| As with anything, when trying to define the best | | | | copying machine, or you might want to invest in a |
| printers and copiers you have to remember that it is | | | | multifunction printer. This encompasses a range of |
| largely a subjective thing. All users have their own | | | | devices including a scanner, fax and, most importantly, |
| requirements, demand a certain specification and will | | | | a copying functionality. Multifunction models can help |
| be using their printer or copier in their own unique way. | | | | you to save time, space and money by integrating all |
| To break this down a little, I've split this article into three | | | | of these vital office procedures into one compact |
| distinct sections: home use, small office and medium | | | | device. |
| offices and large offices. This should help to give you | | | | For Large Offices |
| a clearer understanding of what is available and what | | | | If you've got a large workforce in one area, you need |
| devices are better suited to your own particular | | | | a printer that can handle the capacity requirements of |
| environment. | | | | your staff. Therefore, the only real option is a large |
| Best Printers and Copiers for Home Use | | | | laser printer. |
| When we print documents at home, the projects are | | | | As previously mentioned, laser printers are able to deal |
| often irregular and don't tend to be all that huge in size. | | | | with huge volumes of work and can produce them in |
| This means that your capacity doesn't need to be so | | | | next to no time at all. You can find models that have a |
| large, which will probably rule all but the smallest laser | | | | huge sheet capacity, in fact many of the larger, more |
| printers. The ideal solution in most instances is the | | | | expensive models, will also include a multi-tray to |
| much trusted inkjet printer. | | | | ensure that there are reserves available and any of |
| The inkjet is a very simple device which plots liquid ink | | | | the other printer functions can be carried out. |
| across a page in tight, microscopic clusters of dots. As | | | | You should also look out for printers with greater |
| the ink is transposed directly on to the page in | | | | memory. These will be able to deal with multiple tasks |
| horizontal lines, the process can be quite time | | | | at once without overburdening the system. You might |
| consuming, with many full colour pages taking upwards | | | | also want to consider a wireless option too. Whilst |
| of half a minute to complete - pages without coverage | | | | printers can be attached to networks, the trailing wires |
| will of course take less time. | | | | can be a nuisance. Working in much the same way as |
| One of the main benefits of an inkjet printer though is | | | | wireless Internet, which uses a modem and a router, |
| that it is very compact and is cost-effective, certainly | | | | the wireless printer can be used for any number of |
| in terms of initial purchase at least. You could couple | | | | devices over a broad signal range. |
| this with a scanner, or indeed buy a smaller | | | | If you have a great need for regular copying, a |
| multifunction printer with integrated scanner if you are | | | | dedicated photocopier may be required. These will be |
| looking for copying services at home. | | | | able to deal with the capacity and won't interrupt the |
| For Small and Medium Offices | | | | other printing work. However, you might also want to |
| Where there only a few terminals you may just want | | | | consider one of the more high-end multifunction |
| to have individual or even shared inkjets on the | | | | printers. These integrate your fax, scanner and |
| desktop. These are simple to set up, won't cost the | | | | copying needs, along with printing of course, without |
| earth and shouldn't take up too much of your valuable | | | | having to have a dedicated device for each. Perfect |
| office space. However, if you are printing in high | | | | for offices where space is precious. |
| capacities regularly, whether there are many users or | | | | So Which Printer or Copier? |
| not, you might want to consider a laser printer. | | | | Well, you should always go for a model from a known |
| Laser printers use a dry, powdered ink which is | | | | brand. There are so many established manufacturers |
| transposed onto the page using the eponymous laser. | | | | out there, including the likes of Canon, Samsung and |
| This is a far quicker method of printing, which allows | | | | Xerox, that you should have no problems finding a |
| you to produce hefty volumes of print in a surprisingly | | | | model from a reputable brand. |
| brief amount of time. Due to their speedier print rate, | | | | You also need to balance your needs against your |
| laser printers also tend to have larger paper tray | | | | budget. There are models out there to suit most |
| capacities. These will vary from model to model; | | | | budgets, but you need to be sure of exactly what you |
| however few are can hold less than 150 and some | | | | want, the specification it needs and your own personal |
| can be much, much more. | | | | requirements before investing in a new printer for you |
| In terms of copying, you may want to find a dedicated | | | | home or office. |
