HP Color LaserJet CM1015 - Evaluation; Creating samples; Printing samples

Evaluating color MFPs 13
Evaluation
Creating samples
First, develop a group of sample documents that represent what the end-user typically prints. This is the best
method for determining if a product is suited to your environment.
When evaluating output quality, your print samples should include multiple documents and file types, each
created in the applications that will be used by the end-user. The samples should have different elements (text,
graphics, and photographic images) and should vary in complexity. Some suggested content includes simple
text documents, mixed text and graphics, and complex graphics containing photographic images.
IMPORTANT! Using only one application or file can skew test results. Use several types of files and
applications to present a broad and realistic output quality picture.
Different manufacturers provide different print quality modes. Try to compare similar modes to achieve a fair
comparison.
To evaluate the print quality of text documents, such as those created in Microsoft Word and Excel, you
should print them in different print modes. Documents such as newsletters intended for circulation or image
files, where photo quality is desired, are preferably printed in the best mode.
Printing samples
Follow these guidelines for printing sample documents:
• When evaluating more than one product’s output quality, it is crucial that you make a fair comparison
between products. Print the same files on all products, using the same or equivalent settings. Use the
same operating system and software application, and be sure to test comparable print drivers. (Each of
these components interacts with the printing process and can affect output quality.)
• Use more than one software application to make sure software/driver conflicts are not affecting output
quality.
• Plain papers vary among brands and the regions in which they are manufactured. Some plain papers
have a preferred print side. You should also take into account storage conditions as well as how the
papers handle toner.
• Temperature and humidity should be kept constant for each product tested. These factors can have an
impact on final output quality.
Simple — text, line art,
and basic clip art
Mixed — from complex
text to a mixture of text
and medium-complexity
graphics
Comple
x
— photo
g
raphic ima
g
es and
advanced graphics (using overlays or
fill
p
atterns
)