On 2/5/2016 9:41 PM, Dave Boland wrote:
To test the printer's ability to print. Not obvious? The files are
test documents - a business letter, a news letter with color graphics,
and a photo.

The usb drive is being used because there is no other way to get a file
to these printers to test them short of bringing a laptop with drivers
installed and a usb cable.

No it was not obvious.

If you want to test a printer in the store there is a function that can
be activated to print a test page. It will print some black text and a
colored picture.

The files that you want to print are universal files types and if you
have the proper software to print that file type any printer will print
them. All basic printers, even the cheapest, will print the file format
you have.

What may vary is the quality of the print or images. The best way to
learn about this is to read the printer reviews in the Computer
magazines or online web sites. You can also compare the manufacturers
specification.

There are stores in our area that will not even take the item out of the
box, no floor models. I doubt very much if you can get the salesperson
to set up a computer with the proper software, so you can load your
files and then print them to the print of interest. You are going to
have to buy the printer take it home and print from you own computer.

Remember if you do find a store to set up a computer you are going to
pay 20% to 100% more for the printer for the privelge of printing those
couple of pages.

Most stores have a time period where you can return the item with no
question asked. So first do the research select a printer, install it on
your home computer, and if you don't like it take it back and try
another computer. Don't do this at the same store, they get unhappy if
some one returns several printers in a short period.

Welcome to the current marketing world of computer printers.

As I said there are a few models of printers that will print from a USB
drive, but it depends on the model and manufacturer as to which will do it.

If you are going to buy a printer for a couple of thousand dollars, you
may get more response form the saleman.