A Printing Recommendation

I’m often asked for decent, yet affordable, printer recommendations. I have a fair amount of experience in this area. The challenge is not only thinking about upfront costs but being mindful of the real, long term, costs of printing, which is paper and ink.

As I’ve said before, those who sell printers are really in the business of selling ink and paper. Hence, printers, in comparison, are relatively inexpensive. This is especially true of inkjets and slightly less so of laser printers. I therefore, always recommend the following checklist:

• Have two printers on hand if possible. A laser for all black and white printing. An inkjet with reasonably sane ink prices for color. This will end up being the least cost for ink and toner in the long term. Most of your text only printing averages only about 5% total coverage on the page. A decent laser cartridge should last you for many months if not years in some cases.

• The laser should ideally be duplex capable (two sided printing) and even better if both are. This will save on paper as it will use two sides of a page. Plus, it looks more professional.

• Built in wireless so you can place them anywhere with a signal. This provides tremendous flexibility.

• Good Mac admin tools, drivers, and support. Because it is what we believe in.

Here are the two printers I’ve been recommending to clients and others that fit this bill:

Kodak ESP 7 All-in-One Printer

Brother HL-5370DW Laser Printer with Wireless Networking and Duplex

The key about the Kodak is that they are differentiating themselves by taking the whole ink cost equation and turning it upside down. One pays a bit more for the printer and comparatively much less for ink then other manufacturers. The Brother is just a great, no-nosence personal laser printer. The Kodak also delivers copy and scanning (both also wireless) as well.

They take up relatively little space and look great. But the main point here is that for only a bit over $300.00, you can have a printing solution that won’t kill you on the back end with consumable costs. 

I’ve set up a half dozen of this combo so far. They are both wonderful and just plain work.