Even the cheapest b&w multifunction scans decently (in color btw), copying can be very handy, almost no one uses faxing anymore for 2 major reasons: 1. They will only work with old real landlines, NOT with any VOIP phone service via the Net. 2. The only major organization I know that still is mired in the 70's and actually REQUIRES faxing, as opposed to email, is....the IRS. What laser, both b&w and color, can't produce is high quality photo-type images, the kind medium to high end inkjets can do with quality coated papers. Things to look for in a multifunction: a decent autofeeder (usually limited to 25/30 pages) and the ability to do true automatic 2 sided copying, which can save a lot of paper. Units that have both generally are barely $50-60 more than a basic "just printer" in the Canon lineup.