Lexmark's X4650 multifunction printer works over Wi-Fi--or with the bundled USB cable.
(Credit: Wal-Mart)In the market for a new printer? Might as well get one that doubles as a scanner and copier. And one that works without wires.
Wal-Mart has the Lexmark X4650 wireless all-in-one printer for $59. Shipping will run you 97 cents, though you can skip that by opting for store pickup. Either way, plan on paying sales tax.
As most of you know, I hold Wi-Fi printers in the same high regard as chocolate-covered caramels and Jessica Alba. The X4650 connects to your Wi-Fi router for blissfully wireless printing and scanning.
Ironically, Wal-Mart bundles a 10-foot Tripp Lite gold-plated USB cable, just in case you're not planning to go the Wi-Fi route.
The X4650 offers dual-cartridge printing. If you want the best possible photo results, you can swap in a photo-ink cartridge for the black one and enjoy six-color output.
The downside is that, as with most inkjets, cartridges cost a pretty penny. Plan on dropping at least $25 for each replacement--a little less if you go the remanufactured route.
The printer supports all the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS X. Though it lacks fax capabilities, it can scan to your PC's fax modem (if it has one) and also offers a handy scan-to-e-mail option.
In short, it's a fairly basic multifunction printer, one that sold for $130 when it debuted about a year ago. CNET hasn't reviewed it, but the reviews I've seen elsewhere have been mostly positive. (The only real ding is relatively slow printing.)
In any case, $59 for a Wi-Fi-equipped all-in-one is a rare find. Definitely worth considering.
On Sale Now: $89.95 - $122.33
View the latest prices for Lexmark X4650
Why have a separate printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine when you can get all of those devices in one machine? The multifunction printer is the next evolution of desktop companions that can do everything but say "you're welcome."
A solid all-in-one printer gives you the functionality of each part without sacrificing individual quality, and most of them actually seamlessly integrate with your work environment thanks to front-loading media card readers, built in 802.11 b/g print servers, and easy-to-use driver software. Take a look at a list of our favorite AIOs and decide for yourself, but whether you spend a little or a lot, a multifunctional printer is the most practical solution to organize your home office.
Check out our round-up of our favorite multifunctional printers.
(Credit:
Buy.com)
In my experience, most computer users have pretty basic needs. Word processing, Web browsing, e-mail, maybe a little money management and photo organizing. The Acer Aspire Slim ASL100-ED420A has more than enough horsepower for tasks like those, yet it's priced at a mere $349.99. Free shipping, no rebates, and it's not even a refurb.
The Acer's specs include an AMD 2.2GHz 4200+ dual-core processor, a 320GB hard drive, a DVD burner, and even an 802.11b/g wireless card (fairly rare in a desktop)--all packed into a slim, stylish case. The only shortcoming I can see is the 1GB of RAM, some of which is allocated to the GeForce 6150 graphics card. Because Vista (in this case Home Premium) all but demands 1GB for decent performance, this machine could prove a little pokey. If it does, bump the RAM to 2GB and you'll be golden.
Acer provides a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. This looks like a very solid desktop deal for students, seniors, the home-office crowd, or anyone else looking for, well, a solid desktop.
The Inspiron 530s is nicely equipped for a $299 desktop.
(Credit: Dell)Check it out, baby, check it out (sorry, been watching too much American Idol): Dell's rocking Inspiron 530s desktops for just $299 (plus 30 bucks or so for shipping, and possibly sales tax as well).
The configuration includes a 2GHz Pentium E2180 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a DVD burner--all wrapped in Dell's sexy little slimline case.
Like games? Keep looking: The integrated Intel GMA 3100 graphics are more suited to Peggle than Portal. It's just as well, then, that Dell bundles Vista Home Basic, which lacks Aero, Media Center, and other graphics-intensive features.
Indeed, this is a system for grade-level students, home-office users, and others with fairly basic computing needs. That said, it's a nicely equipped desktop for the price, and it includes a one-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.
HP is poised and ready to send a barrage of printers to our office, and to that we say, "Bring it on!" This won't be the first time we've been deluged with printers from HP, and we're eager to get back in the ring. Need proof? Just last August, we became a storage shed for HP's massive photo printer rollout. This time around, it's the small and medium business side that gets a product boost with 11 new inkjet and laserjet printers that HP claims will increase flexibility and grab attention at a lower price point. Some of the printers will be released March 1 with the rest following suit in the coming months. Let's size up the beast:
Officejets:
HP Officejet J3680 All-in-One
(Credit: HP)Laserjets:
USPS sticker not included
(Credit: HP)
HP's newest line of SMB printers are simple and to the point. They aim to provide the most utility and include a comprehensive set of features, while maintaining an affordable price for home and small offices on a budget. Though most of these printers won't win any beauty pageants, we're excited to put them through their paces.
On Sale Now: $229.99 - $354.00
View the latest prices for Officejet Pro L7590
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