HP LaserJet 4345mfp Series - Page 25

Evaluating the MFP 21
Different manufacturers provide different print modes (such as FastRes 1200). Try to compare
similar modes to achieve a fair comparison.
To evaluate the print quality and speed 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.
Evaluation guidelines
Before you print the sample documents, make sure that your test environment simulates the
end-user’s and that you make a fair comparison between products. Follow the guidelines below:
Measure performance from the end-user’s perspective.
• Print from computer systems that closely match the typical end-user’s.
• Test multiple media sizes and types.
• Test MFP features (copying, scanning, faxing, digital sending, two-sided printing, multiple
pages per sheet, etc.).
• Test and compare default settings. (What settings will the end-users use most often?)
When evaluating more than one product, it is crucial that you make a fair comparison between
products.
• Print from identical computer systems so that variations in speed are not due to differences in
processing power.
• Print the same files on all products, using the same print media and the same or equivalent
settings. Print modes such as FastRes 1200 and 300 dpi need to be tested separately for each
product and compared respectively. The HP LaserJet 4345mfp series includes three print
modes:
• FastRes 1200: This setting produces 600 by 600 dpi enhanced with HP REt (Resolution
Enhancement technology), which prints at 2-bits per pixel, creating additional levels of
gray and markedly better print quality than traditional 600 dpi. This is the default print
setting and prints at full engine speed (up to 43 ppm).
• 600 dpi: This setting produces high quality printing at full engine speed.
• 300 dpi: This setting can be used for draft printing.
• Use the same operating system and software application and be sure to test comparable
printer drivers. (Each of these components interacts with the printing process and can affect
performance.)
Evaluating printing performance
Using the samples that you created, perform the following tests to gauge product performance.
First-page-out The time from when the print command is issued to a product that is in sleep mode until the
completion of the first page. This test measures the effect of an instant-on fuser and shows a
product’s true speed.
Click-to-drop The time from when the print command is issued until the completion of the print job.
Pick-to-drop The time from when the first piece of paper is picked up by the product until the completion of
the print job.
Return-to-application The time from when the print command is issued until the time when the computer is available
for other tasks.