First a little history lesson..... There was a time, long ago that printers had ribbons and used dot matrix printing to create tiny dots that, when looked at, were readable. Sometimes they were BARELY readable, however. Changing ribbons and printing wheels to change type face was a chore.
Then, in 1984, the first laser printer that used toner cartridges came into being. Quickly, no one wanted a dot matrix printer anymore. The laser printer caused ink powder from the toner cartridge to fuse onto the paper where the program told the printer to leave ink. The output was much clearer and much more professional in appearance. Very soon, dot matrix printers became known as "door stops". By 1990, inkjet printers that used drop-in ink cartridges became readily available and very reasonable prices. These inkjet cartridges were very easy to change without any fuss. The cost to the user, compared to the laser toner cartridge, was significantly reduced. So now it starts getting pretty cool.... Today, inkjet printers using ink cartridges are so affordable that every computer owner can afford to own their own printer that is capable of using photo quality inkjet cartridges or for less expensive printing, ink cartridges that are remanufactured or "generic" or non-original manufacture. These inkjet cartridges can even be refilled in many cases to save even more money.
The price of the machines themselves has dropped by buckets and what they can do is way cooler than ever before. Not only can you print but also scan, fax (many do PC-Fax which I'll get to later), copy, make your morning coffee, take out the garbage (ok not those last 2). Combining this many tasks obviously reduces the number of different machines in your home/office but in addition there's only one manual you have to completely ignore instead of many (for the guys reading this). The PC-Fax thingy I mentioned Id actually like to discuss a little more about because I personally find this a fantastic feature. Basically it means that your printer/fax/everything else talks directly to your computer allowing you to send and receive faxes without any visible signs of paper involved. For example if anyone was crazy enough to want a copy of this article faxed to them I could do it directly from my computer without having to actually print anything out.
When using inkjet cartridges that are photo quality, it is sensible to use photo quality paper for your printing. This ensures the best quality print out resulting from your inkjet photo quality cartridge. While these inkjet cartridges will print on regular paper, it is a waste to place the more expensive ink cartridge into your printer and then print on plain non-glossy paper.
For every day printing in black and white or even in color, remanufactured or non-original inkjet cartridges work great and save money for you in the long run. As a general rule of thumb, you need to purchase twice as many black inkjet cartridges because there is, on average, more black printing needs for the average person.
Nowadays manufacturers are including more and more technology into their cartridges and trying to convince you that their ink has that extra special something. Epson uses DURABrite ink, HP uses Vivera ink and the list goes on. If you ever get bored and feel the need to work yourself into a frenzy just try surfing some of the major sites to compare exactly what one manufacturers ink does compared to the next. If you come away from this sane you'll definitely know a lot more techie sounds words than you need to know now or in your next lifetime.
Many of the latest ink cartridges have cool gizmos in them like small chips designed to monitor the ink levels and tell you when its time to reorder and even little LEDs for those of you who want their printer to light up like a disco. The idea of the chip sounds great but there are cases where the chip is telling the printer to stop working too soon or even to not work at all if the cartridges inside are not original (there's been at least one of the major players recently sued over exactly this). To try and counter this a 'chip resetter' can be purchased which basically tells the chip to do as its told and keep on printing regardless of how much ink it thought was left in the tank. As far as the issue with these chips and non original cartridges is concerned its actually illegal for a chip to stop your machine working on this basis but apparently this hasn't deterred a few of the big boys. Whether a chip resetter will fix this problem is uncertain.
No one knows what will come next in the world of printing. Just as the dot matrix printer long ago became a door stop (mostly that is), it is possible that within the next decade a new, less expensive, more user-friendly printing method that is even more cost effective than inkjet printers using drop-in ink cartridges will become archaic. For today, inkjet cartridges in low-priced printer provide the average household with all the affordable printing from their inkjet printer they need.
Whether you want to print graphics, brochures, or just letters, there is a printer that uses inkjet cartridges for you. Choose inkjet cartridges that meet your printing needs at affordable prices.
