A printer has become standard equipment for any home that has a computer. There are hundreds of models to choose from. Whether you need to replace a broken printer or just want to upgrade to one with more features, choosing the right printer can be mind-boggling.
Printers can range from the very simple, one-function machines, to the multi-functional machines that can scan, print and copy. Not only do you have to think about printer functions, but you also need to consider ink requirements to determine if the printer is a good investment. So if you want some guidance in selecting a reliable printer, read over this article.
Different printers are designed for different capacities. Think about how often you will need to use your printer. If you just need a printer to print an occasional article that you find or web pages of information that you were looking for, then the cheaper, low-end printers can handle these light print jobs.
If you are running a business and you need to print reports every day, something like a laser-jet will handle high-capacity printing. So, make an assessment of how much printing you will actually do, and take that into consideration when you are looking at printer specs.
In addition, think about what kind of printing you will be doing the most.
Colour printer is great to have, but if 90 percent of your printing is text and is usually in black and white, you may not want to spend the extra cost on colour.
Laser-jets are superior to inkjets when it comes to black and white printing. If you think you will be printing photo-quality images more, then a good-quality colour printer that can accommodate photo-grade paper will be needed.
Machines that are multi-functional, with printing, scanning and copying combined, are become very popular for home use. The main advantage is that you are almost getting three machines in one. You save a lot of desk space when you do not have to buy three separate machines.
However, beware that for some all-in-one machines, the functions are interdependent. If you are low on toner and you cannot print, this may also prevent you from scanning. Multi-functional machines are a little more expensive than stand-alone printers, depending on the model. But the convenience of having multi-functions in one machine attracts many users.
Ink is an important thing to consider. You will notice that printers go on sale quite often, and sometimes a printer can be free after rebates. However, ink is usually where the money is spent. When you are making a selection, look at the type of ink that is used.
A printer that uses individual ink cartridges for each colour has the advantage of only needing to replace one colour when the colour runs out. On the other hand, printers that use cartridges that contain three or more colours will need the whole thing replaced if just one colour runs out. This is a cost consideration. So, make your decision wisely.
Keep these tips in mind, and read reviews. With careful consideration, you can select the printer that is right for you.