Work-at-home professionals say they need a wireless printer to complete a truly wireless work environment in their homes, according to the latest survey commissioned by Lexmark International, Inc. on productivity and technology trends at work and at home(1).
The online survey included 1,000 respondents in three categories:
* People who bring work home from the office on weeknights or weekends
(48 percent of respondents).
* People who operate a home-based business (29 percent of respondents).
* People who telecommute from home at least periodically (23 percent of
respondents).
When asked about wireless technology in their homes, 40 percent of respondents strongly agreed with the statement "I have a complete wireless setup at home."
However, only 18 percent of those who strongly agreed that they had a complete wireless setup said they had wireless printers and 63 percent subsequently agreed that they need a wireless printer to complete their home setup.
"Many people are focused first on the basics of wireless networks in their homes -- essentially just connecting computers to the Internet via routers linked to their broadband modems. That accounts for the exceptionally strong growth in sales of wireless-enabled laptops and routers. But to get the full advantage of working more productively at home, a wireless printer is essential," said Paul A. Rooke, Lexmark
executive vice president and president of its Consumer Printer Division.
Lexmark offers a new line of affordable wireless all-in-one (AIO)
printers.
The printers' wireless capabilities enable users to work anywhere in the home that is accessible on their wireless networks, enabling complete mobility(1). In addition, all of the wireless-enabled computers in the house can print wirelessly to the same printer, eliminating the need for multiple printers and potentially different supplies items.
Where they work Respondents to the latest Lexmark survey cited inadequate office space as a key dislike about working from home. While 42 percent said they have a separate home office or study, the remainder of respondents said they work from a wide range of locations within the home, including spare bedrooms, kitchen or dining room tables,
space in their basement, a "nook" under stairs or in a hallway, a coffee table in the living room, their bed, and a corner of the baby's room, for example.
With wireless printers, users are not limited in their placement by proximity to a computer or computers, providing more flexibility to take advantage of the most convenient space possible.
What they print Text documents are the most commonly printed material by work-at-home professionals, followed by Internet content. Here's a list of content and the frequency with which they were selected by respondents (who were asked to select all that applied):
* Text documents, 84 percent
* Internet content / Web pages, 66 percent
* Spreadsheets, 49 percent
* Photos or images, 47 percent
* Emails / calendars, 47 percent
* Presentations, 32 percent
Lexmark's wireless AIO printers enable users not only to print, but also to copy and scan as well as to send and receive hardcopy faxes on four-in-one models. The printers also provide advanced photo editing and printing capabilities.