Ink cartridges have evolved over the years in so many ways that they have in themselves become fairly hi tech let alone the machines that use them. Your average inkjet printer these days can perform a myriad of functions at prices seemingly getting cheaper by the minute.
Bottom line is yep your ink cartridges are getting more high tech and cooler (heck in the old days theres no way your cartridge would actually light up with pretty colours for you and tell you when its about to run dry). The future is certainly going to be interesting seeing what comes next.....
The Evolution OF Map Printing
The first ever created maps were made not for economic reasons but more for religious purpose. The early maps of the world display religious icons similar to the icons that are found on the pages of the Book of Kells. During the 12th century the map of the world were created with the shaped of a T and O. And it portrays the world as circle and is divided by a T-shaped cross having Jerusalem as its center. The circle has been associated more with religious belief than with any scientific findings that the world was round. The circle more of represents the God’s affection that is perfect in every aspect. The T and O map is most commonly used by the church to represent the world unfolding according to God’s will.
One drawback of the T and O map is that it cannot be used for travel but only for religious venerations. On the advent of the 15th century although the map is still created with the T and O image however some additional drawings of real people and continents can be seen. Nevertheless, its functions remain to be the same as its 12th century counterpart.
There are also some manuscripts that have started on focusing outside the secular world and we may say have started on some features of the map as we come to know it today. There are additional features like drawings of real rivers with its corresponding names, real named places complete with geographical locations but still with religious icon drawings. This indicates the last of the 15th century map.
The additional information on the maps during the last period of the 15th century was gathered by travelers. The maps created in Europe were the only maps that may be considered as close to accurate and this was made possible through the travels of Marco Polo.
Ptolemy is a 2nd century geographer and astronomer. He was the first to create the first map that may be used to navigate the world. Ptolemy’s map was considered to be the most accurate ever created map before Christopher Columbus’ journey. But like any manuscript map, the Ptolemy’s map was not intended for navigation but more of an attempt to reproduce classical manuscripts.
The Spaniards already knew cartography and has somewhat influence the Dutch. And so when the Dutch has finally pulled away from the Spanish control they started off with their cartography and started collecting information from Holland. They have managed to print their very own map in 1570.
The creation of the map in 1570 has brought about great exploration that has changed Europe in a great extent. They no longer believed that Atlas a Greek mythological character holds the earth on his shoulders and that he plays with earth like a ball. With the creation of maps the world was no longer engulfed with mystical darkness that used to scare people into exploring the land beyond.
Plus with the creation of today’s maps which makes it even more beneficial for people who loves to travel since it does not only helps them to arrive safely in their destination it also allows them to return home. Maps also help the economic world since it allows for exchange or the trade of goods and services between nations
One drawback of the T and O map is that it cannot be used for travel but only for religious venerations. On the advent of the 15th century although the map is still created with the T and O image however some additional drawings of real people and continents can be seen. Nevertheless, its functions remain to be the same as its 12th century counterpart.
There are also some manuscripts that have started on focusing outside the secular world and we may say have started on some features of the map as we come to know it today. There are additional features like drawings of real rivers with its corresponding names, real named places complete with geographical locations but still with religious icon drawings. This indicates the last of the 15th century map.
The additional information on the maps during the last period of the 15th century was gathered by travelers. The maps created in Europe were the only maps that may be considered as close to accurate and this was made possible through the travels of Marco Polo.
Ptolemy is a 2nd century geographer and astronomer. He was the first to create the first map that may be used to navigate the world. Ptolemy’s map was considered to be the most accurate ever created map before Christopher Columbus’ journey. But like any manuscript map, the Ptolemy’s map was not intended for navigation but more of an attempt to reproduce classical manuscripts.
The Spaniards already knew cartography and has somewhat influence the Dutch. And so when the Dutch has finally pulled away from the Spanish control they started off with their cartography and started collecting information from Holland. They have managed to print their very own map in 1570.
The creation of the map in 1570 has brought about great exploration that has changed Europe in a great extent. They no longer believed that Atlas a Greek mythological character holds the earth on his shoulders and that he plays with earth like a ball. With the creation of maps the world was no longer engulfed with mystical darkness that used to scare people into exploring the land beyond.
