Large format printers (or plotters to some) are often the victims of the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. 

And while there are many HP DesignJet 1050s or DesignJet 5500s still printing page after page, there are plenty of reasons to put these workhorses out to pasture. 

So why should you upgrade your old large format printer? Let’s dive into our top four reasons to upgrade this year…

 

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Reason #1: Printer drivers are no longer supported on the latest computer operating systems

A printer driver is like a translator between computers and printers. They take the digital data from your computer and translate it into a language that your printer will understand. Without it, there’s no way for the two pieces of technology to communicate. Keeping these drivers updated and supported by your computer’s operating system is what keeps you printing.

But what happens when the printer driver is no longer compatible with the latest operating systems? 

To put this into perspective, the latest Windows operating system compatible with the HP DesignJet 1050c’s printer drivers is Windows Vista. 

Windows Vista was released in 2007 – sixteen years ago

The most common solution we see in this scenario is keeping a dedicated computer running Windows Vista. While this may keep you printing, the risks can greatly outweigh the convenience of keeping that printer operational. 

Which leads us to…

 

Reason #2: Cyberattacks due to unprotected devices on your network

As large organizations invest heavily in cybersecurity protections, small-to-medium sized businesses are increasingly the target of cyberattacks and malicious activity. The more older devices on your network, the greater the odds are of a cyberattack bringing your business to a screeching halt. 

Which brings us back to our old friend the HP DesignJet 1050c being operated by a computer running Windows Vista.

Microsoft stopped providing mainstream software and security updates to Windows Vista in 2012.

So while it might seem worth it keeping this printer running, this one device leaves a huge security hole on your network.

 

Reason #3: Ink cartridges and printheads increase in price or are discontinued

Benjamin Franklin wrote, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”.

We would add one more thing: ink cartridges and printheads being discontinued.

As printers age, far less ink cartridges and printheads are manufactured. As supply dwindles, prices go up and these items become more difficult to source. 

Longer lead times and higher prices are a recipe for lost productivity and higher operational costs for your business. 

By upgrading to the latest large format printer on the market, you can ensure that you have access to readily available ink cartridges and printheads, reducing the risk of downtime and ensuring consistent printing.

 

Reason #4: New features and capabilities can lower operational costs and increase productivity

Aside from the concerns over security and rising costs, upgrading your aging large format equipment ensures your team is using the productive tools for their jobs.

Printers like the DesignJet T1600 or DesignJet T2600 come equipped with front-loading media spindles and integrated top media stackers, making changing paper rolls and picking up your finished prints a breeze. 

The DesignJet XL 3600 takes this a step further by offering spindleless media drawers and an integrated CIS document scanner for quick scanning or copying.

If you’re a print service provider, the DesignJet Z6dr or DesignJet Z9dr both feature the first integrated vertical trimmer (”V-Trimmer”), allowing for borderless prints straight off the printer. If you’re in need of production photo quality prints, the DesignJet Z9+ Pro can handle media rolls up to 64 inches and offers spindleless media loading, perfect for those larger rolls and changing media fast.

 

Additionally, improved print speeds, faster startup times, and reduced ink consumption further increase your productivity while lowering operating costs.

 

Why upgrade to a new HP DesignJet?

HP has been a market leader in the large format printing industry for decades, and their DesignJet series of large format printers are proven to provide consistent high-quality prints for many years. 

When you upgrade your printer with Source Graphics, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll get best-in-class support from Day One. Our in-house team of sales and service representatives will help you decide which printer is right for you based on your specific needs.

Once ordered, we’ll assemble and deliver your printer straight to your business with our employee-operated fleet vehicles, and provide basic operator training so you know exactly how your new printer works.

Save on Your Next HP DesignJet with HP's Cash In, Trade Up Promotion

Now through March 31st, you can you save up to $1,500 when trading in your old large format printer. 

Setup and training included with every HP DesignJet purchase.

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