Buyers guide - Network printer reviewsNetwork Printer Reviews
When selecting a printer that will operate on a network, you need to consider several scenarios. For one, not all printers can even be utilized on a network. Some printers require direct communication with the host computer and will not function unless that communication exists. You also have to consider how much printing will be done per month, how many users will be using the printer(s), stand-alone or shared (You might not want to put it in Bob’s office and have everyone having to go in there every time they print. Or at least Bob might not want you to), and if drivers are available for your network operating system and computer operating system. Some printers can handle Mac’s and PC’s, others can’t. I’ve reviewed two printers for this topic, which cover a diverse spectrum in price and performance. If you’re on a peer-to-peer network and want to share the printer, you will have to have the host computer on to print to the printer from another computer. If you get a printer with an Ethernet port, or built in wireless connectivity on the other hand, you can avoid this. You can also purchase a print-server, so long as the printer will work with it. The printers listed here though, either come with network connectivity or have it as an available option. When purchasing a printer, be sure to find out if the printer will support a print-server and what network operating systems it is known to work with, as well as computer operating systems, it supports.
Lexmark X7170 All-in-One Printer This printer can handle a small to medium-sized business. It is network enabled and has options for Ethernet and wireless networking. This is an entry level printer and is not going to handle 100 people printing sales orders Monday through Saturday. You can pick one up for around $200 and as the description implies, it does just about everything: Scan, fax, print, copy. There are two things I don’t like about Lexmark printers. One is, frankly, they are cheaply made. This printer is an all-in-one, but how long will it work with 20 people scanning, faxing, printing, and copying? For the price, you could pick up a couple and spread them out, that might help. The other is the software. The configuration needs to be more streamlined. With any device, I look for easy installation where most everything is automatic, but I also want the ability to make advanced configuration modifications, and access that is quick and easy. The Lexmark software lacks those qualifications, in my opinion.
Hewlett Packard LaserJet 2430tn HP is, of course, the legend of laser printers. The 2432tn offers 35ppm printing, which is very handy on a big network. It also comes with JetDirect and a built-in print server. This means you can stand this printer out on it’s own, as long as you have a network connection, and everyone can print to it. The print server makes it possible to use in a peer-to-peer environment, where you don’t have a dedicated server to manage a queue. It also allows you to use it in a server-based environment without bogging down the server with printing duties. This baby can handle up to 100,000 pages a month, all for slightly less then $1,000. HP has always had a pretty good warranty. The only gripe I have about them is that they have gone the way of the ‘over seas support’ group. Like most of the other big PC companies, if you call tech support you have a real good chance you’ll get somebody that doesn’t speak very good English. It’s not that they’re dumb, but you just can’t understand each other and a 15 minute call turns into 45 minutes. If a company has support in the US, they will probably win me over even if the price is a little higher.
Low cost buying guides
Choosing cheap computer systems Buying guides Buying barebone computers Buying printer guides
Buying brother printers |
Search
    |
| ©2004-2010. Computer-and-Printer-Reviews.com. All rights reserved |