A Black-and-white Issue

Smith also advises consumers to look for short-term contracts when leasing or renting equipment, and to stay away from making a purchase.

"You don't want to be buying old technology, nor do you want to be buying brand new technology that's not mature yet," he advises.

Smith says right now it is better to look for a 36- to 48-month lease or rental agreement than to buy either a digital or an analog copier. This will give new technologies a chance to mature and prove themselves, and come down in price.