Resources for Newspaper Printers

Business Guides To Printers

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Obtaining a buyer’s guide to purchasing printers for your business can help you make the right selection from a sea of competing products. One of the more complicated aspects of shopping for printers is the unique combination of features that each employs. No two printers from different manufacturers have the exact same features. To make the most of your equipment budget, you need to correctly assess your business needs and make an informed comparison of the features included with the printer options that fit within your budget.

 

This guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing printers as part of an in-house technology solution. It also outlines the price differences between inkjet, laser, and all-in-one printer options.

 

Benefits

 

Convenience

 

You will never know the convenience of having a printer on hand until you have no access to one. With your own printer, you are able to print (and sometimes copy and scan, depending on the setup) documents at any time you need. Some printers even have the ability to send and receive faxes. These types of all-in-one printers have become the standard and are used by both businesses and individuals. All of these great features end up saving users lots of time, which can be spent on much more important things.

 

Saves Money

 

In the world of business, time equals money. Because printers can save users time, they can also save them money. Time is not the only way to save money when using a printer; it also saves money by cutting down on the costs of printing, faxing, scanning or copying. This is because the user no longer needs to travel to another business to complete any of the previously mentioned tasks. Over time, you will see the savings of owning your own printer add up.

 

Document Editing

 

 

Many new printers provide on-screen editing software and controls that allow the user to change and manipulate the document to the desired specifications. Normally, this must be done on a separate computer, and then the edited document has to be sent to the printer. It is possible to edit these types of photos or documents from the physical printer menu and then immediately print the document. This can save time, as there is no need to travel back and forth between the printer and computer when used in an office setting.

 

Print on More than Just Paper

 

When you own your own printer, you have the ability to experiment with all the different media onto which the printer can actually print. This includes heavier and thicker card stock, glossy photo paper for final drafts or prints, the ability to print your own washable tattoos, and you can even print designs onto certain types of cake frosting. A printer not only provides a wonderful solution for common office tasks, but it can also be a great way to start many different types of projects.

 

Pitfalls

 

When choosing a printer, the first thing to consider is its purpose. Printers range from small, portable units built for traveling, to large work horses for large offices. Not every printer will suit your needs, so it's a good idea to narrow down what you need it for first.

 

Offices

 

If you need a printer for an office, then you need one that specializes in doing work in bulk. An office printer is going to see lots of use from employees, many of whom will have the need to print multiple copies, sometimes in the hundreds. It's a good idea to look for printers with large paper trays and ink cartridges, as well as the ability to print for long periods without needing maintenance.

 

Costs

 

The cost of a printer doesn't just reside in the value of the actual model. Although the cost varies wildly from a basic home printer to a large, multi-cartridge office printer, it's actually the cost of ink, toner and paper that can really add up over time. Larger, more specialized printers designed for offices tend to be more economical with larger cartridges but will require more paper. Also, color printers designed for more detailed, high-resolution work tend to be less durable, and their ink is more expensive.

 

 

Ease of Use

 

Some printers are complex. They have multiple functions and numerous displays, so it can sometimes be a chore just to get them functioning. Although some home-users have no problem in learning to use them, offices or small businesses could face major hindrances if employees need a lot of time to print one document or frequently have to contact tech support because they pushed a wrong button.

 

The right printer for the right job will save you money in the long run, so it's important to make sure that you know exactly what you will expect of your printer.

 

Pricing

 

Printer pricing depends on several factors. The most expensive printers offer high-resolution, rapid printing; large processing and memory capacity for multiple users; multiple connection options; and versatile paper handling. They can typically be networked via USB cables, an Ethernet cable, or wireless Internet connections instead of through outdated parallel cables. They can also handle a number of tasks, such as duplexing, autofeeding, specialty paper processing, and the storage of different paper types or sizes.

 

Inkjet Printers

 

Inkjet printers are generally the least expensive printer options. They range in price from $100 to $800. Ink cartridges cost $10 to $60 and generally last for 100 to 200 pages.

 

Laser Printers

 

New laser printers can be purchased for between $200 and $2000. Their toner cartridges cost more than those for inkjet models, but they also last longer. According to technology review site CNET, laser toner cartridges generally cost from $10 to $300 and last between 2,500 and 10,000 pages.

 

All-in-One Printers

 

All-in-one, or multifunction, printers can be a great buy because they include a printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine in one unit. They operate with either inkjet or laser technology. These machines cost between $120 and $500.

 

Conclusion

 

Advances in technology have made printers even more useful to business operations. These machines not only print pages from computers; some models can copy, scan, fax, and finish print jobs. With these increased features comes increased complexity to making a purchase decision. A buyer’s guide to purchasing printers is an indispensable tool for business managers. It explains different options and gives practical advice on the value of included features to your operations in comparison to cost. With a product that is not standardized across manufacturers, this type of guide can ensure that your company’s equipment budget is spent wisely.