The features and capabilities you should look for when putting a printer in your classroom
A student needs to print research from the internet. You need to copy a page from a book to make a handout for the entire class. You need to scan a form to upload it to the school’s system. Permission slips! Those need to get printed, too.
Even in today’s digital world, printers for schools are an essential tool in education. Choosing the right classroom printer means keeping a few details in mind. Here are factors to consider when choosing a printer for your classroom or school.
Looking for a printer to meet your industry’s unique needs? Check out our guide, Business Printing Solutions: Which Printer Fits Your Industry? for more information.
Economy
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing printers for schools is economy. Schools are continually starved for resources. A new technology purchase will be expected to fit within strict budgets. So, multiple benefits at minimal costs are key in a printer for teachers.
With printers for schools, there’s more than just the upfront cost to consider. Since printers require ink or toner, those operational costs need to be considered as well. Many printer manufacturers will sell their printers at a lower cost, knowing you will have to purchase their brand of ink. As a result, many printers that seem less expensive will actually cost you more in the long run.
For the best value, consider a laser printer over an inkjet. While a laser printer may cost more upfront than an inkjet, it can be a lot less to operate long-term. A single laser printer toner cartridge can produce far more pages (roughly 2,500-4,000 pages per cartridge) than inkjet cartridges (around 220 pages). This makes laser printers more efficient and economical over the duration of their lifespan.
Did You Know?:The RICOH C125 MF printer offers business-quality color duplex printing with USB, Wi-Fi, and ethernet connectivity. Click here to learn more.
Reliability
Hand-in-hand with economy comes reliability. A printer for classroom use will need to stand up to multiple users and frequent use. This makes a printer made by a reputable manufacturer known for reliability a primary consideration.
At Ricoh, we prioritize reliability to ensure that our products will stand up to the rigors of daily use. And for those rare occasions when a malfunction happens, we offer our Advance Exchange program. With Advance Exchange, we will send a replacement before you return the malfunctioning equipment. This helps you quickly get back to work printing and scanning to meet the needs of your daily routine.
Functionality
Space is limited in classrooms. There may simply not be space for a separate device to fit every need. An all-in-one printer may be the solution.
The specific features of all-in-one printers vary by manufacturer, but ideally should include scanning and copying in addition to printing. Scanning will allow you to digitize documents for entry into a records management system or to simply upload them to your school’s network. Copying will allow you to print copies of books, worksheets, or whatever you need to add to your curriculum.
Did You Know?:The RICOH C125 MF multi-function printer can also copy, scan, and fax — all in a compact frame. Click here to learn more.
Connectivity
From a computer on your desktop to the tablets in your students’ backpacks, a printer needs to be able to connect to a wide array of devices.
First, look for a printer with an ethernet connection. This will allow your printer to connect to the school’s network so that it can print from any connected workstation. And if your printer is an all-in-one, it will also be able to scan and upload documents to the network.
A USB connection is useful if you want your printer connected to a single workstation. But to get the most out of your printer, consider a model with Wi-Fi and the ability to connect to mobile devices.
Our recommendation: RICOH C125 MF Color Multifunction Laser Printer
The RICOH C125 MF Multifunction Laser Printer can print, scan, fax, and copy, making it a useful addition to any classroom setting. It comes with USB and ethernet connections and is Wi-Fi enabled, giving you the option to print from mobile devices using AirPrint™ and Mopria®. Its large, 250-sheet capacity paper tray means more time spent printing and less time spent adding paper. Plus, it has a 35-sheet capacity automatic reversing document feeder for duplex copying and scanning. To learn more about how the C125 MF would be a valuable learning tool for your school, visit our website.
Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only, and shall not be construed, or relied upon, as legal or financial advice. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings. Please consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific situation as regulations may be subject to change.
