HP Color LaserJet CM2320 MFP series Evaluator's Guide

Evaluating value
An MFP’s value consists of more than just purchase price and the cost of supplies. Consider the following
factors:
• Initial purchase price, including enough memory to print complex documents in the highest print quality
mode, plus any accessories needed in the office or workgroup environment (such as a print server,
wireless options, an automatic two-sided printing unit, or additional paper trays).
Note To ensure accurate comparisons between products, be sure to compare street prices (or what you
would actually pay) instead of list prices.
• Warranty and service costs. (What is the standard warranty? Are upgraded service plans available?)
• Expandability. (Does the MFP support additional features?)
• Opportunity costs of outsourcing vs. in-house printing.
• User productivity costs. (How easy is it to learn to use the MFP? How easy is it to print your documents
correctly?)
• Special paper costs. (Does the MFP require special paper? Can recycled paper be used?)
• Supplies costs. (What does it cost, in both expense and downtime, to replace supplies?)
• Cost per page. It is difficult for end users to calculate the cost per page due to many variables. Therefore,
many manufacturers provide a cost per page calculation. When assessing cost per page, keep the
following in mind:
• Make sure the cost per page associated with a MFP’s print sample represents that sample. Some
manufacturers may quote the cost of printing in a draft mode, when the sample they give you is
printed in their best mode, which requires more toner or ink.
• Take note of whether special paper is required for the print sample.
• Make sure all the supplies are included in the cost per page calculation and not hidden as service
items. Also, remember that supplies used during routine cleaning and warm-up cycles are not always
included in the supply’s yield, which directly affects cost.
• Watch for other hidden costs (such as unusable output, which wastes toner).
20 Value