Plus with the creation of today’s maps which makes it even more beneficial for people who loves to travel since it does not only helps them to arrive safely in their destination it also allows them to return home. Maps also help the economic world since it allows for exchange or the trade of goods and services between nations
Choosing The Right Paper For Printing Jobs
Choosing the right paper for a printing job is a very complicated undertaking. It should not be that way though. You have overwhelming options. All you have to do is to be specific. Paper influences all the aspects of a print project, together with overall perception, reproduction quality, durability and mailing cost. Choose defectively, and you can spoil an otherwise great project.
To be specific is to consider a lot of aspects. First the surface of the paper because it affects its look, feel and printability. It matters because people are influenced by the appearance of the paper, it’s that simple.
Second aspect is the paper color. Color is the most important characteristic since it controls the hues and shades of the ink. At present, white is the most popular color and is generally optimal for conventional uses. Off-white paper produces fewer glares. It is usually used in publications such as novels and manuals.
Brightness is another aspect that needs to be considered. It measures the percentage of light that it reflects. Most papers reflect 60-90% of incoming light. It is important because it affects readability. High level of brightness can cause eye strain. Conversely, low brightness can cause blurring effect.
The fourth aspect is opacity. It is the degree to which other printing is visible through the page. High level of opacity minimizes the visibility of printing on succeeding pages, as a result, it enhances readability. Opacity is influenced by the other factors such as bulk and weight of paper, paper color, ink color, coatings, chemicals and coverage.
Grain, on the other hand, describes the direction or alignment of its component fibers. It is either grain short or grain long. When fibers run parallel to the width it is grain short. Grain direction determination is critical to paper strength, flexibility, tack and versatility.
The basis of weight of paper is premeditated in pound of one ream or five hundred sheets. Paper is sold by pound and understanding paper weight is essential to a triumphant cost control programs.
Caliper means thickness. It is measured in thousandths of an inch and referred to as point size (.001 inch = 1 point).
The eighth aspect is the bulk. It denotes thickness relative to its basis weight. Uncalendared paper will have a higher bulk than gloss coated paper. Keep in mind though, that paper may be bulkier or thicker than another grade but may still have the same basis weight.
The size of the paper depicts its physical dimensions. Ask your supplier for specific information concerning the range of paper sizes to ensure proficient usage.
The tenth aspect is the paper quantity. It refers to the number of sheets. A ream is equivalent to 500 sheets. Cartons of paper are typically weighing 150 pounds.
In purchasing paper, work side by side with the supplier. Paper suppliers can help you in picking the best paper in terms of possible weight, texture, tear strength and color for the printing surface. Always discuss your paper needs with your paper supplier and your printer at the earliest possible opportunity.
To be specific is to consider a lot of aspects. First the surface of the paper because it affects its look, feel and printability. It matters because people are influenced by the appearance of the paper, it’s that simple.
Second aspect is the paper color. Color is the most important characteristic since it controls the hues and shades of the ink. At present, white is the most popular color and is generally optimal for conventional uses. Off-white paper produces fewer glares. It is usually used in publications such as novels and manuals.
Brightness is another aspect that needs to be considered. It measures the percentage of light that it reflects. Most papers reflect 60-90% of incoming light. It is important because it affects readability. High level of brightness can cause eye strain. Conversely, low brightness can cause blurring effect.
The fourth aspect is opacity. It is the degree to which other printing is visible through the page. High level of opacity minimizes the visibility of printing on succeeding pages, as a result, it enhances readability. Opacity is influenced by the other factors such as bulk and weight of paper, paper color, ink color, coatings, chemicals and coverage.
Grain, on the other hand, describes the direction or alignment of its component fibers. It is either grain short or grain long. When fibers run parallel to the width it is grain short. Grain direction determination is critical to paper strength, flexibility, tack and versatility.
The basis of weight of paper is premeditated in pound of one ream or five hundred sheets. Paper is sold by pound and understanding paper weight is essential to a triumphant cost control programs.
