What in the world is an A4 copier?

Sharp has introduced a new catagory to thier line of copiers and the copier industry has labeled this category "A4".  Now, if you're not in the copier industry you're probably asking yourself "What in the world is an A4 copier and why should I care?".  My hope is that this blog will answer some of your questions and show you how this copier category can meet your present office needs.

There are basically three categories of copiers on the market now.  Desktop MFPs, Large "A3" Category copiers MFPs, and the new "A4" category.  I'll briefly, and hopefully in layman's terms, describe the three categories and show you the differences and benefits of the A4 category.

Desktop copiers print only in letter size paper from a tray, you can feed legal size paper through the paper feeder, however.  These are for use, well, on the desktop.  These devices are typically for personal use but we see them in small churches, schools, and small businesses.  They fill a need for inexpensive up front cost and for easy printing in very small quanties.  As many of you have experienced, especially with inkjet printers, the cost of replacing cartriges can be as much as the original printer.  And when something goes wrong it is usually easier to replace the device than to get it repaired.  You'll find multifunction devices from every brand which allow for printing, copying, faxing and scanning for a little bit more money but the size and output are usually the same.


A3 size Sharp MX-363N MFP



For mid-size and large offices, there has been the "A3" category of copiers and multifunction machines (mfp's).  They offer copying, printing, faxing, and scanning.  Copy speeds range from 16 pages per minute (ppm) to over 100 ppm.  The size of these machines vary depending on finishing options and attachments.  These copiers have a variety of paper output with paper trays up to 11 X 17 (ledger size) and can even print 12 X 18 from an optional paper feeder.  This has been the industry standard for a number of years now.  Dimensions for A3 devices are typically 25 1/2" (w) X 27 1/2" (d) X 38" (h).



A4 size Sharp MX-B402 MFP



Now there is another option.  The "A4" category offers all the functionality of the "A3" category.  Speed, output options, multifunctionality, and reliability remain the same but you can experience cost savings from reducing the size of paper trays.  The "A4" category devices have paper trays designed only for 8 1/2 X 11 (letter size) and 8 1/2 X 14 (legal size).  One big differnce between A3 and A4 devices is the glass top (platen) size. A4 devices have glass tops in letter size only but the paper feeder will feed legal size paper for copying.  Another difference between the categories is copy speed variety.  A4 models currently come in 31 ppm and 40 ppm. With options being the same, you can get a 40 ppm A4 copier for around the same price as a 28 ppm A3 copier. It's hard to tell from these pictures but the machines have a smaller footprint (just in case space is an issue in your office), typically 22 3/64" (w) X 19 13/32" (d) X 28 7/64" (h).  That's 8 inches smaller in depth than the A4 machines, quite a bit when you're already cramped for office space.

So, if your copying and printing needs are only for letter or legal size paper, with 31 to 40 ppm output, and you would like to save some space as well as money with your next copier without losing any of the functionality, contact us at http://www.purcells.com/ and let us see how much (space and money) we can save YOU!

First Post

Well, here we go.  Welcome to the first blog for Purcell's Business Products. We are excited about entering the upcoming year with this blog site and hope to bring you timely information that can help your business, school, church, or other organization.  I'll be posting articles on time managment, cost savings, notices of rebate offerings, sales discounts and many other items.  Keep coming back to see what we have to offer.

As we close this year and look ahead to 2011, we are so thankful to all of our loyal and valued customers.  Running a locally owned and managed business is exciting and trying at times.  We certainly make every attempt to meet and beat prices of the bigger box stores but our bread and butter has been, and will continue to be, the service we provide both in delivery of supplies, and the personal interaction we have with you, both in sales and in servicing and maintaining our award winning line of Sharp copiers.

Our sales staff, and really our entire staff, is very capable and willing to sit down and take the time to find out exactly what you need and what we can provide to fulfill that need and then meet and exceed your expectations.  Just this week I spent some time with a customer going over office furniture they were wanting to purchase.  The layout of the room wasn't quite working with the desks they originally looked at.  Taking that little extra time made sure they got what they needed and I hope will provide greater satisfaction once it's installed.  I also delivered some printed material to another customer and took the extra time and effort to put it right where they needed it, not just drop it at the front counter.  Just going the little extra bit is what we are all about.  We know the bottom line is important, but when you combine improvements to your bottom line AND good - hometown service, what a difference it makes.

So give us a call, drop us an email, or come by and see us.  Visit our website at http://www.purcells.com/ and you can find our contact information there.

Until then, have a very Merry Christmas and if you don't hear from us before, a Happy New Year!