Double-sided: A built-in duplexer allows you to print on both sides of a page, which helps saves paper. However, duplexing often significantly increases print time.

Paper capacity: Most base model MFPs hold between 100 and 250 sheets of paper. If you plan to print frequently, consider a MFP with a large paper capacity, or optional additional paper feeders.

Color scanner: Even though they can only produce grayscale prints, monochrome MFPs usually come with a good, general-purpose color scanner that performs 24-bit scans. These scanners can handle business documents, charts, and artwork. They're also suitable for non-professional photos. Obviously, if you want to print your color scans, you'll have to find another printer.

If you plan to scan frequently, look for one-button scanning, which lets you scan an item without using the software interface on your Mac. Just place an item on the scanner, press a button on the MFP, and the scan is automatically saved to your Mac.

Making copies: The scanner on an MFP as does double duty as a copier. Look for an automatic document feeder if you want to be able to copy multi-page documents.