What Is a Workgroup Printer?
A workgroup printer is a computer printer designed to handle a larger print load than most personal printers, and is common in business settings and libraries. It comes with the ability to be hooked up to a LAN, or local area network, that every user in the same network can use. While buying a workgroup printer, one should weigh the balance between its added efficiency and its added cost.
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Workgroups
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A workgroup refers to a group of people working toward a common goal, such as business colleagues or collaborators on a project. Microsoft in particular uses the term to describe PC users on a single LAN who share files, hardware (such as printers) or an Internet connection.
Benefits
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Workgroup printers are typically faster than personal printers thanks to more RAM (memory) and better processors. They have larger paper trays and ink cartridges that hold more toner. Printer support is also streamlined. Instead of dealing with each user's different setup, only one printer needs to be worried about.
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Drawbacks
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Having only one printer for every user is a double-edged sword. While it streamlines support, it also means that if the printer malfunctions, no one in the network will be able to print. For this reason, it's often smart to have a lower-cost backup printer on hand. The other main disadvantage is that workgroup printers cost more than personal printers thanks to their increased power.
Considerations
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There are a number of factors to consider before buying a workgroup printer. Common considerations include the number of people who will be using the printer, how often printing will be needed, how good the print quality needs to be and how much you'll be able to spend. For small businesses that only ever need to print office memos, for example, a bleeding-edge laser workgroup printer isn't necessary. Another consideration is a printer's "duty cycle," or the maximum amount of printing it is able to handle each month. Processor.com suggests that any printer should have a monthly duty cycle of at least twice the amount of printing you expect to perform.
Buying
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When searching for a workgroup printer, TechWorld advises you to make sure you buy a printer with a built-in LAN adapter to make connections much easier and cut out the need for a dedicated server. Also, with so many choices and brands on the market, get second and third opinions. Sites like Epinions.com and Yahoo! Shopping (see Resources) provide user reviews along with listings.
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