The PC printer has evolved from a singularly print functionality to an all in one printer copier. The modern all in one printer copier, slightly bigger than a regular printer, utilizes an integrated scanner with the capability to take the image in the paper fed to it, store it digitally and print it. Once the digital image is converted into the format it uses (formats may differ with the software used) it can be stored.
The advantage of an all in one printer copier is in the printer’s capability to print copies from direct images of the scanned copy without running the usual application from the PC to print the document. The employee can thus free his computer from printing copies and engages his PC to another task such as the preparation of another document while the copier prints copies of the first document. This is due to the scanner and printer functioning independently of each other.
The multitasking function of a PC is also improved by an all in one printer copier because of the scanner’s capability to generate a digital image of the scanned object. The digital image, usually in the JPEG format can be stored by a PC and later on retrieved for printing as well as other uses like picture combinations and other art work using photo editors.
As most all in one printer copier makes use of ink jets, after sales support in terms of stability and availability of supplies need to be considered. Another consideration is the estimated volume ofprinting and copying jobs that will be demanded. As an all in one printer copier is only recommended for use in a single PC its durability in handling high speed copying and the volume it can handle will not be as fast and as many as the bigger multifunctional copier that is used over a network of PCs.
In considering buying an all in one printer copier, alternative sources of supplies for its consumables such as ink and paper may be evaluated. Another consideration is the ease with which your PC can switch from another printer to yourall in one printer copier. Some PC use a switch to use two or more printers like it uses a dot matrix printer to inexpensively print drafts when there is time to do them then switch to another printer for the final copy. Some printers do not allow the ease by which Windows switches your default printer. HP for example requires you to load its own printer interface and overrides Windows’ setting the default printer. Most consumers see it as a scheme to use only HP printers and inks and are turned off by the lack of choice considering that HP is on the high end of the printer’s market.