Small, inexpensive and well performing, the DCP110C is recommended if you are after a basic machine for very good quality document printing and adequate photo output. It also has a built-in memory card reader.

Epson's Stylus Photo RX430 offers excellent--if slightly slow--four-colour printing.

Epson's AcuLaser CX11NF rolls the functions of a scanner, copier, fax machine and printer into a single device. Good output quality and ease of use help make it attractive to small businesses, and make it easier to overlook the lack of memory card slot and limited paper tray.

The HP LaserJet 3380 performs high-quality scans and offers a lot of features, but it was slow at scanning, copying and printing graphics.

Definitely look at considering this unit if you need the photocopier and scanner as well

Good at text printing, and the memory card slots are welcome; but for graphics, it's a slow printer and scanner.

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.

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

With fast performance and built-in Ethernet, the HP Officejet 7210 all-in-one is a top inkjet MFP for office. And it produces superb-looking photos to boot.

Faster, better-quality monochrome laser MFPs than the LaserJet 3030 are available.

The media card slots and the extensive image software make the 2840 attractive for offices that print lots of photos, but its slowness and mediocre image quality will incline many prospective buyers to steer clear.

The Dell 942 is a good buy because it's cheap, easy to use and produces high-quality scans, but its print quality is lacklustre.