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AIO stands for *all in one* and MFP stands for multifunction printer/peripheral/product.

But what is difference between these two. Don*t suppose to do same task. In fact they do same thing but in different scale and quality. AIO is small desktop used for home, the larger one is used for small office/home office (SOHO). But the MFP is used for large office desktop with additional parts and features.

The idea of AIO (all in one printer) or MFP (multifunction printer) came from the twenty first century people who don*t bother to move because they don*t have time and space for that. Therefore internet and easier compact, remote control technology created besides working from home to replicate the office environment in residential place.

How come all in one multifunction printer become so popular. Because it handles the issue of taking up all the office space with all sort of machines. In fact its combination of all regular office needs in one device. Multifunction printer can be offered in diverse functionalities and features depend on demands.

Before invention of all in one multifunction printer, it was vital to have all of different functionality devices separately and was such a mess to configure and place them. But now you just sit and by pushing the button, do all send and receive documents process like a piece of cake.

What are these Features and Functionals?

* Printer: The major part that holds the name *all in one multifunction printer*. It can be offered in various models like laser printer or inkjet printers. Also depends on type of usage can be designed in multiple paper feed size and type.

* Fax: fax or facsimile is a telecommunication for sending and receiving documents through telephone lines. MFP devices include this functionality which raises its capability.

* Scanner: Turning paper to electronic documents capability is another feature of all in one multifunction printer.

* Copy: Many times people need to copy a piece of paper which is for personal use at tax period or when sending out an office memo to all coworkers, copying is an essential piece of office equipment that is included in multifunction printers.

AIO for home users usually is not networked and connected with USB or parallel. Sometimes they have wonderful features which is lacking in larger desktops like smart card readers or connection to digital cameras. The SOHO the small home office size are usually networked and connected with USB and parallel. They may include document storage additional to print, fax, copy, scanner features.

Office MFP units are usually full featured. They beside the basic functions like printer, fax, scanner, copy may have advanced features like duplexing, stapling, holepunching, offset modes and booklet creation. They always networked and connected with USB or parallel.

At last Production Printing MFP are large freestanding expensive units which don*t include advanced networking features like the smaller version but instead concentrate on functionalities like high speed, high quality output, finishing includes book making with cover insertion. They often divide in two segment, light and heavy printing production which factor of speed differentiate them. By the way, all multifunction peripherals divide by factor of speed (pages per minute=PPM) into different segments.