Printer Unboxing and Setup Location

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Printer type or printer technology is the mechanism used to make images on the paper.

• common types:
  • inkjet (or ink dispersion
  • laser
• Major print device vendors:
  • HP, Epson, Canon, Xerox, Brother, OKI, Konica/Minolta, Lexmark, Ricoh, and Samsung

Important

There is a distinction between the software components that represent the printer and the physical printer itself.

• software representation of the printer is called
  • “printer object,” “logical printer,” or simply “printer”
• printer hardware is called
  • “print device” or “physical printer”
• “printer” could mean either the physical print device or the software representation of that device

Selecting Best Printer

Criteria for selecting the best type and model of printer:

• basic speed of a printer
  • measured in pages per minute (ppm)
  • will see different speeds quoted for different types of output
    • E.g., monochrome text will print more quickly than color photos
• maximum supported resolution
  • measured in dots per inch (dpi)
  • determines output quality
  • Printer dots and screen image pixels are not equivalent
    • requires multiple dots to reproduce one pixel at acceptable quality
  • Pixel dimensions are quoted in pixels per inch (ppi)
  • horizontal resolution is determined by the print engine
    • either the laser scanning unit or inkjet print head
  • vertical resolution is determined by the paper handling mechanism
• Paper handling
  • the sizes and types of paper or media that can be loaded
    • E.g., labels, envelopes, card stock, acetate/transparencies, etc.
  • amount of paper that can be loaded and output is also important
  • Overloaded output trays will cause paper jams
    • If the output tray is low capacity, this could happen quite quickly in a busy office
• Extra options
  • add additional functionality
  • E.g.,
    • automatic duplex unit for double-sided printing
    • finisher unit for folding, stapling, and hole punching
  • may be fitted by default or available for purchase as an add-on component

Setup Location

Factors for optimum setup location:

• Physical location
  • must have a power outlet and potentially a network data port
  • Ensure cables are run without being trip hazards
  • ensure it is placed on a stable, flat surface that can bear the device weight with no risk of toppling
• Environment
  • not exposed to direct sunlight
  • is space around it for air to flow
  • area should be well-ventilated to ensure dispersal of fumes
    • E.g., ozone generated during printer operation
  • store printer paper and consumables where there is no risk of high humidity or temperature extremes
  • Consult the material safety data sheet (SDS) for additional considerations
• Accessibility
  • location accessible to its users
  • take account of noise and foot traffic that might be disruptive to employees working at nearby desks
  • if used to output confidential information
    • may need to be installed in an access-controlled area

Unboxing

• follow the manufacturer’s instructions to unbox and set up the printer
• Be aware of these general factors:
  • print devices are heavy and may require two persons to lift safely
    • use safe lifting techniques and bend at the knees to avoid damaging your back
    • only use device handles to grip and lift
    • ensure path is free from trip hazards
  • Printer parts will be secured using packing strips and supports
    • check for strips on removable components that are concealed by panels
  • should be left to acclimate after removing the packaging materials
    • leave unboxed and powered off for a few hours
      • reduce risks from condensation
    • printer paper should be stored for a day or more before use