Share
From multifunctional copy machines to single function printers, finding the best office printer for your business boils down to a multitude of factors, such as budget and functionality needs.
From multifunctional copy machines to single function printers, finding the best office printer for your business boils down to a multitude of factors, such as budget and functionality needs. However, one core aspect that significantly influences office printer capabilities — and is often overlooked — is A3 & A4 compatibility.
Fundamentally speaking, A3 printers are able to print larger paper sizes (up to SRA3 320 x 450 mm) while A4 printers can only handle up to the standard A4 size of 210 x 297 mm. But more than just varying paper sizes, A3 and A4 printers differ on multiple metrics, each with its own advantages depending on your business requirements.
Konica Minolta’s award-winning bizhub i-Series offers a line of world-class office printing solutions that redefine efficiency in the dynamic workplaces of today, namely the bizhub 4700i A4 laser printer and the bizhub C650i/C550i/C450i A3 multifunctional printer. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing between an A3 and A4 office printer.
Is space a concern for your office? With smaller paper sizes in question, A4 printers often take up less space than their A3 counterparts. The bizhub 4700i’s compact body allows it to sit atop work desks or in tight office spaces comfortably, delivering unparalleled printing efficiency with a small footprint. Despite its compact frame, it still offers substantial paper feed capacity with a maximum of 1,600 sheets.
Meanwhile, the bizhub C650i/C550i/C450i is ideal for more spacious workspaces, serving as a standalone office hub and partner that meets diverse business needs. Its modular design offers a wide range of paper feeding options, with add-on cabinets that can enhance paper feed capacity up to 6,650 sheets. By reducing the frequency of paper tray refills, the sizable capacity of this A3 printing powerhouse helps to minimise downtime and simplify processes.
Do you intend to print everyday documents or collaterals of varying sizes like pamphlets and flyers? For more diverse printing needs, the bizhub C650i/C550i/C450i may be more suitable as they are capable of producing not only booklets, but also irregular-sized documents such as vouchers, postcards, and envelopes in full colour. This is made possible with the Paper Size Measurement function, which automatically measures the custom paper placed on the platen glass, making printing unconventionally sized materials a hassle-free process.
On the other hand, if you mainly require the printing of standard-sized documents in black and white, an A4 printer would be far more cost-effective, allowing you to streamline operations without investing in additional capabilities.
As a single-function monochrome laser printer, the bizhub 4700i is highly specialised and offers value, ease and convenience for daily office use. It delivers high-speed 47ppm printing and is equipped with a 1,200 dpi High Resolution Mode that reproduces minute details and fine lines in crystal-clear quality.
Do you require added functionalities such as hole-punching? If so, A3 printers are more likely to be equipped with value-adding features to optimise workflow. With the bizhub C650i/C550i/C450i, users have the option to choose among finishing options — saddle stitching, tri-folding, stapling, and hole-punching — allowing for efficient in-house production of book binding and printed materials.
However, for smaller businesses such as small & medium enterprises, an A4 machine may prove to be sufficient. While the compact frame results in fewer finishing options, users can leverage the intuitive operability of the bizhub 4700i for foolproof, reliable office printing for smaller-scale needs. In addition, there is an added flexibility of purchasing optional off-line staplers only when necessary to reduce printing expenses.
In today’s ever-evolving and fast-moving world of business, offices rely on innovative print technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Konica Minolta’s bizhub 4700i and bizhub C650i/C550i/C450i take A4 and A3 printing to the next level, presenting next-generation printers that empower businesses with unmatched productivity and optimisation.
Which printer suits your business? Find out now using our Business Solutions Recommender, or speak to our specialists for an in-depth recommendation.