Color Copiers
Buyer's Guide Introduction
A staple of the office for decades, the copier has come a long way since Xerox introduced
the first fully automated plain-paper photocopier in 1959. Today's models have more in
common with computers than they do with that first Xerox 914: modern copiers combine copying,
laser printing, faxing, scanning, and more into one networked machine.
The copier industry generates $24 billion in revenue by selling over 1.5 million
new copiers each year. This huge market drives manufacturers to constantly improve
their offerings and leads to a highly competitive market among the vendors who install
and service copiers.
Analog vs. digital
One of the main questions when buying a copier used to be whether you should buy
a digital copier or analog machine. No longer: the answer now is a resounding "digital."
It makes little sense to buy analog these days - most manufacturers have stopped introducing
new analog models, and there is little price difference between analog and digital copiers
with similar features.
The advantages of digital machines are many:
- They combine the functions of copiers, network printers, and fax machines
- Fewer moving parts means less mechanical breakdowns
- Less noise makes for a quieter office
- They are better reproducing fine lines and photographs.
Some people like the simplicity of analog copiers - they can be simpler to operate, with
just one button to press to make a copy. However with even minimal training, your staff
will quickly get used to operating a digital machine.
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