This
guide contains:
Background on copy machines
Features
and functions to look for in copy machines
How
to find the best copy machine for you
This
independent guide was written to help consumers understand
the basics of copy machines, and how to help you find
the best copy machine for you. We do not sell any copy
machines, so you can be confident that all of the information
in this guide is independent and unbiased.
Background
on copy machines
Today's copy machines offer much more features and functionality
than those of just
5 or 10 years ago. In fact, today's copy machines are
now sometimes called such terms as 'digital imaging
systems', 'digital copyprinters', and so on.
You
search for the right copy machine for you begins by
analyzing your needs along three main characteristics:
Answering
these questions accurately will help you decide which
of the three main types of copiers will work best for
you- analog, digital, and color.
Analog
If budget is the driving factor for you, or if you have
minimum copying needs, an analog copier might be the
best option for you. Although few manufacturers are
still making new analog copy machines, they are still
easy to find and are (generally) the least expensive
type of copier. The cost for a basic analog copier starts
at around $200 and can go up to several thousand dollars,
depending on its features.
Digital
If you're looking to perform fax or printing functions
with your copy machine, you will need a digital copier.
In addition to faxing and printing, digital copiers
do have some advantages over analog copy machines, including:
less noise, fewer moving parts, better copy quality
in some instances (i.e., photos), and better reduction/enlargement
capabilities. Black and white digital copy machines
start at around $700 on the low end of the range, and
the highest-end copier models can cost more than $100,000.
Color
Color copiers use digital laser technology to generate
color copies, and they can duplicate in black and white
as well. Most color copiers are configured to act as
a