Top 5 Affordable All-in-One Printers for Under $100

When I look for computer supplies such as an affordable all-in-one-printer, I typically go directly to the manufacturer's web page and look in their products list. Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Office Maxx will sell you those models where they've managed to get a supply of printers, but they may be older models and may not save you any money. These stores that offer affordable all-in-one printers may save you shipping costs, but often internet companies provide free shipping. Because many affordable all-in-one printers are priced low to start with, some of the additional costs will come from printing supplies. Given the fact that all-in-one printers often are priced similarly and provide similar features, how should you select from the list?

Here's my criteria: Speed of Printing, Resolution, Cost, Shipping, Ink, Additional Features and Warranty.

Typically, I try to avoid electronics like printers with more than one functionality so I wouldn't normally choose an all-in-one printer. All-in-one printers offer in addition to printing the ability to scan and fax as well as other features. Because my usage of those features are minimal, I prefer to have separate devices so that if one fails, I can still print. Many people find having the additional features handy and the best part is the cost is very low considering the additional function. Here's a list of the best:

Canon PIXMA MX340 Price $99 (available at retail stores only), Ink Cost $15.99 black, $20.99 Color, Speed 8.4 ipm black, 4.8 ipm color, Resolution 4800x1200 dpi color and 600x600 dpi black, Fax, Scan, Warranty TBD

Epson Workforce 500 ($99 but currently out of stock on the website on 3-4-2010)
Ink cost black $16.99, Color $37.04, Speed 33ppm, Resolution 1200x2400 dpi, 1 year limited Warranty with quick exchange, Fax, Scan, Print, Photo

HP OfficeJet F4480 $69 Free Shipping, Ink cost $31.99, Speed 28 ppm black, 22 ppm color, Resolution 4800x1200 dpi, Fax, Scan, Print

Lexmark Prospect Pro205 $99 with Free Shipping on all Ink and Toner orders, Ink cost is $24.99 black and $17.99 for each color, Speed 33 ppm, Resolution 2400x1200 black, 4800x1200 color, 5 year limited warranty, Fax, Scan, Print, Color

Brother Color Inkjet All-in-One MFC250 $79 (only available retail), ink cost, Speed 27 ppm black, 22 ppm color, Resolution 6000x1200 dpi, 1 year exchange Express limited Warranty, Fax, Scan, Print, Photo, Color, Note: the Brother website offered a look up at all available retailers that might sell the printer at the suggested price.

These two following links will take you to offerings from many companies for all-in-one printers as a comparison test.

Best Buy All-in-One Printers

Staples All-in-One Printers

Despite my disinclination for buying an all-in-one printer, these selections all look good. Most of the web sites had easy to use interfaces where you could look at the specifications and click and order the equipment with free shippin.