HP's scanning utility can autocorrect color on faded originals and remove scratches and dust specks. Much of this machine's capabilities rely on HP's included software (for Windows 98 or later and Mac OS 10.2.8 and up). The HP OfficeJet 5610 prints, scans, photocopies, and faxes, but the lack of memory-card slots prevents you from using it as a stand-alone printer.

The copy function has separate buttons for black and color, so the simplest copy requires only one button push. Next to a numeric keypad are five buttons for one-touch speed-dial numbers and a label space for writing and saving commonly faxed numbers. A general Preferences menu lets you configure some basics that most multifunction printers do not allow, such as the speed that text scrolls across the LCD and how long the system waits for you to respond to prompts. At the end of each function's menu, you can lock in the current settings as defaults.

Still, it's a breeze to use the menus, and each mode has its own button for making selections related to printing, scanning, and copying. The control panel of the HP OfficeJet 5610 conveniently divides fax and copy functions into separate areas, although the 16-by-2-character LCD lacks backlighting.

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