WHAT IS A COPIER?
A photocopier is a machine that makes copies of documents and other visual images onto paper or plastic film quickly and cheaply.
Photocopying is widely used in the business, education, and government sectors. While there have been predictions that photocopiers will eventually become obsolete as information workers increase their use of digital document creation, storage and distribution, and rely less on distributing actual pieces of paper, as of 2015, photocopiers continue to be widely used. In the 1980s, there was a convergence in some high-end machines between the roles of a photocopier, a fax machine, a scanner, and a computer network-connected printer into a multi-function printer. Lower-end machines that can copy and print in color have increasingly dominated the home-office market as their prices fell steadily through 1999. Higher-end color photocopiers capable of handling heavy duty cycles and large-format printing remain a costlier specialty for print and design shops.
Copy Machine Benefits
The cost of these machines is more affordable, One of the major benefits of digital photocopiers is its environment-friendly features and producing less noise while processing. Digital copiers are also energy efficient and use energy save modes. The machines can power down if they are unused for some time.
With all of that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect a range of color and black and white copy machines to cost.
When you see “MFP”, it means Multi-Function Printer, but just think “copy machine.” PPM (pages per minute) is the fastest print speed for each device. IPM (images per minute) is the fastest scanning speed for each device.
B&W AND COLOR PRINTERS: $300–$2,500
This size of printer is generally for individual or small workgroup use. In this range, you can find a B&W printer with speeds of about 47 ppm. Color printers in this range output at 27 ppm (in color and B&W).
BLACK AND WHITE MFP DESKTOP: $800–$2,100
If you need one small device to copy, scan, print, and fax, there are a variety of options at a reasonable price point. A good choice for low-volume use. But don’t fall for those retail discounted versions. See our article: Laser Printer Repair vs. Purchasing a New Printer
COLOR DESKTOP PRINTER: $800–$2,100
Again, a small device for individual or small workgroup use. Color speeds approach 32 ppm. Wireless printing capabilities are also often available at this price range.
