General Support Document
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Recommended Printers
NEMRC tends to recommend Hewlett Packard (HP) printers due to their reliability and track record, but there are many good quality printers including Ricoh, Lexmark, etc.
NEMRC software functions best with PCL5 printer drivers, but will function with PCL6 drivers in most cases.
When purchasing a printer, please ask yourself the following questions:
What kind of print volume per month do you expect to do?
Printers are rated by monthly duty ratings, and you should buy a printer that can handle your print volume.
Do you need to print from NEMRC DOS applications?
NEMRC has Windows versions of all its modules. Contact NEMRC support to upgrade you for free to current versions.
It is rare to need DOS printing at this point, but there are options available. Check the supported Operating Systems list for a given printer with the vendor.
The least-cost DOS-capable LaserJet solution from HP that we recommend is the HP 3005 series. An equivalent from Ricoh is the Ricoh SP 4100N.
Do you need to print low-volume black and white from NEMRC Windows applications only?
The least-cost solution from HP that we recommend is the HP2015 series.
Do you need a high-capacity black and white laser?
Consider upgrading your copier to a network-capable model which does printing. Most copiers are duty-rated for 10,000 pages per month or much more. Contact your copier vendor for more information.
Do you need high-capacity color laser?
Likewise, consider upgrading your copier to a network-capable model which prints in color.
Do you need a low-capacity color laser?
For a printer for up to 1500 sheets/month, consider the HP CP1518 series. Note that this is a 12 page per minute printer. Faster color printers are more expensive. Pay attention to per page printing costs on all color printers.
Do you need or want to print across the network?
Most models offer a network adapter such as the HP Jetdirect module/card. The HP 3005N series is a network-ready model. Some models offer wireless printing, if needed.
Do you need to duplex print - ie. Two sided printing?
Some models offer a duplexer as an add-on. The HP 3005DN is a model with a duplexer.
Do you need large paper formats?
Inkjet model HP Officejet 7000 offers printing up to 13"x18".
Do you need a laser or inkjet multifunction fax/copier/printer?
An inkjet multifunction will offer lower operating costs. Consider the HP Officejet Pro 8500 series, designed for small office use. There are many other good models available, such as the Lexmark x204n series, a wireless color inkjet version, or the Ricoh GX-3050 sfn.
What Budget do you have for supplies?
Consider the ink/toner cartridge cost when pricing a printer. Compare by looking at the price per page costs supplied by manufacturers. While initial prices for printers may be inexpensive, toner and supplies with particular models or vendors can be pricey. For example, a recent price comparison yielded:
| Model | MSRP Purchase Price | Per Page Print Cost |
| HP LaserJet p2015DN | $499 | 4.3 (black) |
| Ricoh SP 4100N | $599 | 1.5 (black) |
After 4000 printed sheets, you beat the difference in initial price by looking at the ongoing per-page costs. HP's track record for product reliability and support however, are high standards and may well be worth the extra price.
Do you need a Cash Receipt printer?
NEMRC recommends Transact Technologies Inc's Ithaca series 150 for impact cash receipt printing, and the Citizens CT-S310 for thermal receipt printing.
