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How much can I spend on a printer?
Although laser printers have bigger price tags than inkjet printers,
they often actually cost less over time, since the cost of maintenance
and supplies is far lower. Consider the issues of quality and dependability:
the least expensive inkjet printers may be quite cheap, but they
might not last as long as better-made models. The average lifetime
cost per page on a laser printer is $0.01 to $0.03; you will pay
$0.06 to $0.30 per page for an inkjet printer.
What kind of media will I be printing on?
Many printers can handle a variety of media. Just check before buying
to make sure that the particular printer you buy can take the type
of paper, transparencies, envelopes, or labels that you plan to
print on. Most inkjet printers can't print on anything larger than
8 1/2 x 11; if you need to print on larger-size media, investigate
laser printers or some of the more expensive inkjet printers. In
addition, if you plan to switch among media frequently, consider
purchasing a printer that has multiple paper trays.
What kind of print quality do I require?
Print quality, or resolution, is expressed in dpi (dots per inch).
Look for a higher dpi. if you need better quality images. 600 x
600 should be adequate for most basic print jobs, but you'll need
a resolution of at least 1,200 x 1,200 if you want photo-quality
prints. If you plan to print in color, you'll probably require an
inkjet printer (unless you're lucky enough to be able to afford
a color laser printer). If digital photography is your thing, you
should think about getting a photo-quality printer. These super-high-quality
inkjet printers are designed specifically for printing photos.
What kind of speed do I require?
Each printer is given a speed rating (ppm) by its manufacturer,
based on usage in optimal conditions. Beware that your actual print
speed will be reduced by graphics, color, and complexity in your
documents. A pretty good inkjet printer generally boasts a print
speed of 8 pages per minute for black text and 6 pages per minute
for color.
What kind of computer do I have?
Some printers only work with PCs, and some only work with Macs.
Most printers will work with either platform. Of course, it is also
important to make sure that the printer you buy is compatible with
the operating system you use (this can be particularly problematic
for Linux users). Finally, be sure to find out whether the printer
connects to the computer via a parallel port (standard, but less
useful) or a USB port (not available on all computers or printers,
but more efficient).
Should I consider a multifunction printer/scanner/fax
machine/copier?
Although these models are much cheaper than buying each machine
individually, you may pay in the long run. If one element malfunctions
or breaks, you may have to replace the whole thing.
How do I plan to use the printer?
If you plan to print fewer than 100 pages per month, you're probably
better off with an inkjet printer. However, if you intend to print
more than that, or require lots of graphics and/or fancy fonts in
your printouts, you should probably consider a laser printer. Some
inkjet printers, known as personal use printers, are designed specifically
to be used on small household projects: they are compact and quiet,
but less rugged and flexible than business printers. The inkjet
printers that are designed for business use can handle a wider variety
of media, a larger volume of printing, and last longer between ink
refills. Finally, cheaper inkjet printers often use a single replaceable
ink cartridge to house three or more colors of ink. That means that
when one color runs out, all must be replaced. If you plan to print
in color frequently, consider a more expensive inkjet printer that
allows you to replace each individual color of ink separately.
Back to General Printer Tips
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