Computer Printers: The Low Down

[Mercury]

Computer printers are almost part of any business venture as the standard PC. However, some of them may suit small-scaled and mid-sized printing companies better, as opposed to some of the really heavy stuff that large scale printing companies use. Having great working printers can definitely help the little guys. For one thing, not everyone can afford to avail themselves of the services of the big guns. These people often turn to their smaller-scaled counterparts for business. If small-scaled and mid-sized printing companies can perform the same services as the large-scale printing companies at a fraction of the cost, clients are more likely to favor the little guys.

If you are looking into the lot of computer printers, here are some points to consider...

Comparing Quality over Costs

For years, laser printers have been touted as being better in all aspects of printing quality. However, the newer lines of inkjets printers are actually proving to be more cost-effective if you compare per page costs. Not only do ink jets printers afford more color (laser printers are monochrome,) the units are now becoming less pricey than their laser counterparts. Ink jet printers also have lower energy consumption and can perform edge-to-edge printing.

However, not wishing to totally dismiss the ability of the laser printers, these units are at best when you need to do volume printing in gray scale. Its printing performance is almost flawless and you can get that same performance on a wider range of paper surface; whereas ink jet printers show their highest quality printing on special paper.

In-House Benefits

Some companies usually go out-house for printing, thinking that this will save them money in the long run. But this may not always be the case. A good printer can save your company about 50% of its printing costs for jobs that require less than 100 copies.

Install The Software

Out of laziness or anticipated inconvenience, many of us simply dump the new software that comes with the new printer. We think that since the old printer software is serviceable, we might as well make do. However, the new printer usually comes with new features that provide better templates and tools. So, if you want accurate cost calculations to go into your accounts, you should really install the new software.

Printer Power

Printers do use up a lot of electrical power. Fortunately, the new printers available are now conforming to more environmentally friendly and energy efficient measures. For example, about 60% of Hewlett-Packard’s new line of laser units is now Energy Star compliant; it uses a technology called Instant On that allows users to leave the thing off until the actual printing process and can turn the printer heater inside to on mode when printing is needed.

Printing In The Future

Ever since the onset of the computer age, everyone says that printing on paper will soon be phased out especially since many of us utilize electronically stored databases and digital keepers. They said that more than 50 years ago, and it still hasn’t happened. According to the predictions of market trends, small scaled and mid-sized printing companies will be well worth around #103 billion in two years time. So don’t fret about this paperless work environment, because may come, but certainly not in the near future

[BlueEew]

Wow there is a lot of intresting information there. Thanks. I guess printers do take a lot of electric. Also printers seem not to work very well when they have the three in one capibilities.

[Lyte]

Originally Posted by BlueEew

Also printers seem not to work very well when they have the three in one capibilities.

Not without spending some money!