Printers... Not just a peripheral

Before Hewlett Packard introduced the "LaserJet" printer in 1984, there were two types of printers: impact (letter quality) printers and dot-matrix printers. While impact printers are capable of printing nice business documents they are incapable of printing graphics. Just like a typewriter, impact printers can only print a finite set of fixed-space fonts. Dot-matrix printers, on the other hand, are capable of printing a variety of font text and bit-mapped graphics. However, dot-matix lacks the professional look required by most businesses.


In the spring of 1984, HP introduced the most significant computer peripheral device of all time --- The "Laser" Printer. Since that time, amazing enhancements have evolved and new page printing technologies created and perfected.



Today "Laser" printers are more than just page printers... they are powerful information processors. With embedded technologies and powerful cpu speeds, laser printers can control capabilities once restricted to host computers.... That's the focus of future discussions.

Here is a baseline summation of existing printing technologies and considerations:

Printing Technology

•Impact (Dot Matrix, Line Printer, Band)
–Usually for multi-part forms or greenbar.
–Host printing: usually outside Windows environment
–To convert impact printing speed to laser --- LPM¸66

•Ink-Jet
–Traditionally, manufacturers have focused on small-office/home office (SOHO) market.
–Workgroups use laser because of operating cost, speed, connectivity and duty cycle.
–Upgrading to paper designed for ink-jet gives better results.
–In the past few years the market has seen a new generation of ink-jet printers.
•Example: Solid Ink Technology (laser class alternative)
–Slightly embossed feel
–Potential jam and residue in copier document feeders
–Scratches more easily (not good for mailing) , sticks inside sheet protectors
–Should not be left in hot area (car, etc.)
•Laser / LED (our discussion today)
•Other technologies include: Dye Sublimation (thermal transfer), Thermal Wax (transfer ribbon)

Connectivity
•Parallel - direct-connect (i.e., not-on-a-network) - “The old standby”
–External print servers connect through parallel.
–Communication is bi-directional.
•Ethernet
–Ethernet compatibility is simpler than it use to be.
–Growing to become the most common connection.
–Connection speed that all others compare to.
•USB “The new direct-connect standard?”
•Serial – One way communication that is a way of the past.
•Wireless
–IEEE 802.11 – Standard for wireless local area networks
–Bluetooth (becoming industry standard for infrared (slower than ethernet)

Network Management Software
–Connected through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
–Firmware updates
–Email notification.

Paper Handling
•Standard paper input – Letter, Legal, 11”X17” Ledger
–Multipurpose tray
•Feeding/handling options
–Additional paper feeders
–Duplexing (automatic double-sided printing)
–Envelope feeder
•Finishing
–High capacity output stacking
–Multi-bin mailboxes
–Virtual Mailbox
–Stapling
–Hole Punch
–Saddle-Stitch

Performance
•Processor (controller) –
–Processor speed are rated in MHz
•Rated Engine Speed
–The faster the processor, the closer to achieving engine speed.
•First page out
–From online
–From sleep mode
•GDI – Graphic Device Interface
–Processing depends on the PC’s processor

Fonts
•Resident Fonts = built in fonts (i.e. typefaces)
–Bitmapped (Fixed)
–Scaleable
–Resident PCL fonts are Truetype compatible

Emulation
•PCL – “Printer Control Language”
–PCL6 better at graphics than PC5e
•Postscript – create by Adobe Corporation
–Works across computer platforms
–Also used in high-resolution graphics equipment
–Popular when using desktop publishing such as Quark, Pagemaker, Illustrator
•Impact (IBM Proprinter, Epson LQ, Line Printer, Diablo, HPGL).

Cost to operate
•Starter Toner partially filled and should be calculated
•Stated yields rated at 5% coverage (copiers rated at 6%)
•Toner cost can vary from ½¢ all the way to 2.5¢
•Most printers requires a maintenance kit (100K/200K/300K/500K)
•Toner economy mode can save 30%-60%
•Small toner cartridge yield means more operator intervention
•Printers are sold as cheap as possible (profit being made on consumables)

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
“The cost of page printing is the largest un-documented expense in Corporate America”
~CAP Ventures
“The total cost of running a printer is far wider than the cost of the printer”
~BERTL
“Consumables (toner, etc.) are clearly the most important factors in overall operating costs, and the resulting cost per page”
~Lyra Research

LaserJet Evolution
1999
Model____Price_Speed__Duty__MHz_RAM_Yield__Toner/CPP*
HP 4050N $1200 17ppm 65,000 133 8mb 10,000 $120 1.2¢
2009
Model_____Price_Speed_Duty____MHz__RAM__Yield__Toner/CPP*
HP P4015N $1200 52ppm 225,000 540 128mb 24,000 $304 1.2¢

* The technology and capability continue to increase but the price and cost per page remain the same...

Printer Inventory Reduction
IT Managers rather have more productive machines than large inventory of less capable devices. - Office Technology Magazine
Observation: Not only can an organization have more cost effective output, their printing systems could perform tasks at a higher level (finishing, duplex, etc).

~to be continued ~