Recommended Computer Peripherals
The following equipment is recommended by the Computer Network Services Department and includes network laser printers, receipt printers and barcode scanners. All of the equipment can be purchased through the CNS Department. The pricing listed is MSRP but sales and discounts for educational and government agencies can lower the pricing, as well as sometimes including free shipping.
Printers
Network Printers
Currently we do not have a list of recommended printer models. Historically, we’ve recommended HP laser printers for both cost and reliability reasons. Epson EcoTank printers have also become popular and seem to have a lower cost for consumables.
For libraries that require higher output from their printers, and want to offer copy and fax capabilities, we recommend looking into purchasing or leasing network copiers such as a Canon or Ricoh. .
Receipt Printer & Paper
The CNS Department recommends the Star Micronics TSP143IIIU thermal receipt printer. The Star Micronics printer has an MSRP of around $200 but our vendors usually have it priced below that amount.
FLLS carries receipt printer paper by the case. As of January 2021, all receipt paper is a Phenol free thermal paper. A case of 50 rolls of paper is $68 and can be ordered from the CNS department and sent via delivery.
Label Printers
Spine labels can be printed on full page sheets on laser or inkjet printers or on dedicated label printers. Any laser or inkjet printer can be configured for label printing. We recommend two label printers.
- Zebra GK420t
- Zebra TLP2824
The GK420t prints both spine and pocket labels while the narrower TLP2824 prints spine only labels. Either printer can be ordered through FLLS.
FLLS also stocks supplies for all four types of spine label printing and those supplies can be ordered through the CNS department’s ticket system.
- SLB Spine and Pocket label sheets (1200 labels per pack): $50
- SLB Spine only label sheets (5000 labels per pack): $37
- Zebra GK420t label kit (1570 labels per kit): $55
- Zebra TLP2824 label kit (1375 labels per kit): $20
Scanners
Three scanners are recommended, a standard USB scanner, a USB 2D scanner for scanning NYS licenses during patron registration, and a wireless scanner. The wireless scanner can be used with any computer that has a Bluetooth receiver but is geared towards tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices. USB scanners can be used with any device that has a USB port, including some tablets.
- Honeywell Hyperion 1300G USB: $160
- Socket Mobile SocketScan S730 wireless: $260
- Datalogic QD2590-BK 2D Scanner USB: $170
Computers that do not include a Bluetooth receiver can have one added via a Bluetooth USB adapter. Bluetooth adapters range in price from $10 – $20 depending on brand. Dell OptiPlex All-in-One desktop computers and Latitude laptops offered through the Bulk Buy purchase all currently include Bluetooth by default.
Stands for the Honeywell 1300g scanner are available for approximately $40. The stands have a flexible neck and can be used with the scanner in presentation mode to allow hands-free scanning.
Miscellaneous
Keyboards
Kensington offers a washable keyboard for approximately $34 each. The keyboard, but not the cable, can be fully submerged in water if needed to clean it. It can be wiped down with sanitizing wipes or sprayed with a liquid cleaner and wiped down.
- Kensington Antimicrobial Washable-Keyboard K64406US: $34
Wireless Network Adapters
USB wireless adapters can be added to any Windows device with a USB port, including All-in-One, desktop and laptop computers. Prices vary but are approximately $20.
- TP-LINK TL-WN725N 150Mbps Wireless-N Nano USB Adapter: $14.28
Notes
Pricing: All prices are estimated based on manufacturer MSRP and do not include shipping charges which may apply. The CNS Department always shops for the best price on equipment before purchasing and will sometimes send email announcements when vendors offer special discounts. Pricing can change frequently so always check with the CNS Department when budgeting for a new device.
Availability: All models listed are current as of the last update date. Printers, especially, change model numbers frequently and the equipment listed may be replaced by the manufacturer with a new model at any time. Check with the CNS Department for the latest pricing and model information.
Last Updated: 12/20/2024