Caliper means thickness. It is measured in thousandths of an inch and referred to as point size (.001 inch = 1 point).
The eighth aspect is the bulk. It denotes thickness relative to its basis weight. Uncalendared paper will have a higher bulk than gloss coated paper. Keep in mind though, that paper may be bulkier or thicker than another grade but may still have the same basis weight.
The size of the paper depicts its physical dimensions. Ask your supplier for specific information concerning the range of paper sizes to ensure proficient usage.
The tenth aspect is the paper quantity. It refers to the number of sheets. A ream is equivalent to 500 sheets. Cartons of paper are typically weighing 150 pounds.
In purchasing paper, work side by side with the supplier. Paper suppliers can help you in picking the best paper in terms of possible weight, texture, tear strength and color for the printing surface. Always discuss your paper needs with your paper supplier and your printer at the earliest possible opportunity.
Choosing the Best Catalog Printing Methods
Catalogs are characteristically presented or processed in many special ways. Catalog printing depends upon the ease of use of the materials and equipments for use. It can also be based upon the reassurance and easiness of the printer and the customer as well.
The first is the Web Press which is the kind of offset press that utilizes rolls of paper slightly than making use of sheets of paper. This type of printing is very suitable in many types of printing categories. Web Press is separated into two types such as the heat-set and the cold-set.
The heat-set Web Press is most commonly used in magazine types of printing. This is said to be the standard catalog printing method. This method is controlled by a heating unit which is responsible for drying the printed ink when it is released and spread on paper. This type of press is capable of printing at high speeds.
The cold-set press does not have a heating unit so the printed ink must dry obviously by air. This printing is limited to uncoated paper and surfaces. This allows only printing on uncoated paper since it does not have any heating unit to let the inks dry.
The Sheet-Fed-Press is a method which follows the traditional press printing. But among the three press methods, this type is the finest and the sharpest when it comes to catalog printing. The great advantage is that this can print on wider formats of paper.
Catalogs play an important role in marketing products. Users and customers are well clued-up about what your products look like even without touching or seeing the actual product. Purchasing is easy because order forms are orderly and easy to fill up.
Catalogs go through a lot of processes and furbishing that is why they look very presentable. First things come first and that is quality. A catalog should look as fine as it gets. Catalogs should be very informative and have a strong impression so that it will attract your customers and give them the finest images.
Keeping standard designs and layouts is very effective. If you have come up with a design that customers like, you should maintain that as your consistent design. Use effective add-ons like logos and the catchy stuffs
The first is the Web Press which is the kind of offset press that utilizes rolls of paper slightly than making use of sheets of paper. This type of printing is very suitable in many types of printing categories. Web Press is separated into two types such as the heat-set and the cold-set.
The heat-set Web Press is most commonly used in magazine types of printing. This is said to be the standard catalog printing method. This method is controlled by a heating unit which is responsible for drying the printed ink when it is released and spread on paper. This type of press is capable of printing at high speeds.
The cold-set press does not have a heating unit so the printed ink must dry obviously by air. This printing is limited to uncoated paper and surfaces. This allows only printing on uncoated paper since it does not have any heating unit to let the inks dry.
The Sheet-Fed-Press is a method which follows the traditional press printing. But among the three press methods, this type is the finest and the sharpest when it comes to catalog printing. The great advantage is that this can print on wider formats of paper.
Catalogs play an important role in marketing products. Users and customers are well clued-up about what your products look like even without touching or seeing the actual product. Purchasing is easy because order forms are orderly and easy to fill up.
Catalogs go through a lot of processes and furbishing that is why they look very presentable. First things come first and that is quality. A catalog should look as fine as it gets. Catalogs should be very informative and have a strong impression so that it will attract your customers and give them the finest images.
