Friday, December 16, 2011

The Benefits of Wireless Printers

By John Pickering


For the longest time, printing was limited to one computer, or several wired to network, where all printing had to be done from that location. Time was spent getting to the necessary area, setting up on that computer, then waiting for the host computer to turn on if it wasn't already set up. The lack of flexibility did have its added security, but it certainly took longer to get the files you needed printed when in a rush.

Flexibility

The main benefit to a wireless printer is flexibility. Instead of being tied down to one room or building to print to a specific printer, you need only have access to the internet. These printers can come with a wireless card already installed, making them truly wireless and capable of being placed almost anywhere there's an outlet, or they can be hooked into a wireless router and accessed from there. Old wired printers simply don't have that sort of flexibility. Better yet, they can print from handheld devices and mobile devices, meaning you can have papers printing on the go, especially if you run a business that requires a lot of going back and forth.

Other Pros

The benefits of this system are numerous. Once the initial cost is paid, you can save on the expenses of purchasing new wires. Not only that, but you don't have to worry about the tangled nest of cords that works its way into the back of a computer desk that you would normally have in a wired system. Without all the wires, you can easily set up both printer and computers wherever you want, without wondering if the dreaded cord will reach the particular port or get tripped on-and consequently unplug something important.

A Closer Look

All you need to print papers from home is access to the internet. That's the major benefit of using a wireless printer. Regardless of whether you run a large company or if you work self employed, the relief of being able to print when and where you need to can certainly reduce large quantities of stress. In those times where a contract needs to be printed and turned in, but you aren't going to get to work until five minutes before it's due, you can simply start the print job at home and have it waiting when you get there. You don't have to fluster over turning on a host computer, turning on your computer, loading your file, and waiting for the printer to be ready to print.

Or maybe you have a long line of papers to be printed, one that's going to take a while. You also have a long drive. By using a wireless connection, the printer can be told to start printing right away, and all those papers will be ready to go-- they just need binding. Other uses of this sort of printer include those little forgotten pages lurking at the back of your to do list, or anything in general. The convenience of such a printer can certainly be worth the cost where impatient customers are concerned, and if you find out last minute that a customer wants to see something when you get there, having it already printed will amaze and please a frazzled client.

Making the Choice

Like everything, there is a downside to wireless printing. For one, they aren't quite as secure as their wired brethren. Also, the technology of using may cost more money upfront, especially if you decide to get a router to run the printers through for added security. The other big problem is that you won't be on site if the ink runs out or your paper supply is short, or if there's a massive paper jam that decides to mess up your printing run. Regardless, wireless printers are convenient, flexible, and offer great benefits for those who'd like to be able to print straight from home to work-- wirelessly.




About the Author:



No comments: