TCPglobal - news, views and issues on total cost of printing

Issue #0931/2 – More details have emerged since the publication of last week’s article ("New Lexmark inkjet range looks very promising for homes and businesses") regarding Lexmark’s claim that “penny-per-page printing” is available on some of its new series of inkjet All-in-One devices. It turns out that the cost of black printing is even lower than a penny-per-page but it does rely on the user deliberately selecting a special ink cartridge.

Issue #0931/1 – Inkjet printer manufacturers are always going on about how important it is to use their own original supplies in our inkjet (or laser) printers. But, do we take any notice of them? After all, ink is just ‘coloured water’ isn’t it? And, photo papers aren’t that different are they? Right?? Wrong!! This article looks at just one implication of ink and media mismatch that will seriously damage a user’s pocket and ‘health’ (mental).

Issue 0930/1 – Lexmark has also introduced a large number of new inkjet models to market in recent weeks and, like Hewlett-Packard, is attempting to inject a degree of inventive naming into the mix. With all products built on the same print engine and offering exactly the same print speed, all models are built for business use of some sort, whether home office or professional business, indicating a major departure from tradition for Lexmark on several fronts. High-end specifications are high and functionality is extensive.

Issue #0929/1 – IBM has provided conclusive proof that, in a harsh economic environment, it is those that have a sold services offering that stand the best chance of surviving and even flourishing. IBM posted net profit for the 3rd quarter of 2009 to the tune of $3.2bn, up 14% on Q3 of last year, while all indications so far are that IT hardware sales, and even sales of printer supplies are still flagging badly.

Issue 0929/2 – Epson has been very active over the last quarter, with a dozen new inkjet printer products launched to market creating a smooth and sensible progression up the market, ranging from 26/14ppm (black/colour) single function printer with pigment inks to 38ppm office multifunction device with pigment inks and 40ppm photo multifunction device with photo dye inks.