Keeping standard designs and layouts is very effective. If you have come up with a design that customers like, you should maintain that as your consistent design. Use effective add-ons like logos and the catchy stuffs
Survival Tips For Printing a Company
For printing companies to survive and make a permanent mark in this complicated and continually evolving industry, they do not need magic tricks and special powers in order to do so. Having the most modern of modern machines and a large number of staff does not also guarantee success. The technique is only boiled down to three things:
Generating more sales. Compare the output that they are making and you will see that they it is way higher than other struggling companies. This simply means that they are selling more and have more customers and orders. Economics state that being busy is always equal to more results. So these printers try to do more work and production and lessening the problems that may hinder that cause.
Being both work effective and cost efficient. It does not matter how small or insignificant the work is as long as it comes in big numbers. What matters is the profit it will give in the end. Big profits. Doing the work properly and meeting the standards required should also be considered first before the bulks. Maintaining the equipments used and the knowledge of persons needed for the business should also be maintained to prevent would-be factors that would bring poor result.
Thinking of new ways and things that are of value to customers. Change is the trend and it always happen. What may the the big thing today is an outdated one tomorrow. Knowing what would be valuable and the changes in the printing needs of the customers will make you a treasure to them. Not all have the capacity to anticipate what the needs and preferences that people have. Doing some research or surveys about them would surely help a lot for both your advantage.
There is really no big secrets in having a permanent landmark in the printing industry. It just takes some basic business strategies and a know-how about life in general. In the printing industry, as well as well business industries, it does not always take complicated measures to ensure success. Some of the simple strategies are even more effective than comprehensive ones. Sometimes the more simpler things tend to be the best solution.
Successful printing industries are not magicians or miracle workers for that matter. They are just at their proper places at the right time and doing the right things too. Many businesses can learn from the strategies that these companies use.
Generating more sales. Compare the output that they are making and you will see that they it is way higher than other struggling companies. This simply means that they are selling more and have more customers and orders. Economics state that being busy is always equal to more results. So these printers try to do more work and production and lessening the problems that may hinder that cause.
Being both work effective and cost efficient. It does not matter how small or insignificant the work is as long as it comes in big numbers. What matters is the profit it will give in the end. Big profits. Doing the work properly and meeting the standards required should also be considered first before the bulks. Maintaining the equipments used and the knowledge of persons needed for the business should also be maintained to prevent would-be factors that would bring poor result.
Thinking of new ways and things that are of value to customers. Change is the trend and it always happen. What may the the big thing today is an outdated one tomorrow. Knowing what would be valuable and the changes in the printing needs of the customers will make you a treasure to them. Not all have the capacity to anticipate what the needs and preferences that people have. Doing some research or surveys about them would surely help a lot for both your advantage.
There is really no big secrets in having a permanent landmark in the printing industry. It just takes some basic business strategies and a know-how about life in general. In the printing industry, as well as well business industries, it does not always take complicated measures to ensure success. Some of the simple strategies are even more effective than comprehensive ones. Sometimes the more simpler things tend to be the best solution.
Successful printing industries are not magicians or miracle workers for that matter. They are just at their proper places at the right time and doing the right things too. Many businesses can learn from the strategies that these companies use.
Epson 802.11b Wireless Print Server
7The Epson 802.11b wireless print server lets create a wireless link between any Epson networkable inkjet print and a local area network (LAN).
Epson will have a new wireless Ethernet print server available in the second quarter of 2001. With the new print server, you can create a wireless connection between an Epson networkable ink jet printer and a LAN using the IEEE-802.11b communication standard.
The Epson 802.11b wireless print server is an option that attaches to the parallel port of Epson's networkable ink jet printers. The product will provide a data transfer rate of 11Mb per second at a range of 150 to 300 feet (depending on the density of the walls and floors the radio signal passes through). Users can print from various floors of a building, as the 802.11b standard does not require a clear line of sight.
Epson says the product is designed for the following:
Businesses that need network access to a shared ink jet printer that can be moved throughout the office without running cables
Businesses that need flexibility for frequent LAN wiring changes, either throughout their offices or in selected areas
Companies that can't install LAN wiring in their facilities because of building or budget limitations -- such as older buildings, leased space, or temporary sites
Home users who have installed 802.11b home networks or need to print using portable devices
Other companies have entered the wireless printing game, too. In 2000, Xerox and Compaq released MobileDoc, a software application that lets you fax and e-mail documents remotely from cell phones, handheld computers, and pagers; the link is created via a Bluetooth PC card attached in the computer's parallel port that sends radio waves to an antenna. Canon Business Machines, a business unit of Canon, and Troy offer wireless printer connectivity based on Bluetooth technology.
