OKI MB471

OKI MB471

The OKI MB471 ($399 direct) is the next step up in OKI Data America's line from the OKI MB461 ($349, 3 stars) that I also recently reviewed. OKI targets both models at micro or small offices with relatively heavy-duty print, scan, and copy needs. The key difference between the two is that the MB471 adds faxing. And just as the MB461 is an attractive choice if you don't need a fax capability in your multi-function printer (MFP), the MB471 is equally attractive if you do. The MB471 might be your preferred choice even if you don't need faxing—which, not so incidentally, also makes it an Editors' Choice. As I mentioned in the MB461 review, there are other differences between the two models. The maximum resolution for the MB461 is 600 by 2400 dots per inch (dpi), for example, while the MB471 offers 1200 by 1200. The difference can affect both speed and output quality, and, indeed, the MB471 offers slightly better-looking output, particularly for text. A potentially more important difference is printer language support. Both printers support PCL, which is all that most offices need. For those that require PostScript, however, the MB471 offers it as well, letting you install drivers for PCL, PostScript, or both.