There are many advantages to having one computer peripheral that performs several functions. And if space comes at a premium wherever your computer is located, then a multifunction device deserves even more consideration.
The Lexmark X83 is slightly more bulky than most color inkjet printers but is still a fairly compact unit that weighs in at 15 pounds, stands 12 1/2 inches tall and has an 18 1/2- by 21 1/2-inch footprint. The X83 connects to either a PC running Windows or a Mac via a USB connection.
The unit combines a flatbed color scanner, fax machine, copier and printer. All of the functions except the fax are color. The scanning surface accommodates a standard 8 1/2-by-11 sheet. Another nice feature of the X83 is that you can copy and fax without the computer being turned on via the X83’s full range of front panel buttons and LCD viewer.
The machine can perform many operations, including enlarging and reducing images, selecting the number of copies and other functions that are found in stand-alone devices.
The X83 scans 48 bits for billions of colors and at an optical 2400 by 1200 dots per inch. And although its scanning and printing speeds are in the lower range of speeds, the $199 price makes the X83 a good value compared with the purchase of separate peripherals.
www.lexmark.com
Multitasking mouse
Mousepads always make great stocking stuffers. Here are two mouse pads with a twist. If you find your hand and wrist becoming fatigued with all your mousing around, try a vibrating mouse pad.
The Massage Mouse Pad will give your aching wrist a lift with its gel-filled wrist rest, make your fingertips tingle and keep the blood flowing while you manipulate the rodent. The standard size mouse pad comes with suction cups to keep it in place and is powered by two AA batteries ($19.95).
Looking for a pad to scrawl down a phone number or some other note but always come up short? Use your mouse pad instead. The Ergo Write Mouse Pad has a writeable, erasable surface while providing an excellent tracking surface for a mouse. The special dry-erase pen fits into the mouse pad’s clip when not in use. They even throw in a terry cloth eraser ($12.95).
www.powerhousecatalog.com
