Which multi-function colour laser printer

I've considered getting an inkjet-based printer/scanner/copier but the cartridges always seem to dry out when the printer isn't in use and it ends up being a pain having to replace them. So I've decided to go for a colour laser-based printer/scenner/copier but can't decide what to go for and what minimum price point I should be looking at for good qulaity printing and scanning.

Can anyone help or advise?

I agree with you on the laser side. I have an HP Laserjet (black) multi function unit and the running costs and print speed are fantastic. Scanner/fax/copier function works well (the auto feeder on the copier is really useful)..

I presume you want an all-in-one printer for home use and to save space? If so, there's only a few colour laser all-in-ones and they're quite big, you would be better of getting a colour laser printer and scanner separately to save space and probably get the best of both worlds without spending a fortune.

I bought a Samsung CLP-325W colour laser wifi (b/g/n) printer last year and very happy with it. Very small footprint, brilliant quality of prints and also quiet....unlike my last canon colour laser which was very noisy I use my Samsung at irregular intervals and so far the ink hasn't dried out.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-CLP-325W-Wireless-Co...

For a scanner, any decent Canon one will do. I have an old Canon and find it gives superb scanning results and its very slim. Go for one such as this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-CanoScan-LiDE-110-Scan...

EDIT: I should add if you aren't willing to consider a separate printer/scanner, then this is probably the best one to got for (general home use)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-CLX-3185FW-Wireless-...

Edited by deleted (Wed 06-Apr-11 13:13:23)

What about this one? Print, copy, scan, network, duplex, 2000 page toner all for £197:

http://www.printerland.co.uk/Lexmark-X543dn-P9730.aspx

Plenty of others on that site.

That _is_ a good price.

I also spotted this from HP, a bit pricier but it has a few good customer reviews

Not multi function, but quite a good price

USB connection only, but I suppose you could always plug it in to a suitable network device like a NAS or router even.

Or perhaps this and get a separate flatbed scanner. Only problem is that copying is more hassle - first scan to file and then print that file, as opposed to a simple button press.

My Epson scanner can, with the Epson provided software, scan-to-printer without the need for separate operations!

Now thinking about the Canon i SENSYS MF8050Cn

Thanks to all for your valuable feedback and advice.

After further research and giving it some serious thought, I've decided not to go for a multi-function colour laser printer, mainly because of the sheer size of such devices but also because they don't scan sufficiently well for copying photos at reasonable quality. I wouldn't be too happy with the MFP taking over the bedroom-cum-office, so I've decided on getting a decent colour laser printer - this one from Lexmark - and get a decent quality flat-bed scanner, such as an Epson V300, Canon LIDE 210 or 110.

Any other recommendations on scanners that can scan photos/slides with decent quality?