Max. resolution
The maximum resolution of the image to be printed. It is usually indicated by two numbers denoting the number of dpi (DPI) horizontally and vertical:
600x600, 1200x600,
1200x1200,
2400x600,
2400x1200,
4800x600,
4800x1200,
4800x2400,
5760x1440,
9600x600,
9600x2400. The detail of the image depends on this parameter - the higher the resolution, the more fine details the printer is able to convey and the better their image will be. High print resolution is important, first of all, when working with graphic material; low resolution is sufficient for high-quality text display. So
First page print time
The time from the receipt of a print command to the exit from the printer of the first page printed in black and white, in other words, how long after pressing the "Print" button, the user will receive the first page. Most often indicated for draft (fastest) print mode, higher quality will take longer. You should pay attention to this parameter if you often need to print small documents (on one or several pages) on the printer.
OPC drum resource
The photoconductor is used in laser and LED printers (see Printing technology); during use, due to constant contact with paper, scratches and abrasions appear on it, which significantly affect print quality. In some printers, the photoconductor is part of the cartridge — in this case, its resource is equal to the resource of the cartridge, the drum is installed and changed along with it. In other models, the drum is installed separately.
The drum yield is the maximum number of pages that a printer with a drum unit can print without any noticeable loss in quality. It is usually specified for printers with a separate drum. The resource is a rather approximate value, because depends on the specific conditions of using the printer, and in fact it may differ from the claimed value both in one direction and in the other.
Cartridge model
The types of cartridges (both black and white and colour) used in the printer. Some printer models are able to work with "non-native" cartridges, but this feature usually refers to undocumented features, and the manufacturer's warranty covers only specific types of cartridges. So use "non-native" models with caution.
RAM
The amount of internal memory installed in the printer.
The main purpose of such memory is to store tasks sent for printing. This gives various additional features: printing when the computer is turned off, continuing to work after troubleshooting, pausing the process and resuming at will, etc. The more memory, the wider these printer capabilities (in particular, large volumes allow you to store more tasks ).
Note that we are talking about the built-in memory; if the printer also has a hard drive (see below), its capacity is specified separately.
Clock Speed
The clock speed of the processor installed in the printer. Theoretically, a higher clock speed improves performance and, accordingly, the actual speed of operation. However, in fact, these indicators depend on so many additional factors that the processor frequency is a purely reference parameter, and when choosing, it is worth focus on more “close to life” characteristics — print speed, first sheet output time, etc.
Noise level
Approximate noise level generated by the printer during normal operation. The decibels in which the noise level is expressed is a non-linear value, so it is easiest to evaluate this indicator using comparative tables. The
quietest printers give out about 35 dB — this is the volume of a conversation in a whisper, such noise will not stand out even in a quiet library reading room. A volume of 40 dB approximately corresponds to a conversation at an average volume, according to sanitary standards, this is the upper limit of permissible constant noise in residential premises during the day. For offices, the border is slightly higher — 55 – 60 dB, this is the volume of a conversation in raised tones. And the most powerful and heavy models give out up to 70 dB — this is comparable to a noisy city street; if such a printer is planned to be used frequently, it is advisable to install it in a separate room.
In general, lower noise levels make the device more comfortable to use, but may affect performance and/or price.
Power consumption
The maximum power consumed by the printer during operation. The lower the power consumption, the less energy the printer consumes, the more economical it is. On the other hand, devices with lower power consumption are often less performant than their more high consumption counterparts. And for the same performance, a more economical printer is likely to cost more, but with heavy use, it can pay off in energy savings.
