Her Specific Circumstances
Student requires the printer for her whole high school life (4 years) and she hopes to take computer studies/computer related courses throughout those four years. She has a laptop and two desktop computers and wishes for the printer to be shared with all three of her computers as her whole family would like access to them. The printer should also be a network printer, preferring to buy a printer with all cables, toner, ink and additional accessories included. She estimates that she will print around 2400 sheets (3 single-sided sheets) over the printer's expected lifespan.
She would like a low-maintenance printer that will fit beside her monitor, on the table. Also, as most of the information printed will be for school, there is no need for color toner. The student doesn't want to spend more than $600 in total on maintaining the printer. She would also like the printer to be available at a retailer nearby as she doesn't want to pay extra shipping fees.
| Printers: | Epson Artisan All-in-One Inkjet Printer | HP LaserJet P2035n Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother HL-3040CN Color LED Printer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (including applicable taxes) | $282.48 (at Future Shop) | $451.99 (at Staples) | 139.99 (at Tiger Direct) |
| Dimensions and Weight | 45.75(W) x 19.50(H) x 64.50(D) cm and 11.3kg | 10.55"(H) x 14.4"(W) x 14.5"(D) and 21.8lb | 16.1"(W) x 18.3" (D) x 9.8" (H) and 42lb |
| Printing Speed (pages per minute) | 9.5 | 30 | 17 |
| Minimum System Requirements | Windows XP; Mac OS X | Windows 2000; Mac OS X v10.3.9 | Windows 2000; Mac OS X 10.3.9 |
| Printing Quality (dots per inch) | 5760 x 1440 | 600 x 600 | 600 x 2400 |
| Platform Compatibility | PC and Mac | PC, Unix, Mac, Linux | PC and Mac |
| Input Capacity | 120 sheets | 250 sheets | 250 sheets |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year-limited | 1 year-limited |
| Additional Features | Can also fax, copy, scan and is able to print colored photographs. Can print double-sided. | N/A | LED preview display |
| Additional Costs | USB device cable ($29.99), Letter-sized Copy paper 5000 sheets ($69.96) | USB device cable ($29.99), Letter-sized Copy paper 5000 sheets ($69.96) | USB device cable ($29.99), Letter-sized Copy paper 5000 sheets ($69.96) |
| Total Cost | $395.43 | $564.93 | $271.13 |
Her decision
In the end, based on the results presented to her, the student chose the HP LaserJet P2035n Monochrome Laser Printer. It not only allowed her to print the fastest, but it also had the longest lasting life. Even though the other two choices were cheaper, the student felt that she would not use the other features of the all-in-one printer or the colorful canvas of the color laser. Because she only needed B/W print-outs, the monochrome laser printer would be perfect.
It is also the smallest in width and will likely fit easily beside her monitor. It is also the only one compatible with the Linux platform, which is what one of her desktop computers runs on. Because of it's fast printing speed, she would be able to easily print long assignments or essays. The student showed her parents the result of her hard work and the next week, she came home with a new printer.
Future Shop Future Shop, < http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/epson-epson-artisan-all-in-one-inkjet-printer-835-835/10154879.aspx?path=aa02dbcf2f036c12292590b6fbee9cb5en02&lid=fp-10154879-epsonepsonartisanallinoneinkje-en> retrieved November 21,2010
TigerDirect.ca TigerDirect, < http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5565864&Sku=B50-3182%20CA> retrieved November 21,2010
Staples Staples, < http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=69%2C260%2C335,3169&webid=762123&affixedcode=WW> retrieved November 21,2010
