Printers That Do More Then Print

Everything is becoming something else, and even printers are becoming devices that do more than print. For instance, plain-paper fax machines are now available (such as several from Ricoh) that can also function as laser or InkJet printers. Since 1990, Xerox has sold an expensive printer-copier-scanner that can be hooked into corporate computer networks.

A relatively recent type of machine, sometimes called an "office in a box/' can do even more. Multifunction machines combine several capabilities, such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, all in one device. An example is Okidata's Doc-It, which combines four pieces of office equipment-—photo­copier, fax machine, scanner, and laser printer—in one. Similar systems are available from Canon, Brother, Xerox, and Hewlett-Packard. Prices start at £500. Lexmark International sells a multifunction machine that can print—but not copy—in color. By doing the work of four separate office machines at a price below the combined cost of buying these devices separately, the multifunction machine offers budgetary and space advantages.

Computer Output Microfilm

If you take your time throwing out old newspapers, you know it doesn't take long for them to pile up. No wonder, then, that libraries try to save space by putting newspaper back issues on microfilm or microfiche. One ounce of microfilm can store the equivalent of 10 pounds of paper.

Computer output microfilm/fiche (COM) is computer output produced as tiny images on rolls/sheets of microfilm. Indeed, the images are up to 48 times smaller than those produced on a printer. Moreover, they can be recorded far faster and cheaper than the same thing on paper-printed output.

The principal disadvantage, however, is that a microfilm/fiche reader is needed to read COM. It's possible that COM could be made obsolete by developments in secondary-storage techniques, such as the use of removable, high-capacity hard disks. However, at present computer-assisted retrieval, which uses microfilm/fiche readers with automatic indexing and data-lookup capabilities, makes COM the preferred technology.

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 762