This page contains the main things to consider before buying. For example Inkjet vs Laser. Value of ink and printing yeild. Features and size.

 

The first thing you would consider is if you want an Inkjet or laser Printer.

Inkjet:

For school, college or university work, inkjet printers are ideal for everyday home use. Typically, inkjet printers deliver better photographs than laser printers, with a number of high quality inkjets making the most of everything from smartphone snaps to high quality DSLR photography.

Generally, a full set of replacement ink cartridges are cheaper than laser toner too, making them perfect for home and photographic use. However is you do a lot of printing you will soon find out you will need to replace these quite often compared to a laser. Also not using an Inkjet for a considerable time can cause your printer ink to dry up and block the printer. Therefore Ink cartridges need frequent cleaning. Although printers perform this maintenance automatically, but this wastes a lot of ink.

Laser:

Laser printers are designed for more frequent use and are suitable for offices or homes that regularly print in large amounts. Perfect for black and white documents and high speed batch printing, laser printers are built for demanding use.

Plus, while toner cartridges cost more than their inkjet counterparts, the page yield is higher, typically over 1400, so while the initial purchase and toner price may seem high, the cost-per-page can work out cheaper. However the cons are that Laser printers can't handle a variety of paper or printing materials like inkjets. Anything heat-sensitive cannot be run through them.

Also there are some compact laser printers on the market, but in general, laser printers are bigger and heavier than their inkjet counterparts.

DPI

Consider the printer’s DPI (dots per in.) capability that is the resolution at which it can print photos and documents. The higher DPI (dots per in.) you have got, the better quality you’ll have in either text or photo printouts.

INK

Take into account the value of ink. When getting a replacement printer, take a moment to match prices among ink cartridges and make positive that you can afford frequent ink purchases if you intend to try and do a lot of printing.

When wanting at the cost of ink, also look at the quantity of pages one ink cartridge can print. If the page count is high, the value of the ink could be reasonable. If the page count is low compared to alternative similar ink cartridges, you will want to pick out another printer that gives a higher performing ink cartridge.

CONNECTOR

Have a look at the connector and make sure it’s compatible with your system. Most new printers connect via a USB port. Older ones connect employing a parallel port, which is not commonly found on new PCs.

WARRANTY

Check out the warranty. All new electronics, including printers, carry a manufacturer’s warranty. Depending on the company, warranties can be valid anywhere from 90 days to 1 year and could embrace defects in material and/or workmanship. If your printer fails to perform properly and develops a downside while underneath warranty, you’ll be glad that you simply saved the paperwork. Always keep the first purchase receipt and warranty data referring to your purchase. Also keep in mind that some companies warranty is void when you use other inks instead of the manufactures recommended brand. Therefore check your warranty details carefully.

BRAND

Obtain from a name that you simply trust. When shopping for any item, it’s best to get from a manufacturer that you know produces a top quality product and particularly when it comes to a substantial electronics purchase.

SIZE

Consider the size and weight of the printer. This is vital for each cleaning general convenience. If your desk is small, you’ll not wish a bulky printer taking on most of your space. At the same time, you will not want to carry on a heavy piece of equipment when cleaning your work station. A lightweight and compact style could be better, particularly if your office is at home.

CAPABILITIES AND FEATURES

Make sure the printer you purchase has all of the options and capabilities that you need. For instance, if your primary goal is to supply realistic photos and you furthermore may set up to print written documents from time to time, consider the purchase of a photograph printer. You’ll be able to modification the standard of printing to suit either pictures or documents or maybe a mix of each if you intend to print photo newsletters.

If you want more out of your printer you may consider an all-in-one printer and/or a Wireless printer.

All-in-one:

Combining a scanner, copier and printer, all-in-ones provide everything you need for comprehensive home printing. They are available in both inkjet and laser varieties, letting you benefit from home scanning and copying whatever your ink preference.
Some even feature an integrated fax machine, making them the ideal printing solution for busy homes and small offices.
Many all-in-ones with fax machines also feature dual and large capacity paper trays, making it easy to switch between high quality photo paper and full reams of everyday A4 and A3.

Wireless:

Many printers allow you to print wirelessly from your tablet and smartphone. Depending on your device, you may need to look for a specific feature to guarantee compatibility.

Laptop/Desktop:

Wireless printers connect to your home or office network and can be used by any online PC or Mac. Once connected, you don’t even need to be in the same room to print.

A network printer is connected directly to the router, using an Ethernet cable or a powerline kit, and can be used by any networked computer.
If you prefer a wired connection, you can also connect your laptop or desktop using a USB cable.

Android:

Android tablets and phones support Google Cloud Print. This makes it possible to print wirelessly from any Android device.

A number of manufacturers offer dedicated wireless printing apps. These can be downloaded for free from Google Play and provide a direct wireless connection between your device and printer.

IOS:

Apple devices can print wirelessly from any AirPrint compatible printer. AirPrint is included on all iPhones from the 3GS onwards, iPods from generation 3 onwards and all iPads.

Dedicated manufacturer apps are also available for Apple devices and provide greater control and increased printing options.

Email Printing:

Some printers feature an email address. This allows you to print from any online device by simply sending a picture or document to the printer’s unique address.

You can specify the email addresses the printer will accept documents from, making it a secure and easy wireless printing option for any online device.