All in one or seperate?
Discussion
Hi all,
'Er indoors is just in the process of setting up as a recruitment agency. I have been tasked with the IT side of things getting computers and printing/document solutions etc.
My initial thoughts were that for communication an all in one laser printer/scanner/fax/photocopier thing would be the best route, but these are pricey and generally low quality.
Anyone with any experience of these things? Or would buying individual components be best?
'Er indoors is just in the process of setting up as a recruitment agency. I have been tasked with the IT side of things getting computers and printing/document solutions etc.
My initial thoughts were that for communication an all in one laser printer/scanner/fax/photocopier thing would be the best route, but these are pricey and generally low quality.
Anyone with any experience of these things? Or would buying individual components be best?
I use a HP laserjet 4 (cheap as chips laser) but also an HP multifunction 7140exi or something like that scanner with doc feed / colour inkjet (twin paper bins) photcopier / fax thing which comes complete with jet direct card to put it on the network - so it can be used to scan / fax etc from any PC
So all heavy black work goes to the laser - everything else through the multifunction
>> Edited by dontlift on Tuesday 7th October 13:04
So all heavy black work goes to the laser - everything else through the multifunction
>> Edited by dontlift on Tuesday 7th October 13:04
A lot depends on how much use its going to get - if its gonna be hammered, then go seperates and buy to a spec that'll meet the needs of the business ....
eg we got a combined copier/printer that was good for 10000 copies a month - we now regularly do inexcess of 20000 a month and its knacked. We got a scanner/colour printer/copier from dixons and a fax from argos and they work just fine, but we should've got a dedicated printer ... mail me for more info ...
eg we got a combined copier/printer that was good for 10000 copies a month - we now regularly do inexcess of 20000 a month and its knacked. We got a scanner/colour printer/copier from dixons and a fax from argos and they work just fine, but we should've got a dedicated printer ... mail me for more info ...
I think there is also an issue of image. Generally, other business like to think they are dealing with a company of a suitable size and things like telephone/fax machines always give the impression of someone "working at home".
This may not be an issue with your potential clients but worth thinking about.
This may not be an issue with your potential clients but worth thinking about.
depends on how heavily you'll use it. Printers, etc are pretty much consumable items these days (at the low end).
Personally I'd buy the all in one and buy a new one if anything goes wrong with it. I'd rather that than 3 big over-spec'd individual devices clutering up my desk / office.
I've worked in IT for 15 years, now setting up my own company and we're having all in ones if that's any help.
Dan
Personally I'd buy the all in one and buy a new one if anything goes wrong with it. I'd rather that than 3 big over-spec'd individual devices clutering up my desk / office.
I've worked in IT for 15 years, now setting up my own company and we're having all in ones if that's any help.
Dan
This is a question I get asked quite abit so ...
I would say go for seperate units.
They are relativly cheap now:
Entry level laser printer £150
Mid-range scanner £60
Fax £50
*Laser Printer*
You will have to look at the duty cycle (prints per month) and compare it with you think you will need for the printer. Also how often the drum needs replacing and cost of toner. Drums cost abit more usuallly.
You mention that copying will only be used occasionally, well quite a few scanners sport a copy button which will scan and then send a document direct to the printer.
*FAX*
The Scanner can be used as a fax.
Use a service like JFAX.com
Your fax is a local rate number (like 0845 or 020 for London). You give this to clients and then your faxes arrive for free as attachments in your email inbox.
You can use this service to send faxes with the cost being low for anywhere in the world.
Advantages are it does'nt tie up the phone line and you dont need an additional line for the fax.
Looks quite professional as well and you can check your faxes anywhere there is internet connectivity.
Also you dont waste paper/toner/ink as you review faxes before you print them.
*HEALTH*
Laser printers /copiers throw out ozone so I would read up on using them in the home. The only downside with them being economical is the health hazards, ink jets are cleaner but are far more expensive per page for black and white. I have a inkjet and for laser prints have arranged a deal with the internet cafe down my road. They charge me 5p per page (which is roughly double what it costs ) but I prefer to pay more and not have a laser in my living room.
If I had a garage/dedicated home office I probably would purchase a laser.
*Just found this on google:*
www.lhc.org.uk/members/pubs/factsht/76fact.pdf
>> Edited by robertuk on Thursday 16th October 01:34
I would say go for seperate units.
They are relativly cheap now:
Entry level laser printer £150
Mid-range scanner £60
Fax £50
*Laser Printer*
You will have to look at the duty cycle (prints per month) and compare it with you think you will need for the printer. Also how often the drum needs replacing and cost of toner. Drums cost abit more usuallly.
You mention that copying will only be used occasionally, well quite a few scanners sport a copy button which will scan and then send a document direct to the printer.
*FAX*
The Scanner can be used as a fax.
Use a service like JFAX.com
Your fax is a local rate number (like 0845 or 020 for London). You give this to clients and then your faxes arrive for free as attachments in your email inbox.
You can use this service to send faxes with the cost being low for anywhere in the world.
Advantages are it does'nt tie up the phone line and you dont need an additional line for the fax.
Looks quite professional as well and you can check your faxes anywhere there is internet connectivity.
Also you dont waste paper/toner/ink as you review faxes before you print them.
*HEALTH*
Laser printers /copiers throw out ozone so I would read up on using them in the home. The only downside with them being economical is the health hazards, ink jets are cleaner but are far more expensive per page for black and white. I have a inkjet and for laser prints have arranged a deal with the internet cafe down my road. They charge me 5p per page (which is roughly double what it costs ) but I prefer to pay more and not have a laser in my living room.
If I had a garage/dedicated home office I probably would purchase a laser.
*Just found this on google:*
www.lhc.org.uk/members/pubs/factsht/76fact.pdf
>> Edited by robertuk on Thursday 16th October 01:34
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