TCPglobal - news, views and issues on total cost of printing

Issue #0826/2 – Hewlett-Packard’s new CP2025n and dn models are single function printer versions of the two colour laser MFPs described in the article "New Colour LaserJet MFPs from Hewlett-Packard – easy on the pocket, till you start printing". Using the same engine and same supplies, the printers represent a mid-market purchase but high cost overall, while the Total Cost of Printing for printers in the group varies by more than 100%!

Issue #0822/1 - In one of the most exciting developments seen in the field of business inkjet printing for years, brother has announced an A3 format inkjet All-in-One device, the MFC-6490CW, boasting a very high multifunction specification. Although the product is not yet announced in Europe, nor has it reached stores fully in the US, pricing is available for both hardware and print cartridges in the US so comparisons can be made against A3 single function inkjet, A4 multifunction inkjet and A4 multifunction laser devices.

Issue #0821/2 – Paper documents can only be accessed by one individual at any one time, making timely access by others difficult. Sharing by hard copying improves the situation but at the cost of copying and distribution, together with time implications where users are not at the same site. Electronic sharing of documents should promote easy and rapid access without the costs associated with producing and distributing multiple hard copies.

Issue #0820/1 – While undertaking research for an article on Lexmark’s recent launch of its new range of Home/Student inkjet devices, we were shocked at how difficult it is to find them in stores (article now to follow next week). So we decided that an impromptu survey was called for. In this article we analyse the share of ‘shelf space’ owned by each of Brother, Canon, Epson, Hewlett-Packard and Lexmark, together with the market conditions, strategies and implications. We see just how many Lexmark inkjet products are available in-store right now. It’s not a pretty sight – for Lexmark!

Issue #0820/2 - In a very interesting strategic move, Lexmark in the US is offering two free ink cartridges (carriage free) for every five cartridges that registered users buy at the Lexmark online store and return to Lexmark when empty.