How to Buy a Printer
List your needs., Understand your requirements., Be aware that there are two mainstream categories for printers: Laser and Ink Jet printers., Look at the descriptions., Remember that laser units are larger., Consider the availability of affordable...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: List your needs.
Do you need one that only prints? Or do you like electronic copies of papers? Or do you still fax a lot of documents? Or do you want duplicates of everything? -
Step 2: Understand your requirements.
If you want one to print documents with words only, get a black and white printer.
If you print documents with color photos or webpages, you'll want a color printer.
Then, if you want duplicates of everything, you'll need a color printer with a copy feature.
Or, if you fax a lot, you'll need a color printer with copy and fax.
Normally, if you buy the color copy and fax, you'll also get the scan function.
If you want everything, get a color all-in-one. , Here are some of the different qualities:
Laser printers cost less per page to print, especially if remanufactured toner cartridges are available.
Laser printers cost more per purchase of a cartridge by a typical 10x.
So if you only print a few pages per month, you may be likely to replace the printer before you use up the toner.
It could be wasted if you don't use it.
Laser printers also print faster and are preferable for heavy printing, such as in a large office.
They print better text quality, but inferior photo quality compared to an inkjet printer.
Inkjet printers will use less power than laser printers.
Ink, unlike toner powder, can run when fresh off the printer or if it gets wet.
There is a low initial cost when purchasing the printer, however printing will cost you more in the long run with the purchase of ink.
Inkjet printers are good when used to print photos, and many times feature media card slots to print directly from a digital camera. , If you just print webpages or color documents, then you'll need one with around 2 inkjet cartridges, or 2 laser cartridges.
If you print just for fun photos, then you may want a 4-5 cartridge inkjet printer or a 4 cartridge laser.
To print almost-perfect photos, you'll need a 7 cartridge inkjet.
The laser's won't do as good as a job. , Are you limited on space? Then you'll have only the inkjet option, as laser units are very big. , It is here that the costs can really start to add up.
Check online for the availability of the specific replacement cartridge.
Contrary to what printer manufacturers may say, using remanufactured or compatible cartridges may not void your printer warranty, depending on your jurisdiction.
Estimate the cost per page for any given product.
If the cartridge yield is 300 and the price of the cartridges are $30, then you will average 10¢ per page, and if you print about 200 pages a month you are looking at an average $20 per month cost. , This is a simple way to compare image quality.
The standard resolution for laser printers is 600 dpi, and for ink jet is 720 dpi. 720 dpi on an ink jet is an equal, not better resolution, compared to the 600 dpi on laser printers. , If you need to print on heavy stock paper, glossy paper, smaller or larger size paper or would like duplexing (the ability to print on both sides), be sure that the printer can accommodate all of the paper sizes and types you would like to use. ,, No matter what printer category you choose, you will also have the additional option of an All in one (AIO) or Multifunction (MFP) printer.
These AIO/MFP offer additional functions such as printer, scanner, copier and fax. , Would you like it to be used for the whole house? Consider getting a printer with network connectivity (you'll need a router/wireless internet for this).
A network enabled printer can be connected to by any computer on its network so as long as you get the internet signal the printer is on, you can wirelessly print.
Setup is also much easier, because there is usually no need for a USB connection to a host computer. -
Step 3: Be aware that there are two mainstream categories for printers: Laser and Ink Jet printers.
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Step 4: Look at the descriptions.
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Step 5: Remember that laser units are larger.
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Step 6: Consider the availability of affordable ink for your printer
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Step 7: not just its initial price.
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Step 8: Consider the resolution (more dots per inch).
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Step 9: Check paper type and size abilities of the printer.
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Step 10: Before buying a printer
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Step 11: check the manufacturer’s website (for example
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Step 12: Epson.com) to make sure they provide driver updates and currently offer a driver for your operating system.
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Step 13: Consider whether you also require other features.
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Step 14: What will this printer be for?
Detailed Guide
Do you need one that only prints? Or do you like electronic copies of papers? Or do you still fax a lot of documents? Or do you want duplicates of everything?
If you want one to print documents with words only, get a black and white printer.
If you print documents with color photos or webpages, you'll want a color printer.
Then, if you want duplicates of everything, you'll need a color printer with a copy feature.
Or, if you fax a lot, you'll need a color printer with copy and fax.
Normally, if you buy the color copy and fax, you'll also get the scan function.
If you want everything, get a color all-in-one. , Here are some of the different qualities:
Laser printers cost less per page to print, especially if remanufactured toner cartridges are available.
Laser printers cost more per purchase of a cartridge by a typical 10x.
So if you only print a few pages per month, you may be likely to replace the printer before you use up the toner.
It could be wasted if you don't use it.
Laser printers also print faster and are preferable for heavy printing, such as in a large office.
They print better text quality, but inferior photo quality compared to an inkjet printer.
Inkjet printers will use less power than laser printers.
Ink, unlike toner powder, can run when fresh off the printer or if it gets wet.
There is a low initial cost when purchasing the printer, however printing will cost you more in the long run with the purchase of ink.
Inkjet printers are good when used to print photos, and many times feature media card slots to print directly from a digital camera. , If you just print webpages or color documents, then you'll need one with around 2 inkjet cartridges, or 2 laser cartridges.
If you print just for fun photos, then you may want a 4-5 cartridge inkjet printer or a 4 cartridge laser.
To print almost-perfect photos, you'll need a 7 cartridge inkjet.
The laser's won't do as good as a job. , Are you limited on space? Then you'll have only the inkjet option, as laser units are very big. , It is here that the costs can really start to add up.
Check online for the availability of the specific replacement cartridge.
Contrary to what printer manufacturers may say, using remanufactured or compatible cartridges may not void your printer warranty, depending on your jurisdiction.
Estimate the cost per page for any given product.
If the cartridge yield is 300 and the price of the cartridges are $30, then you will average 10¢ per page, and if you print about 200 pages a month you are looking at an average $20 per month cost. , This is a simple way to compare image quality.
The standard resolution for laser printers is 600 dpi, and for ink jet is 720 dpi. 720 dpi on an ink jet is an equal, not better resolution, compared to the 600 dpi on laser printers. , If you need to print on heavy stock paper, glossy paper, smaller or larger size paper or would like duplexing (the ability to print on both sides), be sure that the printer can accommodate all of the paper sizes and types you would like to use. ,, No matter what printer category you choose, you will also have the additional option of an All in one (AIO) or Multifunction (MFP) printer.
These AIO/MFP offer additional functions such as printer, scanner, copier and fax. , Would you like it to be used for the whole house? Consider getting a printer with network connectivity (you'll need a router/wireless internet for this).
A network enabled printer can be connected to by any computer on its network so as long as you get the internet signal the printer is on, you can wirelessly print.
Setup is also much easier, because there is usually no need for a USB connection to a host computer.
About the Author
Ronald Sullivan
A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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