Already part of the office scenery for many years, the photocopier has evolved significantly since the first Xerox plain-paper photocopier of 1959. Even though that first model was fully automated, today's photocopiers are generations ahead in their ability to combine copying, faxing, scanning, and laser printing in a machine that you can even access over a computer network.
Every year 1,5 million new photocopiers are sold, generating £12 Billion in revenue for the photocopy industry. With a market this big, vendors have more than ample motivation to constantly improve their product range as well as their service offering.
Analogue or Digital?
Even until recently, the key question when purchasing a photocopier was on the choice of a digital or an analogue machine. Now the answer in the vast majority of cases will always be "digital." Analogue machines, although still available, are unlikely to improve further. In addition, when the machines have similar features, there is very little price difference between analogue and digital.
Digital machines score over analogue in a number of ways:
- They can take on the role of copier, fax machine, and network printer
- With fewer moving parts, they have better reliability
- Less noise makes for a better working environment
- Reproduction of detail and photos is enhanced
Even if analogue photocopiers have a small advantage in the "one-button" operation for making a copy, digital machines are still simple enough to make any office employee feel at home.
This BuyerZone Colour Copiers Buyer's Guide will show you how to choose a colour copier, what features are most important, and how much you can expect to pay.
