|
|
For printers that must be network connected and do not support the "Program"
type BOX, other options are available, however there are trade offs between
the ease of installation, speed and ease of update and support.
Here are the other options and their associated pros and cons:
| Type |
Pros |
Cons |
| eForms
SmartBOX, |
-
Super easy to install or remove / transport
-
Known to work with ALL PCL 5 printers!
-
Unlike the eForms BOX Program versions The
unit is programmed the same no matter what the model of printer.
|
-
Unlike the eForms BOX Program versions, the
print job must come from a workstation via a high quality IEEE-1284 1994
parallel printer cable. The printer might be accessed via the network through
that workstation, but the physical connected to the local workstation is
required.
-
Like the eForms BOX Program versions requires
Type
B parallel connection (or
C
to B adapter) and a power outlet for the supplied power adaptor.
|
| Notes: Best for locations with frequent eForms updates, any
printer with a workstation and no IT staff. |
| eForms BOX Program versions: |
-
Super easy to install or remove / transport
-
Known to work in most printers. See the Printers
page for known printers and the BOX version to use
-
Unlike the eForms SmartBOX, eForms can be overlaid
on print jobs from any source (network, serial, USB, IR, etc...) as long
as the application sending the data has been
integrated with eForms.
-
Like the eForms SmartBOX, can be updated at
or away from the printer by taking it off the printer and temporarily connecting
it between a workstation and some other printer.
|
-
Not tested in all printers.
-
It may not work reliably with the HP LJ 2200, 4000, 4050 or IBM NP 12 and
IP 1222.
-
Unlike the eForms SmartBOX The unit must be
programmed specifically for each model of printer. This means that the files
used to update the eForms SmartBOX can not be used to update the eForms BOX
program versions.
-
Like the eForms SmartBOX, requires
Type
B parallel connection (or
C
to B adapter) and a power outlet for the supplied power adaptor.
|
| Notes: Best for locations with frequent eForms updates, supported
printers and no IT staff. |
| ROM CHIP: |
-
Base technology. Known to work well and reliably in most
printers without customer effort after installation.
|
-
Can not be updated remotely. Any forms changes will require replacement of
chip. This includes programming, shipping, installation and return of the
old chip. This is not normally a significant issue unless you are far
away, or will be changing the forms often.
-
No longer supported in HP printers since the 4250 / 2420
|
| Notes: Best for locations with little or no expected eForms
changes and minimal IT support. |
| FLASH CHIP: |
-
Known to work in printers with FSA FLASH support (HP Laserjet 4xxx / 5xxx
/ 8xxx / 9xxx, IBM IP21,
1222, 1332, NP12, Lexmark
Optra, etc.. )
-
Can be updated remotely (May require parallel cable to a workstation or laptop)
|
-
Update MAY require a parallel connections and a WS or Laptop computer taken
to the printer to do the update. Network based updates have not been tested
in all printers.
-
Since the chip can only be programmed in the printer, if we don't have your
exact printer in-house, you will have to update the eForms before the first
use.
|
| Notes: Best for locations with supported printers, frequent
eForms changes and solid IT staff on-site. |
|
