Copiers

If experts are to be believed, developing rapidly since the introduction of the first fully automated plain-paper photocopier by Xerox in 1959, present-day copiers work more like computers, combining copying, faxing, laser printing, scanning and more into a single machine.

However there are two types of copiers ? analog and digital ? the former is no match to the latter these days. As a matter of fact, most manufacturers have stopped producing new analog models. In addition to make matters worse for the analog models, the more modern digital machines with similar features are now available at almost identical prices.

It is worth mentioning in this regard that the digital type enjoys a lot of advantages over its analog rival. Theoretically speaking digital models combine copying, network printing, and faxing. Furthermore as there are fewer moving parts in the digital type, the instances of mechanical breakdown are less. In addition, less noisy, the digital copiers are more efficient in reproducing fine lines and photographs.

In simple terms, some people argue that analog copiers are more simple and user-friendly. Fact of the matter is you have just one button to press to get a copy. Moreover the digital copiers are not difficult to operate either. In an ideal scenario a minimal amount of training is sufficient for the employees to learn how to operate them.

According to experts, before purchasing a digital copier, you must have a clear idea of your requirements from the copier, as well as the volume of work the copier is expected to perform, and how fast you want it to perform. Furthermore you must also decide if you require a color copier or not. However color copiers are not as expensive as they used to be earlier, you will still need to pay 20% to 30% more than the cost of a black-and-white copier.

At the present moment, there is a huge market for copiers, with the industry generating about $25 billion in revenue by selling over 1.5 million new copiers each year. Because of the presence of this large and competitive market, copier manufacturers are now trying constantly to improve their products, leading to more benefits for the consumers.

It is worth mentioning in this regard that CD copiers or CD duplicators copy the contents of one CD into another CD or CDs. Always remember that copiers can work in conjunction with computers, or they may be standalone. In theory standalone copiers work independently without the assistance of a computer. Fact of the matter is CD copiers can be used to copy all types of CDs - CD-ROMs, DVDs, video as well as audio.

In an ideal scenario contents of an original CD, called the master CD are copied onto blank CDs. Furthermore a CD copier can copy contents onto several blank CDs at the same time. It is worth pointing that earlier models required a someone to keep changing the CDs as each got copied; but newer copiers are automated. Fact remains that these can take CDs one after the other.

In simple terms, CD copiers may be CD-writable (CD-R) or CD-rewritable (CD-RW). Theoretically speaking, in CD-Rs, a laser recorder copies data onto the blank by selectively burning an organic dye on the CD surface. This process is also termed as burning and it is a permanent and irreversible process. Remember that CDs copied by a CD-R can be used only once. On the other hand in CD-RWs, a laser recorder melts an alloy on the surface of the CD in selective degrees. Fact of the matter is this is a reversible process and these CDs can be used for a thousand rewrites.

In an ideal scenario CD copiers may be manual, integrated and networked. It is worth noting that manual CD copiers require the operator to physically open the copier and reload the CDs. Fact remains that they are slow, and can copy only one to 9 CDs at a time. Furthermore their speeds can range from 8 times to 52 times. On the other hand integrated CD copiers have a USB drive, which can be connected to the USB port of a computer. There is no denying that this can speed up the copying process.

If experts are to be believed, the high prices of new copiers often prompt many businesses to consider purchasing used copiers. Fact remains that this might turn out to be a good idea. It is worth mentioning in this regard that properly refurbished copiers can be a dependable part of a business establishment for a long time. The question now arises: What are ?properly refurbished copiers? In simple terms it is certainly more than just cleaning the outside and making sure it still works. Furthermore apart from a thorough cleaning of inside and out, ?properly refurbished? copiers must have all worn parts replaced, and be inspected for any potential problems.

Always remember, ?multifunctional? copiers that can function as printer, scanner, and fax machines also are suitable for home offices only. That?s why, multi-person offices should avoid them, as per-copy prices are much higher and they're not built to handle a business copy volume.

Another crucial factor you must take into consideration is the ?mileage? on the machines you are planning to buy. It is worth noting that copiers possess built-in counters that track total usage. As a matter of fact after receiving a reply from your vendor about the "mileage," check for yourself once the machine is delivered.

In addition you should also find a trustworthy dealer you can work with. Because of the need for extensive maintenance, refurbished copiers usually come with a warranty of 30, 60, or 90 days. It is advisable to negotiate with the dealer on this, and never settle for something like a 30-day warranty. Fact remains that even a used copier can be quite costly, so you should try to protect your investment as much as possible.

Furthermore it is always better to buy a maintenance agreement that covers all the parts that often wear out or break, including the belts and drum. That?s why when purchasing a used copier, the insurance is definitely worth the cost of the service coverage.