Scanning, Copying, Printing and Faxing: Multifunctional Devices

Canon MultiPass F50

Canon's MultiPass F50 came in third among all the MFDs, additionally offering a practical document feeder and fax function compared to the MultiPass F30. It is identical to the smaller model in that the MultiPass F50 has the same integrated printing unit and, as a result, the same good results in terms of quality, speed and cost per page.

The photo test file was available after only 2 minutes and 21 seconds - no other MFD was able to beat that. Printing one color page costs 8.4 cents; a black and white page, 3.5 cents. The blinking LED display confirming a print job in memory is helpful. The ink cartridges can be reached and exchanged easily when the case is open.

The scanner's automatic feeder holds up to 30 pages. The colors are well processed; contrast is average. The cables required to connect the MFD to the parallel or USB port of the PC are not included.

Canon's quiet multifunctional device MultiPass F50 costs $399.99 and, compared to the HP OfficeJet D145, which costs $100 more, delivers better performance with lower operation and maintenance costs.