Even though we’re living in the digital age, printers are an essential component of any business. Documents and paperwork are vital for many reasons, such as contracts, proposals, and marketing materials.

So, the printer you choose for your company will make a difference. If you think that all business printers are alike – think again. This article will dive into the various features and benefits you should compare when picking your next model. Understanding these attributes can help you get the most out of your purchase.

Types of Business Printers

There are two primary types of business printers available – laser and inkjet. Here’s a quick overview of each model.

• Laser Printers – If you want fast and reliable printing, laser models are the best choice. While these units are more expensive to maintain (mostly to replace toner cartridges), they will last a long time. Also, you can print reams of paper without having to worry about smudging or bleeding.
• Inkjet Printers – There was a time when inkjet models were all the rage. These days, they’re mostly relegated to home computer status, where individuals don’t have to print more than a couple of pages at a time. The issue with inkjets is that they’re slower, and they can bleed, particularly when printing many copies.

While laser printers are often the best choice for offices, there are a few other models to consider, particularly if you need to print high-quality images. Those options include:

• Snapshot Printers – As the name suggests, these devices are built to print high-resolution snapshots, like the kind you’d get at a photo printer in the old days. This type is excellent for smaller images (i.e., 4 x 6 inches), but not much more than that.
• Dye Sublimation Printers – If you run a print shop, you need high-tech printers that can deliver superior results. Dye sublimation models use a heat transfer process to bond the dye with the paper, meaning that more mechanisms and components need to be maintained.
• Solid Ink Printers – Rather than pulling ink from a cartridge, these printers melt a solid piece of colored wax. The results are actually pretty stunning, but smudging can occur more easily.

Wired vs. Wireless Printers

In today’s mobile-friendly society, wireless devices are everywhere. So, it makes sense to buy a business printer with wireless capabilities. However, this option is not always ideal for a couple of reasons. So, let’s break down how these features stack up.

• Security – Wired printers will prevent hackers since they have to be physically present to connect to the system. Most offices don’t encrypt their wireless printers, making them an easy target for digital mayhem.
• Convenience – Wireless printers have the advantage since anyone can print from any internet-connected device. Workers can print from a laptop, a desktop, a tablet, or a smartphone with ease. By comparison, wired printers have to connect directly to the computer or USB drive to work.
• Speed – Sometimes, wireless connections can be spotty. If the internet goes down in your office, you’re stuck with a printer that won’t do anything. Wired models don’t have to worry as much about glitches and delays since they maintain a continuous hardwired connection.

Monochrome vs. Color Printers

If your office only prints text documents, a monochrome (i.e., black and white) printer may be the best choice. The primary advantage of a monochrome unit is that you only have to buy black ink or toner. If you’ve used color printers before, you know that they can stop working when one cartridge is empty, even if you’re only printing in black and white.

That said, if you sometimes print in color, you will need a color printer. Otherwise, you’ll have to go elsewhere to print photos or documents, which can cost extra time and money. One option, however, is to get a monochrome printer for your daily operational needs, then a smaller, more cost-effective color printer for those special occasions.

Additional Features to Consider for Business Printers

Before making a final decision, you need to make sure that you’ve analyzed all the different attributes and benefits that modern business printers can provide. Here are some other factors to pay attention to during your search:

• Print Speed – This speed is measured in pages per minute. If you only print a few pages at a time, this feature won’t make much of a difference. However, if your office goes through reams of paper every week, you want a printer with a high-speed rating. This feature matters because faster printers won’t break down as often since they’re built to accommodate bigger jobs.
• Multifunction Printers – Smaller offices can take advantage of multi-function printers that can do a wide variety of tasks, including copying, scanning, and faxing. Having all of these features in one device cuts down on costs. The only disadvantage is that multiple people can’t use the printer at the same time. For example, one employee may be making copies while another is waiting to print.
• Automatic Document Feeders (ADF) – If you need to make copies of multiple pages, you’ll want to invest in an ADF printer. These machines can scan sequential pages and print them the same way.
• Two-Sided Printing – Typically, if you’re going to print on both sides, you have to reload the tray after printing on the first side. Some printers, however, allow you to print both sides simultaneously, cutting the time down drastically.
• Touchscreen Menus – Most modern business printers have touchscreens, but high-end models may be more complicated. Consider who will be using the printer the most and appeal to their tech-savviness.

Is your Mill Creek company ready to purchase or lease a new business printer for your needs? Contact Copiers Etcetera today! We have a wide selection of models that work for companies of all sizes.