printers beter
TRANSCRIPT
Key Factors
Capital outlay << Consumables cost
Choice of technology
Way services are delivered for transparencies, paper
Selection Criteria
2 trays, 2 software queues Speed Memory size Resolution PS level 2 or better Low cost ownership Duplex operation Non-proprietary transparencies
Other Selection Criteria
Simplicity of use Reliability Price Duty cycle Print cost per page Network readiness Protocols’ support and maximum control
from maximum number of different types of host
PCL capability
Yet More Selection Criteria
Postscript emulation quality Number of consumables Support for AutoCAD14 and
AutoCAD 2000 Good reproduction of VGA camera
output (discussed later) Monochrome A3 capability
Other Considerations
Adjustable toner coverage Availability of supplies on campus Maximum memory capacity (esp. for
poor postscript) Informal workgroup servicing Warranty
Some Printer Truths
Underestimation of cost per page 5% = A4 x 12-point 240% = high quality transparency
Expert estimate typical HEP 25% Costs start at 1.25p per % ==> 30p per
transparency Duty cycle is relative
Duty Cycles
No absolute indication of robustness 40 heating cycles worse than 1 x 40 pages
Duty cycle 5000/month ==> 40 pages/month
App. Classes vs. Costs
R/Costs Ppm volume Ppm Duty Applics.
Inkjets (A4 - A1) >1.8 – 30p <40 ~3 – 5K Business
Phase Change (A4) >70p Up to 6K 4K – 150K Business/
graphics
Laser (A3/A4) >90 – 120p <3K 25K – 75K Limited runs/Repro.
LED (A3/A4) >70p <3K 25K – 75K Ditto
Col. Copiers >45p ~2.5K 40KShort print
runs
High Vol./Press CTP ~4p >30K >500K Press/
applics.
Inks, Colours, Toning &Resolution
If pixel size fixed, only 8 possible colours from CMY
(Usually diagonal) half-toning overlay
More pixels per half-tone cell, more colour tones displayed But coarser apparent resolution Trade-off here
Also Colour Management issue
Colour Printer Market
Margins low Independent expert resellers hard to find
Brand leaders on low to mid-range include Epson HP Lexmark Tektronix (Xerox)
Small set of print engines (e.g. Hitachi, Canon, Matsushita, Minolta) Why this does matter
Options and Recommendations
See spreadsheet Get handout