Written By: Steven Bryan

Not all copiers are created alike, so it’s important around for those copier manufacturers who produce the right kind of equipment for your office.

Features to look for

Copiers come in all shapes and sizes, with features that range from basic duplication to booklet-sized copies. When considering copier manufacturers, make sure their products offer some of the following functions and features:

• Two-sided copies (which saves money and paper)
• Color and black and white copying
• Scan-to-email (sends the copy directly to the e-mail addresses of business associates)
• Energy Star compliance (the Energy Star label indicates energy-efficient products)
• Easy maintenance (e.g., how long do the toner cartridges last?)
• Copying speed (how many pages per minute can the copier produce?)

Office equipment like copiers can break down at the most inconvenient times, so double check the copier manufacturer's service and repair policy. A malfunctioning copier can bring office productivity to a standstill.

Multifunction copiers

Depending on your office needs, you can purchase a desktop copier at a superstore for less than $100, or spend several thousand dollars on a multifunctional model (or “all in one”) that handles copying, printing, faxing, and scanning.

Multifunction copiers can serve as the central printer and fax machine for everyone in your office so you can purchase one piece of equipment instead of three. Some copiers even allow you to insert media cards from cameras or connect devices with a USB cable.

It’s important to recognize that not all multifunctional copiers are alike. The equipment you can purchase at your office supply superstore is fine for personal use and low-volume jobs, but would never be able to handle the workload of an entire office. Look for multifunctional copiers with high speeds and page per minute output if you plan to make it available to everyone in your office.

You can either find an all-in-one machine through a copier dealer, or get price quotes specifically for multifunctional devices.

Leading copier manufacturers

Many companies make office equipment, but some copier manufacturers have been in business for decades:

• Xerox: The company whose name is synonymous with copies, Xerox receives the credit for introducing the first plain-paper photocopier.
• Brother: A corporation linked to office equipment for more than 50 years, Brother has a line of multifunction copiers that also can fax and scan.
• Lexmark: A top printer manufacturer, Lexmark produces a line of multifunction units that can make copies without being connected to a computer.
• Canon: Perhaps best known for its cameras, Canon offers copiers suitable for both small and large offices.

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