Printer analysis and technical overview

Printer Analysis

Dell 1720dn

The Dell 1720dn has specifically been designed to support small offices and workgroups that require a relatively high duty cycle of monochrome printing. The connectivity for this printer includes support for connecting it directly to a TCP/IP-based network, in addition to an option for making the printer available over a wireless network. The price point of $299 makes this printer also affordable for home office users who are involved in printing-intensive businesses (CNET, 2007). Dell's definition of specifications for the printer engine, paper feed mechanisms and device driver support which is predominantly focused on the Microsoft operating systems provides enough backward compatibility with previous Windows XP and Windows NT operating systems to be useful to those homes and offices still running down-revision operating systems (Dell, 2007. The inclusion of printing languages including PCL 6. 5E and Postscript 3 make the printer compatible with the majority of Windows-based graphics applications as well. Designed for small business, this printer is at a price point that makes it affordable for those home offices that require much printing at a low total cost of ownership

Dell 5210n

Designed as a departmental printer with a 200,000 average duty cycle per month, the 5210n could easily serve up to 50 members of an organization in a small to medium-sized business. There are advanced connectivity options including an Ethernet controller that allows for the printer to be used on any TCP/IP-based network, capable of supporting 10 to 100MB/second transfer rates, in addition to support for wireless networking through the use of an optional network interface card that can be installed within the printer. This printer is specifically designed for the needs of a larger workgroup as evidenced by the wide variation in media handling options available. As with the low-end 1720n, this printer also includes support for PCL 6 and Postscript 3, which also ensures this printer will work with the majority of Windows-based applications.

HP 43500 dtn

The highest duty cycle printer in the group, the HP 4350 dtn has an average duty cycle of 250,000 pages per month, in addition to the fastest speed at 55 ppm. This printer also is the only that has its own embedded print server which HP calls the JetDirect Fast Ethernet Controller. In addition, HP has included two USB 2.0 ports for greater connectivity flexibility for customers as well. This printer also has a LCD panel for checking the status of jobs and configuring the options in the printers' electronics. Also included in the printer is an automatic duplexer for dual-sided printing in addition to support for PCL 5e, 6, Postscript 3 and directPDF printing.

HP 4240n

Designed to be a mid-range printer for workgroups to compete with the Dell 5210n, the 4240n is designed as a remote workgroup printer that has administrative functions available through web browsers. HP chose to promote this functionality on this specific model has there is an HP Embedded Web Server in conjunction with the HP Web Jetadmin administrator module that gives administrators flexibility in defining how they will allocate printing times and resources to each printer in a network. In addition to these features, HP has chosen to also promote their Instant-on Technology on this specific printer as larger business customers have a common complaint that it takes too long for a printer to warm up, and have asked for this feature. Like the larger 4350 dtn, this printer supports PCL 5, 6e, Postscript 3 and Adobe Direct PDF printing too.

Comparison Matrix

Dell 1720n

HP 4350 dtn

HP 4240n

Price

Print Speed

30 ppm

40 ppm

55 ppm

40 ppm

Monthly Print Volume

25,000 pages per month

200,000 pages per month

250,000 pages per month

175,000 pages per month

Duplex Printing (yes/no)

No - but an automatic duplexer is available as an option

Output Paper Tray(s) - standard

150 sheets

250 sheet bin

50-sheet rear output bin, 250-sheet top output bin

Output Paper Tray(s)- maximum

800 sheets

2200 sheets (250 output bin standard + 3 x 650 sheet optional output bins)

Multipurpose tray: 3 by 5 in to 8.5 by 14 in (76 by 216 mm to 127 by 356 mm); letter, legal, 3 by 5 in, executive, statement, envelopes

500 sheet input trays: 5.8 by 8.3 in to 8.5 by 14 in (148 by 216 mm to 210 by 356 mm); letter, legal, executive, statement