The world of dot matrix printers is a niche but still relevant market, particularly for businesses and organizations that require high-volume printing, multi-part forms, and reliable performance. Two popular models in this category are the OKI Microline 320 Turbo and the Epson LQ-590II. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, specifications, and benefits of each printer to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Print Quality and Speed
The OKI Microline 320 Turbo is a high-speed dot matrix printer that can produce up to 435 characters per second (cps) at draft quality and 260 cps at near-letter quality. It features a 24-pin print head, which provides crisp and clear text, as well as decent graphics capabilities. On the other hand, the Epson LQ-590II boasts a slightly slower print speed of up to 386 cps at draft quality and 238 cps at near-letter quality, but it also uses a 24-pin print head for similar print quality.
Paper Handling and Capacity
Both printers are designed for high-volume printing and offer robust paper handling capabilities. The OKI Microline 320 Turbo can handle cut sheets, continuous forms, and multi-part forms with ease, thanks to its automatic sheet feeder and adjustable tractor feed. It has a maximum paper capacity of 550 sheets (continuous forms) or 100 sheets (cut sheets). The Epson LQ-590II also supports various paper types and sizes, including A4, letter, and legal-sized documents. Its paper capacity is slightly lower, with a maximum of 450 sheets (continuous forms) or 80 sheets (cut sheets).
Connectivity and Compatibility
In terms of connectivity, the OKI Microline 320 Turbo offers parallel, serial, and USB interfaces, making it compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. The Epson LQ-590II also features parallel, serial, and USB connections, as well as an optional Ethernet interface for network printing. Both printers are compatible with popular emulations, such as IBM Proprinter and Epson ESC/P2.
Reliability and Maintenance
Dot matrix printers are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. The OKI Microline 320 Turbo has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 10,000 hours and a print head life of up to 200 million characters. The Epson LQ-590II has a slightly lower MTBF of 8,000 hours, but its print head is also designed for long-life performance, with a lifespan of up to 150 million characters. Both printers have easy-to-replace ink ribbons and printheads, making maintenance a breeze.
Noise Level and Environmental Considerations
The OKI Microline 320 Turbo operates at a relatively quiet noise level of 55 dBA, while the Epson LQ-590II is slightly louder at 60 dBA. Both printers are designed with energy efficiency in mind and meet various environmental standards, such as Energy Star and RoHS compliance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the OKI Microline 320 Turbo and the Epson LQ-590II are reliable and high-performance dot matrix printers that cater to businesses and organizations with specific printing needs. While the OKI model has a slight edge in terms of print speed and paper capacity, the Epson printer offers comparable print quality and connectivity options. Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on your specific requirements, such as print volume, paper handling needs, and compatibility with your existing infrastructure. Whether you choose the OKI Microline 320 Turbo or the Epson LQ-590II, you can expect durable and efficient performance from these dot matrix printers.