Epson will have a new wireless Ethernet print server available in the second quarter of 2001. With the new print server, you can create a wireless connection between an Epson networkable ink jet printer and a LAN using the IEEE-802.11b communication standard.
The Epson 802.11b wireless print server is an option that attaches to the parallel port of Epson's networkable ink jet printers. The product will provide a data transfer rate of 11Mb per second at a range of 150 to 300 feet (depending on the density of the walls and floors the radio signal passes through). Users can print from various floors of a building, as the 802.11b standard does not require a clear line of sight.
Epson says the product is designed for the following:
Businesses that need network access to a shared ink jet printer that can be moved throughout the office without running cables
Businesses that need flexibility for frequent LAN wiring changes, either throughout their offices or in selected areas
Companies that can't install LAN wiring in their facilities because of building or budget limitations -- such as older buildings, leased space, or temporary sites
Home users who have installed 802.11b home networks or need to print using portable devices
Other companies have entered the wireless printing game, too. In 2000, Xerox and Compaq released MobileDoc, a software application that lets you fax and e-mail documents remotely from cell phones, handheld computers, and pagers; the link is created via a Bluetooth PC card attached in the computer's parallel port that sends radio waves to an antenna. Canon Business Machines, a business unit of Canon, and Troy offer wireless printer connectivity based on Bluetooth technology.
A Review of Brother Laser Toners
Brother is right up there with HP and Samsung as one of the most sought-after brands of laser toner. The Japan-based Brother Industries was first famous for its sewing machines. It went on to produce all kinds of office equipment, such as machine tools, fax machines, label makers, printers, and other office equipment. They began making dot-matrix printers in the 1970s. In the 1980s, after HP blew up the market, Brother began releasing their own laser printers to consumers, and to other companies under the name of OEMed. Brother has a great reputation for printers and printing accessories.
You can buy new toner from Brother. There you will find plenty of personal, home, and small business laser toner cartridges and refills. You can also buy new toner refills in bulk, for middleweight to heavyweight business in need of massive amounts of toner on a daily basis.
One popular Brother laser toner cartridge costs about $34 from their website. This will yield about 2200 pages at 5% printing capacity. This percentage means that 5% of the page is assumed to be covered in ink. If you print a lot of photographs, that number will be much lower.
Be careful when buying Brother toner from third-party distributors. They will offer you lower prices under the umbrella terms of “compatible” or “remanufactured” laser toner cartridges. While some of these are perfectly reputable and suitable for a full range of printer uses, many others are below par. These phony cartridges will produce bad printing results and possibly damage your printer. Sometimes a third-party distributor might even package phony cartridges in real Brother packaging. You can find a list of authorized Brother retailers at their website.
Laser Toner Info provides detailed information about later toner cartridges and refills, as well as reviews of laser toner products
You can buy new toner from Brother. There you will find plenty of personal, home, and small business laser toner cartridges and refills. You can also buy new toner refills in bulk, for middleweight to heavyweight business in need of massive amounts of toner on a daily basis.
One popular Brother laser toner cartridge costs about $34 from their website. This will yield about 2200 pages at 5% printing capacity. This percentage means that 5% of the page is assumed to be covered in ink. If you print a lot of photographs, that number will be much lower.
Be careful when buying Brother toner from third-party distributors. They will offer you lower prices under the umbrella terms of “compatible” or “remanufactured” laser toner cartridges. While some of these are perfectly reputable and suitable for a full range of printer uses, many others are below par. These phony cartridges will produce bad printing results and possibly damage your printer. Sometimes a third-party distributor might even package phony cartridges in real Brother packaging. You can find a list of authorized Brother retailers at their website.
Laser Toner Info provides detailed information about later toner cartridges and refills, as well as reviews of laser toner products
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