No one would claim that a McDonald's Big Mac meal could match up to a three-course, slap-up dinner at the Savoy in terms of quality. Nevertheless, low cost and convenience make the hamburger a popular choice. The same theory can be applied to the Samsung SCX-1000 multi-function device, which aims to offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative to separately buying a printer, scanner and photocopier.

It's certainly a convenient option. For a start, it takes up less desk space than three separate devices and needs a single power point. There is only one installation procedure, which covers every area of the device in one fell swoop and makes the SCX-1000 supremely easy to use. The device's software is both helpful and straightforward.

But this inter-dependence has its downside. You can only use one function at a time which will frustrate busy beavers who want to scan, print and photocopy simultaneously.

Nevertheless, the SCX-1000 makes the most of its combined functions to squeeze in the features. As well as its three main functions, it can scan to fax, email and perform optical character recognition, making it a highly versatile machine indeed.

Several functions, including colour photocopier controls, can be operated either through a standard PC interface or via an extensive front panel on the machine itself. If you are used to a fast copier at work prepare to be disappointed, as this can't compete: it's limited to a maximum run of 99 copies, but would take an age to churn them out. And the output tray, which supports 50 pages, is too small. Neither is there an on-off switch, so, if you encounter a problem and have to turn the device off and on again, you'll have to reach for the mains.

Performance is where the SCX- 1000 really falls down. As both a printer and a scanner, the device can only really compete with the lowest end of both markets.

The main selling point of a multifunction device is convenience and, in an undemanding situation, the SCX-1000 does the trick. The machine would suit light-use environments such as the home office. But if the work piles up and you want to complete a lot of printing, copying and scanning to a tight deadline the SCX-1000's limitations become all too clear.

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