Printerfleet's ground breaking all-in-one Service Agreement is unique in as much we can offer organisations a 'all-in-one' agreement to cover all aspects of their departmental printer needs to include supplies, service, parts and regular auditing. Not just on new but also to cover existing equipment.
Choosing the Right Printer
Here is a list of things that you should consider when buying a laser printer:
A quick reference guide to GDI, PCL and Postscript printing for photocopiers and printers.
GDI print emulation (or UFRII for Canon photocopiers). GDI is short for Graphics Device interface and is exclusively used by Microsoft Windows products, this means only windows applications can print or send to GDI enabled devices. Generally if you are using a different operating system you will not be able to use this type of print system. GDI printing essentially borrows the host computers processing power to render and prepare the image for printing. GDI printing is often slower and usually lacks the advanced functions of PCL.
PCL print emulation. PCL is short for Printer Command Language and is the industry standard for general printing. PCL will work with most operating systems and is usually able to be configured to use all the available functions of the printer or copier. Functions like selection of different paper trays, duplex (double siding), staple sort and collate to name but a few. There are many versions of PCL and this is because it has evolved to keep pace with the latest print systems and technology.
Adobe Postscript emulation. Postscript is an advanced printer language that is usually used when a high quality graphic and text output is required. GDI and PCL printing will produce a lower quality image, or may not be able to produce a certain font, especially on networked machines. Most printers and copiers need to be postscript enabled with a card or PCB, as well as the postscript driver on a computer to allow postscript printing.
Speed - Pages per Minute (PPM) or maybe sides per minute if you're looking at a multifunction copier (SPM). Note, sometimes this can be different for simplex or duplex printing.
Duty Cycle - How many pages will it print in a (usually) month, and how many do you need it to print in the same period?
Resolution the Dots per Inch (DPI). This can get quite complicated, but basically, the more dots, the better the quality. Beware, some manufacturers will quote high resolutions based on clever software algorithms rather than the true DPI capability of the printer.
Paper Size - You know you need A4 or Letter but what about that A3 requirement? Also, often you get requirements to print on smaller pages such as A5 or in some case non - standard sizes for special applications.
Paper Weight (GSM) - All machines will handle standard photocopier paper (80-90 GSM) but if you want to print on heavier stock you will have to look further. Hint, look for printers that have as straight through paper path as possible for this.
Paper Handling - Most printers have multiple input and output options from large capacity input and put-put bins, through to secure mailboxes and stapling functions (Very big printers can even take paper in one end and produce bound booklets out the other, when integrated with the right equipment).
Duplex - Do you want to print on both sides of the paper. If looking for smaller printers this may be an optional or even non-existent extra. Where possible always try and print duplex. You'll feel better about all those trees.
Mono or Colour - Yes we all want to have the opportunity to print our children's homework or party invites in the office on nice colour printers, but do you really need it for work? Colour does without a doubt make an impact in documents but for those internal reports, correct usage of fonts and emboldening can really help. Also bear in mind that printing colour, especially on inkjets or small lasers, can cost more than 13pence a page.
Connectivity - 'Normally' fairly standard but what about that old Twinax or Coax printer over there? Is it hanging off the back of a cluster controller, or being driven over a serial line driver? Do make the effort to find out "before" you buy your printers.
Emulation - What language are you talking to your printer in, and will the new one be able to understand it? This is particularly tricky for older printers on bespoke application. In a lot of cases you will find the replacement printer will "almost" work, however changing 'almost' to 'actually' can be a long and very costly process.
Forms/Paper Type - Some applications will want cut sheet while others may require continuous paper. Bear in mind that if this is the case, the data coming to the printer will be (hopefully) formatted correctly for it. Be very careful before you sling that old printer away and plug in your nice shiny new one!
Training
Some problems on mission critical printers can be minor. Why not avoid valuable down time by investing in a Key User training course? These half to one day courses follow a core agenda that is tailored to your particular requirements. The course can take place on customer site or at a training centre in Ripon by prior arrangement. Each course will teach delegates basic user maintenance, such as clearing paper jams and diagnosing other faults. Users will also be taught how to deal with minor problems such as changing print configurations and general operating panel usage. Attendees will receive laminated step by step cards, tailored where required, detailing the steps to follow before calling an engineer.
All training is carried out by our In-House Trainer and will be offered on a unique basis where required.