My mom uses a Lexmark multi-function printer (fax, scan, copy , print), and the scanning function is pretty awful, quality-wise. I scanned a couple of pictures and they're so grainy. They're like copies of copies of copies, if you get my meaning. Is this a lexmark thing or is it just the general result with multifunction printers? Anyone know?

What is the model no. of the Printer

I have never used Lexmark, but heard that scanning quality is not that good. But I guess it should be not that bad as grainy. Did you try different scan settings?

Here is cnet's review for Lexmark X7170 which mentions poor scan quality.

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Well the scanning quality depends on the printer model and also certain printers I believe. It basically depends on how many DPI your scanner can scan at, and Lexmarks I believe have a moderately good dpi, so it might be that. I've dealt with lexmarks on a couple of occasions (the small-business type models') and their quality isn't that good, and I've seen better ones that lexmark.

But it might also be that your scanning surface (if it's a flat bed scanner of course) isn't that clear? That's why the quality gets kind of distorted.

Another thing you can do is change the DPI of your scanner, most Lexmarks I've dealt with scan at a default 150 DPI which can be increased to about 600 DPI (usually through the printer settings, which depend on your printer model...) and you will notice a big difference... You can also change your copy quality to best, so the it prints at a slower speed, however the copy might turn out better

Hope this helps, if not I don't think there isn't much you can do about it.

I used to think multi-function printers were cool, now I hate them. I prefer to just have a regular printer for printing. I have an old multi-function I use for scanning and copying but I do not use it for printing at all.

Oh I have a hewlett packard with a flat-screen scanner and I love it. I uset it for everything and have never had a problem with it.

I love having it in one place. If it were not in one device I would not have a fax or scanner, but I use them both all the time.

To each their own I guess! I have just not had good expeirences with all those components, and if one of them breaks you can't really get it fixed or replaced.