Looking to buy a laser printer? Ask the right questions
Many business and home office users are looking to upgrade their office printing capability and are interested in purchasing a laser printer. However, laser printers, today, offer a variety of capabilities, as well as pricing, which can fit nearly any pocketbook. The issue facing a buyer is matching up the capabilities they want to the price they can afford to pay.
The key factor for making a smart decision is the determination of which models offer the features you need for the best price. The second most important factor is the ability to upgrade the printer. This allows you to spend less money on your printer when you first purchase it, but as your printing requirements become more advanced, you have the flexibility to add optional modules to it, so that it can handle your new requirements.
Asking the following questions can assist you in determining how a particular model printer will meet your needs.
What is the engine speed?
Importance of engine speed is dependent upon the type and volume of documents being printed. General office applications (e.g. letters, reports etc.) can run nicely on a 4-6 page-per-minute laser printer, However, if your documents are lengthy and you have medium volume of printing, then an 8 or 10 page-per-minute printer may be best. For large volume printing a 12+ page-per-minute printer will provide the best solution.
What is the duty cycle?
Each laser printer model is designed to handle a specific workload. Like engine speed, duty cycle is related to volume of work. If a printer is designed with a duty cycle of 10,000 pages per month, it means that it can handle about 450-500 sheets per day, based on a normal five-day work week. This is sufficient for most applications. However, if your printing needs require a 1,000 sheets per day, then a printer with a higher duty cycle should be purchased to ensure longer trouble-free printing.
What is the consumables cost/page?
While most buyers look at the initial purchase price in purchasing a laser printer, very few look at the on-going costs to print a sheet of paper. The cost of laser consumables over the life of a laser printer can be more than the purchase price of the printer. It is important to know the life and replacement costs for the consumable items, such as toner cartridges and drum kits. Be sure to ask if the printer has the toner and drum units combined or if they come as separate units. If they come separate, you need to add the cost of both over their life expectancies to determine the cost per page.
How much memory do I need?
Most laser printers have 512KB of memory built into the printer. This size memory will handle most text applications as well as, simple graphics. However, to print more complex graphics, or use software with downloaded fonts, more memory is required; generally between 512KB - 1.5MB more. If your applications require additionally memory, the additional memory costs when added to the original purchase price of a printer with 512KB memory, may make the total cost more expensive than if you purchase a model that had more memory initially, but had a higher purchase price.
Depending on the printer design, additional memory may be added in the form of an add-on board or adding just memory chips. However, when it is done, make sure you know the cost of adding memory and how it can be added.
Which fonts are included? How can I add more?
Different model printers will have varying numbers of fonts built in. The more fonts, the more options you will have to customize your documents. Fonts can be added by purchasing font cartridges or font cards that plug into the printer or by purchasing software packages that include "soft" fonts. These fonts are stored in the printers memory when sent down by your computer. However, in order to use "soft" fonts you may need additional memory.
What options are available?
Other options may be available to allow more capability in paper handling and envelope feeding. These may include various size paper trays, high-capacity paper trays which allow a high volume of paper to be loaded and multi-purpose feeders. Also, additional emulation or the previously mentioned fonts can be added with a card or cartridge.
How long is the warranty and how can I get service when I need it?
Most manufacturers have a minimum warranty period of one year. After that period is over, some manufacturers offer extended warranties or service contracts. The major consideration is the ease of getting your printer serviced. If you cannot find an authorized service center or get repair parts quickly, then the printer model will not be a good buy. Information about service center and parts sales locations should be available from the printer manufacturer.
By getting answers to these questions, you can make a smart purchase of a laser printer. You can determine which model offers the features you need (now and for the future) - at the best price. It will be worth the time and effort you spend.
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