OT: Printer Suggestions

[Bill Horne]

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On 2/25/2010 3:31 PM, Chris O'Connell wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I've recently taken over the IT department of a non profit organization.
>  I've found that most users have a printer on their desk, but no two
> printers are the same.  I would like to standardize on one
> model/manufacturer if possible for a few reasons, the most major reason is
> the ability to order mostly the same types of ink cartridges.
>
> Can anyone make any recommendations regarding specific models or makes
based
> on reliability?

I recommend a three step process:

   1. Find out how much paper they've purchased in the past quarter (a
      year is better), and calculate the number of pages printed per day.
   2. Determine the cost difference between laserjet and inkjet, using
      current costs for supplies.
   3. Present the manager(s) with options for both machines, including
      the break-even date for buying one or two laserjets.

There are advantages to using centrally-served printers:

   1. Much better accountability: a print server will gather
      statistics on pages printed _per user_, and identify users who
      use the most resources.
   2. Greatly increased reliability. Most Inkjets are disposable
      devices, not intended for repair.
   3. Improved time-use efficiencies: laserjets are much faster
      printers, and that translates into dramatic savings when
      employees are waiting for inkjets to finish jobs.

HTH.

Bill Horne
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