The New HP Photosmart e-All-in-One D110a

When it comes to printers, they start to all look alike at some point. They all perform the same functions and are really an afterthought when it comes to hardware. But the new HP Photosmart e-All-in-One D110a goes the extra mile and could change the way we look at printers forever.

The HP Photosmart e-All-in-One D110a comes with its own specific email address. What does this mean? It means that no only can print documents, but you can email them as well...you can even add attachments! You can email information to smartphones or tablet PCs with the new printer. In addition, the Scheduled Delivery service will allow you to schedule printings at certain times on a specific day.

The new printers start at just $99 and max out at $299. The higher-level printers will include other features such as printing directly from the internet or a USB drive, and one even has an integrated fax machine.

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Choosing the Right Copier for your Business

The copier has been an office staple for several decades and has made some big strides since Xerox first introduced the fully automated plain-paper photocopier in 1959. Today's photocopiers tend to have more in common with computers than the first Xerox 914 as most modern copiers combine copying, laser printing, faxing, scanning, and more into a fully functional and well-oiled business machines. With so many copiers on the market that can do pretty much about anything, its hard to make the smart decision for your business. Here is a short list on what to consider when shopping for a business copier.

Analog vs. digital

One of the most frequently asked questions when evaluating a copier machine is whether you should buy a digital or analog. Older analog copiers have an advantage in simplicity over newer digital models as they allow users to make copies by pressing a single button. However, most companies tend to choose digital black and white copiers or digital color copiers that come with variety of features which older analog copiers do not have. Digital copiers, also called multifunction printers (MFPs), produce less noise than analog copiers, have fewer moving parts meaning fewer maintenance problems, and can produce more detailed photocopies.

It just makes very little sense to buy analog these days. The majority of copier manufacturers have stopped introducing new analog models and there is little price difference between analog and digital copiers with similar features. The only reason to buy analog is if the prospect of dealing with futuristic equipment is daunting to you and your staff. Even with minimal training you and your employees will find that a digital copier isn't as complicated as it looks. With that said, here are a few options your business should consider depending on your copying needs.

Multifunction printers: Digital black and white printers now use modules to combine the functions of copiers, network printers, scanners, fax machines, and even e-mail devices all into a single piece of equipment. MFPs are designed in many shapes and sizes and range from home and small business capabilities to enterprise and commercial use. Naturally the cost, output quality, and other included features will all vary greatly from model to model, but generally they all perform the same functions - Print, Scan, Fax, and Photocopy. In the commercial/enterprise area, most MFPs utilize laser printing technology while in the personal and home environments, Inkjet Printer technology is more widely used. Typically Inkjet printers have struggled with delivering the performance and color saturation demanded by enterprise and large business use but HP has recently launched an enterprise grade MFP using Inkjet technology.

Digital Color Copiers: Color copiers support color printing and work much like a computer scanner connected to a laser printer. The color copier simply scans an original document and transfers the information via laser to a charged image drum. The color toner adheres to the drum while the copier heats the toner and permanently fuses the image onto paper. High-end color copiers will apply all four colors in a single pass while low-end color copiers take four passes of the same image. Low-end color copiers cost less than high-end color copiers, but have slower copying speeds. Color copiers will typically cost 20 or 30% more than black and white copiers of similar speeds and volume ratings. Then there are dedicated graphic color copiers which cost more due to very accurate print-quality color specifications and faster processors which may not be very practical in a corporate environment.

Hybrid Copiers: These are great for small and medium businesses that only need the occasional color printing or copying. Hybrids typically operate in black and white reproduction mode the majority of the time and can switch to color mode when necessary. Much of the expense of color copying comes from the consumables like special color toners, fuser oil and paper. Hybrid copiers allow you to keeps your operating costs down while still giving you the benefits of a color copier.

Lease a Copier: Copier leases are a fantastic way to avoid blowing a large portion of your capital while also evening out the payments. Some businesses also find that their printing demands come with the seasons and only need a high-end copier for relatively short periods of increased workloads. In addition, due to the rapid rates at which technology advances, copier leases often include provisions that allow you trade up to a newer model giving you the ability to upgrade without buying brand new. Other leases allow you to walk away from a machine, increasing your financial flexibility if you can not afford ongoing monthly payments.

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Looking for a Copier Rental to help with your next big project? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Office Equipment Rentals.

Copier Tips

Whether you've purchased a copier or have a copier rental in your office, chances are you have one. And chances are you've run into a problem with your copier, from a paper jam to wasting money to something more extensive. In the event you do have a problem there are a few things to keep in mind before calling in a technician. Here are some tips on fixing those problems, preventing those problems, and getting the most from your copier.

1. Keep moisture out of your paper. Moisture can cause your paper to jam, so you'll always want to reseal a package when you don't use the entire thing. If you're unable to reseal, keep the paper in a ziplock bag.

2. Paper left in your copier over the weekend and holidays will gather moisture. Replace it on Monday and put old stuff in your printer.

3. If you do get a paper jam, make sure you fix it completely. If you don't fix it properly and completely, chances are you're going to have another paper jam on your hands very soon.

4. Leave your copier on 24/7. In today's "green" world, most technology has a power-saving mode and when left alone for a certain period of time, the machine will power down into that mode. Warming the machine up is quicker when brought out of the energy-saving mode and the continuous warmth may be enough to save your paper from excess moisture.

5. Use high-quality paper. The cheaper the paper, the more likely it is to jam and the worse the finished product will look.

6. When you load paper, don't bend or tear the edges. If you do this, you're setting yourself up for a paper jam.

7. Make sure you are using the right toner for the model of copier you have. Using the wrong kind can cause mechanical problems and make your warranty obsolete.

8. Order multiple toner cartridges at one time. You'll save money on shipping, as well as always have extra around when you run out.

9. Never use anything but your hands to remove a paper jam. If you scratch the wrong parts, it will show up on your copied documents.

10. When you remove jammed paper, make sure you recover all pieces, even tiny fragments.

11. Try to keep at least one employee knowledgeable and up-to-date on your copier. Have him or her trained in operation and maintenance of the copier and let removing jams, changing paper and toner be their job.

12. Only make one copy at a time until you've found the perfect settings. So much paper and toner is wasted because someone assumes they've put in the right settings and doesn't test it by making just one copy of a document, instead of 100.

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Looking for a Copier Rental to help with your next big project? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Office Equipment Rentals.