18 Evaluating MFPs
Convenient job retention features
Get the most out of the MFP’s embedded hard disk with four job retention features that allow printing to be
initiated from the device control panel after the print job is sent from the computer: Proof and Hold, Private Job,
Quick Copy, and Stored Job. See the user guide for more information on using each of these features.
Quick Copy Prints the requested number of copies of a job and stores a copy of the job on the MFP’s hard disk. Additional
copies of the job can be printed later, directly from the MFP’s control panel.
Proof and Hold Provides a quick and easy way to print and review the first copy of a job with multiple copies. After reviewing
the first copy, you can either print the remaining copies, which have been saved at the MFP, or cancel the job
from the control panel. After all copies are printed, the Proof and Hold job is deleted from the MFP. This
reduces network traffic, paper waste, and supplies costs.
Private Printing (virtual
mailbox)
Lets you protect confidential documents by allowing you to hold a job for printing until you release it using a 4-
digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) through the MFP’s control panel. When you enter the PIN in the
driver, it is sent to the MFP as part of the print job.
Stored Job Allows you to download a print job to the MFP without printing it. You can then print the job at any time from
the MFP’s control panel. For example, you may want to download a personnel form, calendar, time sheet, or
accounting form that other users can access and print.
Evaluation
Creating samples
First, develop a group of sample documents that represent what an end-user typically prints. This is the best
method for determining if a product is suited to your environment.
When evaluating performance, 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 and page length. Some suggested
content includes simple text documents, mixed text and graphics, and complex graphics containing
photographic images.
CAUTION! Using only one application or file can skew test results. Use several types of files and
applications to present a broad and realistic performance picture.
Different manufacturers provide different print modes (such as FastRes 1200). Try to compare similar modes
to achieve a fair comparison.
To evaluate the output 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.
Simple—text only
Mixed—from complex text
to a mixture of text and
medium-complexity graphics
Comple
—ima
es and
advanced graphics (using
overlays or fill patterns)
Performance
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