By the time you've unpacked your shiny new PC there's barely enough room on the desk to move, let alone squeeze in peripherals such as a printer and scanner.

If this sounds familiar, you are just the sort of person who needs a multifunction device. As the Epson Stylus CX3200 proves, they don't have to be vastly expensive or compromise on quality.

Like other multifunction devices, the CX3200 is not the prettiest of peripherals. Due to the size of the flatbed scanner you get to decorate your desk with an ungainly box, but it occupies less space than a separate printer and scanner.

This device has four functions: printer, scanner, copier and fax, although you'll need to install the fax software on your PC.

The copier works without a PC attached. The large control panel on the front lets you choose the number of copies that you want and separate buttons specify colour or black-and-white copies.

While this is useful, the device's real abilities become evident when it is plugged into a PC via a USB or USB 2 port.

The supplied software comprises a neat control panel which is used to select the function you want to use. Easy-to-use wizards then guide you through the processes.

Menu options include, scanning, optical character recognition, copying and fax capabilities using your PC's modem. Online help files help you troubleshoot.

The scanner scans at a maximum resolution of 600 x 1200dpi. This gives good results. Images on photo paper were good, although when using standard settings, pictures came out with too much magenta in them.

Epson quotes a maximum print resolution of 5760 x 720dpi but you will only achieve this using photo paper.

Ink cartridges are easily loaded and cost £27 for the black cartridge and £22 for the three-colour variety. The absence of separate colour ink tanks means that the cartridge may need replacing before all the colours are exhausted.

Contact: Epson 0800 220546
www.epson.co.uk

Also consider
HP PSC2110
A good performer but no fax capability.