a separate scanner. If you don't use it often, put it somwhere out of the way.

I would chose a MF with a B&W lasers engine. HP make a nice networked MF unit with a laser engine. They make them both ways, ink or laser. The big problem is that they require 2 way comunications to work properly. I replace a Photo Printer with a laser this year, Don't miss the color. My operation cost shows I will have the printer paid for in less than a year due to the lower cost/page. I run thrugh 500 sheets/mo on a average. $0.012 vs $0.18 is a no brainer.

Setup 2 Printers, 1 for photos and 1 laser MF for everything else. None of the MF have good scanners. They are for copying and fax, most 1200dpi. Keep your stand alone scanner for high quality. Word of advise. The last HP I installed (3015), installed an adware program to monitor printer supplies, java script. It also kept the computer from going into hibernation mode. It part of there added plus features. Install only the drivers and save yourself some headaches.

I've used Brother MFC's and never had any issues. Most are well featured, and have ink tanks on the bubblejet models, and many models come network ready. Here's an example :

http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/mfc [...] D=MFC640CW

Depending on the print server your using you may or may not be able to scan or fax with a multi function printer. I know the Linksys print server will only allow printing over the network. However, the HP Print servers do allow for scanning and fax over a network through a built in web scan server software in their print server devices. Most print servers don't have software built in to transmit scanned data over the network. The downside is that they cost about $250.

I do a lot of scanning of documents with the multifunction printer and I find it easier than using my separate flat bed scanner. The multi function aligns the document much easier do you don't have to do that yourself with the flat bed.

Ok,

I had given up trying to find something but came across the HP Photosmart 3310 MFP which has wireless, scanning, copier, fax and photo printer capabilities(5 color tanks and 1 black).

Issues:
1. Appears to have no paper feed tray for copying?
2. Some reviews say the photo printing is great others say it is faded a lousy.

Anyone have any experience with this or have a review from a reputable source?

Does anyone know if I need to use the special HP photo paper for pictures?

As a reference I currently have a Canon i850 that prints pretty good pictures on the kodak glossy photo paper I have.