Archive for April, 2011

Top 6 Benefits of Wireless Printing in the Workplace

Tangled in WiresThere are a plethora of benefits to having a wireless printer in the office, such as the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600.  This convenient technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate from within and has positively impacted the cost and rate of production.  Here are the top 6 reasons it is a good investment for any office to get a wireless printer: Continue reading “Top 6 Benefits of Wireless Printing in the Workplace” »

Printing from a Playstation 3

PS3The Playstation 3 (PS3) is one of the most popular gaming systems on the market.  Equipped with many components similar to a computer, the PS3 can serve many of the same purposes, including searching the internet, social networking and browsing photos.  The days of joysticks and Nintendo at home have become worldwide gaming with headsets and wireless controllers.  Players can play against gamers from other countries and can even compete for millions of dollars. Continue reading “Printing from a Playstation 3” »

How to Replace HP LaserJet 2840 Cartridges and Imaging Drum

Replacing toner cartridges and imaging drums are standard procedures when it comes to maintaining a laser printer.  Most models from varying manufacturers have similar configurations; however, the internal setup of the HP LaserJet 2840 is slightly different, as the cartridges and drum can only be accessed by lifting the scanner (as shown in image, release button is circled).HP 2840 Printer

Replacing the Cartridge

Rather than offering standard slots, the cartridges are held on a carousel and users must use the button on the control panel to rotate to the color that is being replaced.

How to Change the Color Depth of Your Monitor

Color depth and bit depth are two terms that are very frequently confused. While the two terms are somewhat interchangeable, bit depth is usually used in reference to printers, scanners, and other hardware devices, while color depth generally refers to monitors and other display devices. Either term refers to the number of colors used to create an image. The larger the number, the more colors, and the smoother and more accurate the image will appear.

Color DepthWhichever term is used, matching or exceeding the color depth of your computer monitor to that of your printer or scanner will allow you to view images more accurately, so that your prints will look the same as what you see on your screen. For example, if you choose a 24-bit color depth when scanning an image, you want to ensure that your monitor is set for 24-bit mode or higher so that you can see the full color spectrum of the image. When sending an image to a printer, if your color depth is set too low, the printed image may look very different than the image that was on the screen. Follow the steps below to change your computer’s color depth setting. Continue reading “How to Change the Color Depth of Your Monitor” »

Choosing a Scanner

There are various types of scanners out there, and the one that is right for you should be based on your intended use.  Not all types of scanners are made for the same uses and they each offer different strong points.  Some specialize in quality while others are more speed-oriented.  Some are small enough to travel with while others come as a part of a multifunction office unit.  Use the information below to determine what kind of scanner would best suit the needs of your home or office.

FlatbedFlatbed Scanner

Flatbed scanners are one of the most common types.  It will take up a small table or one side of a standard desk, but it provides flexibility in the size of material that can be scanned.  Because the glass scanning surface is flat and the cover opens all the way, there is almost no limit to the thickness of the material being scanned.  Pages from textbooks, articles from magazines, even DVDs and CDs can be laid on the surface and scanned into digital versions.  Flatbed scanners are the best option for users who want great scanning quality and flexibility, and don’t mind taking up a little extra space. Continue reading “Choosing a Scanner” »

HP Fax Errors

Though fax machines are slowly becoming obsolete as the world continues to go digital, many offices still rely on this form of communication for sending important documents.  Like any piece of equipment, errors will arise and trying to decrypt these codes is often more baffling than the errors themselves!

Fax repairBefore troubleshooting the issue, be sure all of the cords are plugged in, other devices are not using the phone line, and the machine is ready to receive faxes by having paper loaded and HP toner installed. Continue reading “HP Fax Errors” »

Cleaning Canon Waste Ink Absorbers

When you run the automatic internal cleaning system in your Canon printer, accumulated dust particles and dried ink will be swept from the printhead to prevent clogging and an eventual reduction in print quality.  That dirt and excess ink that is cleaned must go somewhere, however.  This is the purpose of the waste ink absorber.

ink absorber fullThe waste ink absorber consists of two foam pads within a rubber frame, the foam absorbs the mess and prevents the loose particles from falling to the floor of the machine.  Eventually, though, the waste absorber gets full and needs to be emptied and cleaned.  You will know when this time comes as an error message will be triggered and the printer will not print. This error is either displayed as “Waste Ink Tank Full” or “The Ink Absorber is Full” in the software or on the control panel, or a sequence of flashes from the printer’s indicator lights will indicate this error when you consult the manual. Continue reading “Cleaning Canon Waste Ink Absorbers” »

Changing Canon Pixma MX700 Bulbs

MX700The Canon Pixma MX700 has quite a few things that make it different from other models on the market. One of these things that sets it apart is its small bulb, or lamp, placed inside that helps the machine scan and copy documents. Just  like any lamp or light in your house or workplace, that little light inside your MX700 will eventually burn out and need replaced.  When this light burns out, the unit will no longer be able to copy or scan. Continue reading “Changing Canon Pixma MX700 Bulbs” »

Cartridge Not Recognized?

If you’ve been using OEM cartridges in your inkjet or laser printer and have recently replaced those with remanufactured or compatible products, you may be receiving an error message telling you that the new cartridge is not recognized, or that the cartridge is empty, even though you know it is full. Don’t panic!  This just means your printer is having trouble reading the chip on the new cartridge.  Generally, doing a “Cold Start” will clear the issue right up. We created this video to demonstrate the process for you:

Continue reading “Cartridge Not Recognized?” »

Cleaning Printer Rollers

Printer RollersEven the best printers can experience problems from time to time. If you find yourself constantly having to clear paper jams, deal with misfeeds, or you find that there are streaks on your printed pages, it may be a good time to try cleaning the rollers. The roller mechanism includes one or more wheels that grab the paper and feed it through to be printed. If the rollers get coated with oils or other substances, they may not grip as well, causing misfeeds and paper jams. They can also become coated with dirt or other substances, and transfer it to the page, causing streaks. It is a good idea to clean the rollers at least a few times a year to prevent these issues. Continue reading “Cleaning Printer Rollers” »