Dell announced that it would stop making printers in 2018 and stop honoring warranties in 2021. Dell decided to exit the printing realm but still makes printing-related products and is one of the top computer display manufacturers.
In this post, we’ll look at why Dell stopped making printers. I’ll provide you with some news and information related to the issue and explain the reasoning why Dell decided to get out of the printer business.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- There was no officially announced reason from Dell as to why they stopped making printers. The company only said it was transitioning out of printers while still making other products.
- This seems like a corporate decision and is likely a result of the company being able to make more money from other products.
- Dell still makes computers, monitors, and other products despite no longer making printers.
Why Did Dell Stop Making Printers?
Dell was one of the larger name brands in the printing industry during the 2000s and 2010s, but the company no longer sells printers. That might come as a shock to some people, but it was probably a wise move from a business perspective.
Dell announced that it was exiting the printer space around 2018. The company released several announcements that year stating it would stop making printers but still honor warranties and repairs on them until 2021.
There wasn’t an official reason provided in these announcements, so we can only guess the exact reasonings behind it. But the printing industry overall has decreased dramatically over the years, which likely has something to do with it.
Whenever a larger corporation (like Dell) sees a profit loss, it usually sparks some sort of change. This could be job layoffs or different marketing efforts, but it can also be discontinuing products or services. And that’s precisely what happened with Dell printers.
Since the printing industry wasn’t as successful or lucrative anymore, I think that Dell decided to take action and stop making printers. This was to save money and focus efforts on selling products with wider margins and stable sales.
Dell still sells many products, and from all outward appearances, the brand is doing just fine without selling printers. It’s still one of the most recognizable names in the world of computer monitors and some other electronic products.
When Did Dell Stop Selling Printers?
Dell first started to slim down its printer sales in 2016 when the brand announced that it was making moves to reassess and reduce what it offered in the printer space. But the company still sold printers for a few years after this.
In 2018, Dell announced that it would stop selling printers at the end of the year. This is when the company officially stopped making and selling printers, even though printers were still on shelves for a little while after this.
Dell also announced that it would offer repairs and other help on these last printers, despite not making them anymore. That was good news for anyone who purchased a new Dell printer in 2018 and needed assistance.
How Long do Dell Printers Last?
If you still have a Dell printer, you are probably wondering how long it will last. Most printers have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. So if you purchased one in 2018, you are most likely coming up to the end of its lifespan.
That age range is just an estimate, so your printer might last for another few years. Or it might stop working tomorrow. There isn’t an exact what to tell how long a printer will last, as components can wear out and other issues can appear quickly.
But since Dell printers are no longer manufactured, it’s probably time for you to start thinking about getting a new one. You can no longer get assistance or repairs on a Dell printer, so once it starts acting up, that’s it.
Why is the Printing Industry Dying?
The decline of the printing industry is evident in many ways, and Dell stopping making printers is just one of these. The rise of digital photography and other technology is likely the culprit for the printing industry dying.
Since people take more and more photos without needing to print physical copies, there isn’t as much demand for at-home printers. This goes right alongside all of us relying on technology to submit important forms and documents.
Documents you once needed to print and fill out can now be done online, people rarely print photos, and students also submit most of their work online rather than in print these days. All those factors are part of why the print industry is dying.
Several Black and White Laser Printers from Dell
1. Dell C1760NW Laser Printer
This is a solid choice for all of your black-and-white printing needs thanks to its excellent reliability. It is a smaller printer, which makes it perfect for your home office, but can also put out a large number of pages per month due to its 30,000-page duty cycle. That large volume makes this printer a serious workhorse.
This model also comes with modern connectivity options including Ethernet, WiFi, and USB 2.0. That allows you to connect it to an array of devices.
Dell ClearView LED Technology ensures that all of the pages come out crisp and clear as well. Other features include 600 dpi max resolution for black and white printing as well as an energy-efficient design.
2. Dell B2360DN
This is a fast, efficient printer that can put out up to 40 pages per minute at a 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution.
That means it can work all day long without any issues. It also features Ethernet and WiFi connectivity for quick use, as well as a fast processor and plenty of onboard memory.
3. Dell E310DW Wireless Monochrome
This is another solid option for those with a strong need for wireless capabilities. It is fairly compact, which makes it a good low-profile printer that will blend in anywhere around the house or at the office.
In addition, the machine can print 27 pages/minute and works with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Final Thoughts
If you are a fan of Dell printers, you will just have to keep your fond memories. Even though Dell is still a company, it hasn’t made printers for a few years, and it doesn’t look likely that it will ever produce them again.
Luckily, plenty of other printers are available if you need one. And there are also plenty of locations where you can go print documents and other things if you don’t have a printer.
Have you ever used a Dell printer or another product from the brand? Let me know in the comments below.