Recommended Printing Solutions
Preferred printing through Ricoh
For most printing needs, we recommend using a shared multi-function copier from Ricoh. These multi-function units provide a high quality printing solution to many at a fraction of the cost of individual desktop or workgroup printers. For those unable to leverage a shared printing solution, we make the following recommendations.
Purchasing
Northwestern has a preferred vendor agreement with HP and CDW-G for printers. All models are available through the CDW-G site in iBuyNU by clicking on the HP Printer Pricing button under the Northwestern Contract Pricing heading.
Purchasing notes
- If you want to be able to print double-sided, you must pick a printer that is a "duplex," often denoted in the model number with a "d."
- If more than one person wants to print to the machine, it will need to be connected to a network . If you see an "n" in the title of the printer, that means it has this feature.
- Recommended print speeds or ppm(pages per minute):
- Single Users - around 26 ppm
- Small Groups with light usage - around 35 ppm
- Small Groups with medium usage - around 42 ppm
Important considerations
- WITS recommends using your department's multifunction copier rather than purchasing a personal multifunction printer. See the Copier Management Program for more information.
- Single-user printers should be the exception, not the norm. Northwestern IT strongly recommends the use of network printers that can be shared by several users in the same area.
- Whether single or multiple user, a printer that is connected to the Northwestern network should be secured with a static IP address and closed ports. Please submit a service request to have Northwestern IT configure security settings for the printer.
- Duplex (two-sided) printing should be set as default on all printers. Please submit a service request if you would like assistance with configuring your printer. (Please note: Not all printers are capable of duplex printing. HP printers capable of duplex printing will have a "d" after the model number.)
- HP printers do not generally ship with cables included. If you need a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer, it will have to be ordered separately.
- Northwestern IT does not recommend purchasing or support InkJet printers. The initial cost may be lower than that of a LaserJet printer, but they are less reliable and tend to have a higher cost of ownership in the long term.