Accounting Tech Potpourri

From the August 2008 Issue

With another busy season behind us, I decided to write about the following topics: the less-paper initiative, multi-function printers, e-filing and a few thoughts for 2008.

Less Paper is better because
Not sure how your firms did, but we ended up doing more with less — more returns completed with less personnel and paper. If I’m not mistaken, that’s supposed to be the promise of the less-paper initiative. It’s not less paper for less paper’s sake, but rather it’s less paper equals more efficiency. We used the Wolters Kluwer ProSystem fx Scan product for “scan and organize.” I personally don’t believe this provides a significant advantage while paging through the digital source documents during data input because whatever I’m looking at on a particular source document page, I can quickly move to the appropriate tax input screen. Where the benefit of this type of “scan and organize” is realized is after the fact when I’m on the phone with my client, and they have a question about, say, their K-1. In this case, the bookmarked source document file is a real timesaver. I can link quickly to the K-1 without having to page through the digital document looking for it.

HP gets back on track
HP has long been recognized for the best printers, especially laser printers. However, I have been personally disappointed recently with their MFP (Multi-Function Printer) devices. These are the all-in-one devices that not only print, but also fax, copy and scan. Notably, these devices have been ink based and have created lots of connection issues especially with Windows Vista. I know what you’re going to say: “This is Vista’s fault.” But really, it’s a combination. As with previous new versions of operating systems from Microsoft, hardware makers were late with drivers that work. This is not entirely the fault of the hardware makers either since Microsoft does make changes to the beta bits right up until the release of its operating systems.

I believe, however, that HP is back in the game with its recently released Color LaserJet all-in-one — the CM1312nfi MFP. This attractively priced $499 device is rated at 12 pages per minute for black and white and 8 pages per minute color. My testing was consistent with that. The color output is, in a word, breathtaking, matching color laser output from devices much more expensive. It’s not a particularly pleasant machine to look at, and it has a hefty footprint that supports the 125-page output bin. The blank paper tray only holds 150 sheets, which is a bit skimpy for my tastes, and the four toner cartridges that cost around $70 each are easily accessed through one door from the front of the device. The device has an Ethernet 10/100 port, but in my testing scanning was next to impossible if connected via this port. With respect to saving time and being more efficient, HP has implemented its new instant-on technology, which gets the job printed much faster than previous models that were without this new technology. As far as scanning goes, the device has a generous 50-page automatic document feeder, but if you want issue-free scanning, plan to connect the device using a high-speed USB 2.0 cable rather than using the 10/100 network port.

Overall, this device passes my “bang for the buck” test with flying colors as a nifty little workgroup multi-function device.