Photo printing
Printer's print rate in photographic (highest) quality. Unlike other similar parameters, in this case the speed is usually indicated for a 10x15 sheet (A6 as the most popular format for photos). In addition, photo printing speed is not expressed in pages per minute, but in seconds per page, because such printing takes a lot of time. This option is worth paying attention to if you plan to
print photos frequently.
Cartridge model
Types of cartridges (both black&white and colour) used in the MFP. Some models of the MFP are able to work with third-party cartridges, but this feature usually refers to undocumented, and the manufacturer's warranty applies only to specific types of cartridges. So, use third-party compatible cartridge models with caution.
RAM
The amount of built-in memory provided in the MFP.
This parameter determines not only the amount of information that can be simultaneously stored in the device, but also the specifics of memory usage. With relatively small volumes of the built-in storage (up to 400 – 500 MB), it is mainly used to store print tasks and scan results — until the tasks are completed and digital copies of documents are transferred to their destination. Among high-end MFPs, there are modules, which volume is already calculated in gigabytes. Usually, the presence of this amount of internal memory means that the device has an extensive set of built-in tools, including the ability to use it as a temporary storage for document files.
CPU frequency
The clock speed of the processor installed in the MFP. Theoretically, the higher this indicator, the faster the device is able to handle with various tasks; high performance is especially important when printing high quality images, scanning at high resolutions, etc. However, in fact, the capabilities of the MFP, in addition to the processor, depend on a number of other specs, and this point is more for reference than practically significant, and when choosing, it is worth focus on more obvious performance specs (copy speed, print speed, etc.).
Scanner Colour Depth
The colour depth supported by the MFP scanner. This setting determines the number of colour shades that the device can recognize. Therefore, the overall quality of the scan directly depends on it (although other features of the device also affect this quality).
Of course, it makes sense to be focused primarily in colour depth if you plan to intensively use the scanner for full-colour images like photos, paintings, etc. If the MFP is purchased mainly for documents, where the maximum variety of colours is the logo on the letterhead or the stamp, it barely makes sense to pay special attention to this spec.
As for the colour depth, we note that the total number of recognizable shades can be determined using the formula “two to the power of the number of bits”. For example, a 24-bit scanner will recognize 2^24 = 16.7 million colours (approximately). This value is considered quite sufficient for everyday use, and 36-bit is also sufficient for relatively simple work tasks such as printing brochures and other images that do not require high colour fidelity. But for professional work with colour, you should choose more impressive scanners; in the most advanced models, the colour depth can reach 60 bits.
Power consumption
The maximum power consumed by the MFP during operation. The lower this indicator, the more energy-efficient the device is.
