Printing efficiency is the key factor in determining actual yield and costs.  However, the quantity of ink used is not a good indicator of efficiency because all printers use some ink for maintenance.  Neither is individual ink cartridges more efficient compared to tri-color systems.

In a month-long inkjet efficiency testing, SpencerLab, a boutique consultancy focusing on the application of digital color imaging in computer printing, conducted an HP-commissioned independent study to compare printing efficiency of different inkjet systems and to examine page yield during typical customer usage.  The study aimed to determine the ink consumed during maintenance, ink available for printing, and page yield during continuous and intermittent printing.

Eight printers divided into two groups were used in the study.  These printers were used simultaneously in the morning and in the afternoon for 30 days at the print rate of 70 pages per month. 

In terms of yield loss in intermittent vs. continuous printing, the HP Deskjet 5740 had the highest average efficiency.  For the second group, the HP PSC2355 got the highest average of efficiency.

With intermittent use, that is start-and stop printing, the HP Deskjet 5740 had the highest weighted average for Group 1 and for Group 2, the HP PSC2355 led the pack.

In similar tests conducted by PC Pro, UK and PC Authority, Australia, the HP 8450 was on top of the efficiency rating in comparison with more than ten printers.

The SpencerLab tests concluded that:

• Ink is vital not only for printing but also for system maintenance;
• Consumer’s usage profile (continuous vs. intermittent use) significantly affects printing efficiency;
• Printing efficiency varies among vendors;
• Individual color ink cartridges may not be more cost-effective than tri-color cartridges.

The next time you shop for a printer, don’t just look at the price.  There’s more to a printer than just the cost.  It pays to consider the hidden costs of printing: reliability, quality, performance, and productivity.

(For feedback, comments, suggestions email me at openingpagemb@yahoo.com)