thunder04

iTrader: (1)

I'm on the search for a printer that will replace the half dozen of Lanier LP235c's we have. The only three requirements are that it print color, not be an ink-jet printer, and be capable of printing on 11x17 sized paper.

HP is preferred, but we are open to other brands.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

doopstr

Why do you want to ditch the printers that you currently have?

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

1) Our relationship with Ricoh/Lanier has gone south (we used to have a copier contract with them...ended via lawyers) so we're trying to move away from their stuff.

2) They're a bit on the fussy side. There is always something wrong with at least one of them. Though, that could be abuse via our users.

3) We may be able to get printers from HP at a severely discounted rate (a district parent, who works for HP, has offered to pull some strings for us).

We're simply looking for alternatives...who knows, we may keep them.

jupitersolo

You say has to be laser, it is use to be more presentation than image?

JLatimer

I have installed a few of the HP CP4020. They are wont print tabloid like you require. HP has a few models in the same family that do print tabloid though. They perform well, but seem to be a little susceptible to dry environmental conditions when the toner seems to create slight ghosting on the paper.

My experience is though that the new printers just cant match the duty cycles of the older printers - even though in specifications they do. They just don't seem to last.

For heavy duty use I would recommend a large format copier/printer multifunction. They are better engineered for the high duty cycles.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

Yeah. Of course, the higher the resolution the better. :-D

Our problem might be that we don't use them enough. I know printers of this caliber have a "minimum duty cycle" that manufacturers claim...is this true? Can these printers deteriorate from non-use?

jupitersolo

No, what I was trying to get to is that if you are going to use for image you can use a modern day inkjet printer, Epson and Canon have some great printers for that.

JLatimer

Yes. A few things can happen...

Toner settles and your yield isn't as good and you don't end up with even distribution of toner to paper.
You can get flat spots in fuser and feed rollers if a printer sits idle for too many days at a time.
Lubrication is accomplished through use. So lubrication is not done on internal components, dirt and dust buildup in mechanics.

However if the printer is getting daily use you likely don't need to worry about those things. I think it more applies to printers that sit idle for a week.