The LaserJet 3015 is a capable entry-level multifunction laser device for a small business or demanding home. HP has cut a few corners to save cost and desk space, but this won’t be an issue unless you need to scan books or magazines.

HP's LaserJet 4345mfp squeezes the complexity out of buying, maintaining, and using a corporate printer/copier/scanner. It delivers fast performance and good image quality, and it works with a useful assortment of HP paper-handling hardware and workgroup document-management software. Copier aficionados might notice a few missing high-end features, but the 4345mfp provides everything most offices need.

The compact HP PSC 1610 is slower than average, but its extensive software and high-quality prints make it a great value.

HP Officejet 6210 All-in-One is a compelling printer for a demanding home, however inadequate paper capacity will lessen its appeal for a business market.

Great for personal use, this low-price colour laser printer produces attractive colour documents.

While this unit has plenty of great features, we were disappointed by its print and photocopy quality. Photo printing may require a little fiddling in an image editor beforehand to get the colour balance correct.

This package distinguishes itself by offering a good software suite that would benefit anyone who has not had much experience with a multi-function device. It is highly recommended for the small office, although for photo printing you may have to tinker with the colour balance of your photos first to get good results.

Flexible paper-handling features and speedy printing make the X422 well suited to busy offices that don't need a full-featured scanner.

Samsung's unit is impressive for a sub-$500 laser multifunction printer. While it is ideal for home, relatively slow print speeds will bog down a busy small office.

The WorkCentre C2424 is a full-featured colour laser multifunction printer that can handle the traffic of a big office, but it produces mediocre output.

We like the photo quality of this unit’s output as well as its speed, versatility and connectivity options. The only thing missing is the ability to print directly onto CDs and DVDs.

If you're hunting for an affordably priced multi-purpose, space-saving unit for your home office or small business the MFC-640CW could be for you.