Posted by Rich/PA on 12/23/08 4:06pm
Msg #272694

Buying All in One Machines

I have noticed many have asked questions both publicly and privately about one of a Notary/Signing Agents most vital tools - the ability to fax, copy and print. For those perhaps ... 'technologically challenged' let me offer some advice. Certainly 'bells and whistles' and low costs may tempt one to buy a particular machine. However, one of the MOST important points (with speed being second) to consider when buying a machine is the one most often overlooked - the cost of the ink. Many manufacturers have very high in or toner costs. ALWAYS take the time, go to the next isle or wherever and find out what the replacement cartridge will cost. Many off the shelf machines come with cartridges half filled for a reason - to make you buy more ink soon.

Think about this before you your next run of 175 documents.

Merry Christmas

Rich

Reply by PAW on 12/23/08 7:02pm
Msg #272703

You must look at TOTAL cost of ownership

Granted, many highly reliable workhorse printers and all-in-one, multi-function printers have toner costs that exceed many others. For example, HP cartridges are much more complex than Brother cartridges, and thus cost more. Why? HP cartridges contain a new drum, so when the toner cartridge is replaced, just about all the major working parts are too. With the Brother, the drum is not replaced when a new cartridge is installed. Since the Brother cartridge doesn't contain a drum, it is less expensive. But when the drum needs to be replaced, it can be a very expensive item for the Brother printer.

This is only one piece to the total cost puzzle. You must also consider the cost of replacement of the printer and the life span of the printer. A printer with a low duty cycle will probably need replacement long before a more costly printer that has a high duty cycle and a longer projected life span. Historically, HP printers have shown to have a very long life span. That's why you will see many title companies, lenders and other processing facilities with HP printers. They have a track record. This is not to say that Brother, Cannon, Xerox and others, are not as good. Some may even be better. The printer market see-saws back and forth among printer manufacturers, but again, historically, HP has been the market winner.

(Disclaimer - I do not have nor ever had, any interest in HP. I have worked for a printer manufacturer in the past and even then, HP was the better choice.)

Reply by John/CT on 12/23/08 9:47pm
Msg #272717

Most importantly, do you have a back-up, in case one of your "All-in-One" functions goes down, and you need to send your sick machine to the repair shop? Hmmmm!