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In the right place? If you already know the type of printer you want to buy, please see Buying Printers for a list of resources.
Choosing the correct printer for your needs is as important as choosing the proper computer system. Read the following questions and answers to make an informed decision:
Q: What type of printer is the most commonly used at UCSD?
A: Black-and-white printers are by far the most common printers on campus. They are generally much less expensive to buy and operate than color systems.
If you buy an ink-type printer, the black-and-white replacement toner cartridges cost less than color cartridges, and they print more pages per cartridge. Paper for black-and-white printers may cost less, too.
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Q: What is the difference between a color laser and a color ink jet printer?
A: Both are good quality printers. Ink jet printers are less expensive to purchase, ranging from under $200 to over $1000 for a business professional system. They require the purchase of color cartridges, which can be expensive. Ink cartridges may be able to print about 200 pages before requiring replacement.
Color laser printers range from about $500 to over $5,000. They don't require ink cartridges because they use toner. Toner can print from 3,000 to 15,000 pages, depending on the printer, before requiring replacement.
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Q: Do you really need a fast printer?
A: Faster printers are more expensive. A black-and-white laser jet that prints 40 pages per minute (ppm) is about the fastest you can get for a reasonable price. The fastest standard color laser printer runs about 26 ppm.
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Q: What will you need if you'll be printing spreadsheets and other more complex printing?
A: Laser printers in general perform more complex printing jobs better, whether black-and-white or color. More complex jobs require larger memory capacity. Other features such as duplex printing, sorting, collating, and larger-size paper capacity, are more readily available on more expensive printers.
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Q: Will your printer be part of a network?
A: A printer used as part of a network (used by more that one computer at a time) needs to have a network card. Many printer models have the letter "N" listed at the end of the model if it is network capable.
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Q: Where can you get other information?
A: Talk to people in your department about what works for them. See what they are using. Ask about their experiences with the printers and suppliers. Has the quality been good? How is the service from the supplier?
Check with your department's information technology staff or other department experts for recommendations. Read product reviews.
Contact the buyer in Purchasing for your area for information about what may be the best printer in your budget range, information about sources, models, experience of campus users, etc.
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Questions? Contact Bryan Hurley, (858) 534-1940.
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