Printer Buying GuideThis printer buying guide is meant for casual home users. Begin by listing what you will be printing and the volume of printing. You will need to balance price, speed, and print quality. Rated print speeds are not reliable since they do not take into account the time for the printer to prepare to print, the amount of text and graphics on a page, and the quality settings on the printer. If print speed is important, the best measurement is an actual test with what you expect to be printing. Printer manufacturers want you to believe that high resolutions of 9600 x 2400 dpi equal very high quality. In actuality, the average user cannot discern the difference above 1200x1200 dpi. Printers can be grouped into three categories:
1. Inkjet PrintersInkjet printers use 2 to 6 ink cartridges and spray micro droplets on the paper to form an image. Initially, color inkjet printers had only two ink cartridges, black and multicolor. The disadvantage to a single multicolor cartridge was when you primarily used a single color, the cartridge was used up even though you had more ink remaining of the other colors. Today, 4 to 6 ink cartridges are more common. The cost for an inkjet printer is relatively low and you should always factor in the cost of the ink cartridges. 2. Multifunction Inkjet PrintersMultifunction inkjet printers combine a printer, scanner, copier, and fax into one unit. This type printer can be a solution for home users who have little desktop space. My experience and research has shown me that low cost multifunction printers can break down quickly. If this is the type of unit you want, it is essential that you do your homework and read all the reviews. For a low cost and with good ratings, check out the Canon Pixma MP600. 3. Laser PrintersLaser printer models come in monochrome and color. They use toner and heat to form an image on paper. They print faster than an inkjet printer and can have a lower cost of operation in higher volumes. A monochrome laser printer can be affordable for home use in some instances. See the top 10 monochrome laser printers rated by PC World. The inkjet printers fall into two main printing purposes, general and photo. If your reason for a printer is primarily for photos, start by reading my options for printing your digital photos before making a purchase. More people are realizing the high cost of printing 4x6 photos at home and are using online or local printing services instead. If your main purpose for a printer is to print text, then get a general purpose printer. If you like the convenience of printing your photos at home or you primarily print 8x10 photos, then select a photo printer. Be sure you buy good quality inkjet paper for general purpose printing and good quality high gloss for your photos. Ask your friends and relatives what brand of paper they use. The inkjet printers seen most often in the top rankings are Canon, HP, and Epson. I have been buying Canon printers because the cost for ink cartridges are less than others. Technology changes quickly and you want to read what other people are saying about their printer. Read my online shopping guide for further help. |
