The difference is that copiers are built primarily for copying and printers primarily for printing; they can now both do everything with provisos. A copier will always be able to copy a document, a printer will not, but some printers can have copy capabilities, most notably multifunction printers (mfp) that can do other things too such as copy, scan, print perhaps collate and so on. Similarly a copier may be a multi-function-copier ie mfc with such capabilities. Many ordinary printers are being replaced by mfp’s. However copiers seem to be replaced by copiers and printers by printers.

Which is best?

It depends what you want to do. If you want to do a lot of copying then get a copier. Especially if you are going to exceed volumes over 99,000 in a year. BUT if you want to print then a robust printer is a better option. HP and sharp printer’s are the professional’s preferred choice for quality prints and Lexmark for longer runs. For copiers Xerox is a hardy perennial with Ricoh popular too.

Service and Customer Service with Copiers

With copiers the key difference is that the components are replaced by engineers and toner is replenished by them. With printers, the cartridge and possibly a drum is the consumable. So service is key for copiers. It means for example if you have mono copying and printing with quite a lot of print on each page, in theory your costs should work out pretty good. However it’s all down to the deal you strike with the service provider.

Hierarchy of Printing

For very small volumes ie domestic volumes such as 100 a month an ink jet is economic.
For 300+ a month a laser jet makes sense with HP and Lexmark being very popular printers.
For very high repeat volumes of the same item why not get it printed by your litho or digital printer supplier: get a quote from a reputable printer or call us for advice.

Back to copiers and printers….

Features

Copiers models used to have more features and it is certainly easier to find copiers with a range of A3 products for example also features such as binders, staplers etc. However there are hundreds of printers so this gap has been narrowed so just ask your supplier.

Service Support

Copiers do need regular service, so be sure you need the features you order. With a copier the toner is replenished on service. With a printer the technology is in the cartridge; this is replenished and removes some of the need for service support.
for more info visit:http://www.kara.com.ng/copier/