The Periphery of Performance

The word peripheral is an unfair one, especially when applied to electronics and electric goods. Add to that the fact that this article is about computer peripherals, and you will see the real problem. Computer components that speed up our performance are so much more important to our day than those that don’t.

The definition of a PC peripheral is that it is a device attached to a host computer, and is dependent on the host for functioning. While in functionality, this definition is true, let’s see what devices traditionally constitute peripherals, and if the name is justified. In a computer peripherals list, you will see computer printers, image scanners, microphones, webcams and loudspeakers.  The fact of the matter is peripherals are some of the most useful inventions that we use on a regular basis.

With computer peripherals price ranges dropping like there is no tomorrow, now is the time to invest in some inexpensive and absolutely essential peripherals of computer. For instance, printers now come in a device called all-in-one printers, which can print and scan documents and send faxes as well. Some of these all-in-one printers can even connect to your computer via a Wi-Fi network so that you don’t have to deal with endless wires.

Accessories, on the other hand, have a better reputation of performance enhancement, hence the more respectable name. To name a few accessories for laptop, you can buy cooling pads, keyboards, bags for your laptops, headphones and speakers and external hard disks in which you can store all your precious data. Mice now come in so many various designs and with so many features, it can be quite over whelming. Did you know that some mice can even connect to your computer with a Bluetooth connection? Not only is it functionally convenient, it is also quite the fancy gadget to have handy when you’re trying to show up someone!

Not that this debate made justified anything, but let this serve as some food for thought.

Which Printer to Buy?

If you are looking for a printer for your home or Small Office Home Office (SOHO), you will land in a dilemma. Why? There are so many printers out there, in the pc peripheral market that you will end up truly confused. So, I decided to try and break down the process of finding the best printer that caters to your needs and fits your budget at the same time.

Computer peripherals price is a major component in decision making. Printers are fast becoming an important constituent in anybody’s computer peripherals list. Printers are mainly classified on basis of technology in to two types – Inkjet and Laser printers. Apart from technological classification, printers are also classified in to two types based on number of functions as Single function (Print only) and Multi-Function (Print, Copy, Scan and Fax in certain cases). Multi-function printers, as the name suggests, are capable of executing more than just printing function. These Multi-function devices (MFDs) can print, scan and hence copy, and fax in case of certain MF printers.

MF printers usually use Inkjet technology. Laser printers usually come in SF or single function printer type. MF printers or also known as All-in-One printers, house the components necessary for the multiple functions. This requires more space within the small or limited package. So while limitation of space requires that the technology used in MF printers remain small and compact, it is also important to make such devices compact and portable. Inkjet printing technology has evolved into compact components and lesser moving parts. While thermal technology is used in inkjet printing, the heat produced or used is less and manageable without the specific need of more space.

Hardware for computer components like optical drives, which deploy technologies like laser and optical sensors, have evolved to miniaturisation of computer hardware. However, Laser printing technology is yet to evolve to a point where it can be deployed into small package MF printers. Therefore, Laser technology requires more space to deploy, making them ideal for single function printers. Laser printers are ideal for high volume printing.

So, if you need multiple functions in your printing device, with smaller print volume, a multi-function Inkjet printer would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand if you require a high print volume type printer with little or no use for multiple functions in the printing device, then a good laser printer would serve you best.

Top 5 Printers

There are no good printers or bad printers, there are only efficient and inefficient printers. Coming under the category of pc peripheral, printers are perhaps the most uneconomical of the accessories for laptop or hardware for personal computer. Why? Because you will incur costs regularly and consistently by way of consumables like ink cartridges, toner cartridges, print drums etc.

Epson L100:

Epson L100 is an inkjet printer with a difference – instead of using liquid ink cartridges Epson L100 employs Ink tank technology for high volume printing. Ink tanks – one for each color and black cartridges, are used in place of replaceable cartridges.  These tanks can be easily refilled using ink bottles that can be purchased. Higher cost of printing involved in inkjet printers are reduced. This compact Epson printer is one of the best accessories for laptop due to its reduced costs and increased output.

Epson AcuLaser M1200

AcuLaser M1200 is a laser printer from Epson. The unique feature of this printer is that there are 3 different types of toner cartridges that can be used with this piece of pc peripheral – low capacity cartridge that yields on an average, 900 pages, moderate or standard yield cartridge that gives 1800 pages and high capacity cartridge that yields 3200 pages. While it sports a 48 MHz processor, the AcuLaser printer also has a parallel port (IEEE 1284) that can be quite useful and fast. This laser based piece of pc peripheral.

Samsung ML-1666

Claimed to be one of the smallest printers in the world, the Samsung ML-1666 is a black and white laser printer that is very productive. Built with a 150 MHz processor and 8MB memory, this Samsung laser printer can become the hardware for personal computer you own. Using a one-piece cartridge which is convenient to replace/install, this laser printer assures you of a yield of 1500 pages per cartridge.

Dell Mono 1130 and 1130n

Dell Mono 1130 and its cousin the Mono 1130n are two of its kind. With single input slot for media like envelopes, these laser printers are built for performance. The 1130 laser has 8MB memory while the 1130n has 64MB memory. 1130n has Ethernet networking capability in addition to its other performance features. Bothe Dell printers can use standard cartridges with 1500 pages yield or high capacity 2500 pages yield. These Dell accessories are useful pieces of hardware for personal computer are useful investments!