Need scanner with document feeder

Something small would be great as well. Copying and printing functions would be nice as well. The canon MF5730 looks nice for the price but I have no clue who makes decent units and it is HUGE. The PIXMA MP830 looks a little better size wise but I don't really need color.

 

Then why not a laser multifunction? They are cheaper to print on.

 

Any brands to look at? My last lexmark mulitfunction was crap and the big Konica at work had its hard drive crash after one year and the software is a pain to work with our so called network.

 

The folks at Brother make a number of multi-function machines with automatic scanner feeding. Their overall unit quality can be a little hit-and-miss, but for under $200 for the inkjet models (under $100 if you start with the most basic models) you can usually get by all right. I am guessing that Zaz is right that the laser models would be cheaper for printing, ultimately, but if start-up cost is a concern for you, the inkjet models will be easier to get started with.

As for Brother quality--if you do happen to end up with a lemon of a unit, Brother does have replacement-shipment policy on at least some models (for the first year or so of ownership) that means you'll get a new machine first and they'll pay for the shipping of the old machine back to them (you use the box the new machine came in and a prepaid shipping label). You should check their website for details before deciding, of course.