Whether you are telecommuting for your current employer or striking out on your own with a brand-new business, you need every item in your home office to work as hard as you do. No matter how large or small your home office is, your photocopier is one of the most important tools that you will have to use.
Choosing the right photocopier is essential to your productivity, and making the wrong choice could cost you in both dollars and wasted time. Whether you are choosing a first printer for your new home office or replacing an old workhorse, there are a few features you need to look for.
1. A Small Footprint
You only have so much space in your home office, and you want to make the most of it. Whether you are choosing an inkjet printer or a laser, it is important to choose one with a reasonably small footprint.
A high-capacity laser printer may take up more room than a basic inkjet one, but size is a factor no matter which type of printer you prefer. If you are ordering online, check the specifications carefully and make sure the unit will fit where you need it. If you are shopping in the real world, bring your tape measure and shop accordingly. Size should not be the only consideration, but it can be more important than you might think.
2. Wireless Connectivity
Even if you think you do not need it, choosing a printer with wireless capabilities can make your life easier. When you choose a wireless printer, you can set up your home office print station anywhere you want, even on the other side of the room.
Choosing a wireless printer also means you can get this bulky device off your desk, freeing up space for other essentials of home office life. The cost of wireless printers has fallen sharply in recent years, so there is no reason not to choose one for your home office.
4. Multifunction Capabilities
Whether you are buying your first photocopier or replacing an old one, there are plenty of reasons to make it a multifunction machine. Combining printing, scanning, copying and faxing into one device makes a lot of sense, especially when purchasing a business photocopier.
Choosing a multifunction photocopier can free up your office space for other devices and give you more room to work. The built-in scanner can also make it easier to save your receipts and other essential paperwork, making the extra capabilities well worth the higher initial price tag.
5 Reliability
No matter what kind of photocopier you end up buying, you will be relying on it every day. As a business owner or telecommuter, you do not have the luxury of running out for a replacement photocopier when your less than reliable one breaks down.
Always check the reliability ratings of any photocopier you are considering, and read the reviews carefully. While there are many excellent printers on the market, some models are notoriously fussy and unreliable. Avoiding these substandard printers can save you a lot of time, money and hassle down the road.
Your photocopier is perhaps the most important piece of hardware in your home office, and you need to choose it with care. Knowing what to look for in a printer and which features are most essential can help you get the best bargain and make the most of the money you have to spend. Contact us for more information.
