May 24, 2005

Multi-Function Printers Are Not All The Same

Printing is not the most glamorous tech topic to speak about - but it is important. I "thought" technology would reduce paper, but as most business people know, it only increases the use of paper.

Kim Komando gives her advice on this issue and although her column is more consumer focused we businesses can learn something as well.

She writes Most consumer-grade machines print at resolutions around 600 x 1,200 dpi. So, instead of looking at resolution, check the size of the ink droplets. Inkjets spray the paper with tiny drops of ink. The smaller the drop, the better the photo. Go for a printer with drops 4 picoliters or smaller.

Also, look at the number of ink colors. The more colors, the more accurate your prints will be.

If you take photos with film, think about scanning your negatives. Some printers include negative adapters. Others offer them as options. If you'll be enlarging the photos you scan, look for higher resolutions. Low-end multifunction machines might scan at 600 x 1,200 dpi. A better resolution for enlargements is 1,200 x 1,400 dpi or higher.

0 comments