Many printers on the market are affordable, easy to use, loaded with great features, and characterized by innovative technology. Given the variety of possibilities, though, finding the right printer can be a bit daunting. Here's how to find the printer that's right for you.
Types & Price Ranges
Printers are grouped by their function or the technology they use to print. Following are the most common and popular printer types for consumer use:
Inkjet. These printers use ink cartridges to produce documents and photos. Some have one cartridge for cyan, magenta, and yellow inks and a second for black ink. Others use a separate e cartridge for each color. For photo printing, some have additional color ink cartridges. Many have card slots that enable you to load data directly into the printer. The initial cost of an inkjet is lower than a comparable laser printer, but cartridges are expensive, resulting in a higher cost per page than laser printers.
Inkjet printers are usually physically smaller than lasers. Prices range from less than $50 to over $500, with a wide range of quality models available in the $50 to $150 range. The price of each ink cartridge can range from $15 to $25, depending on the model and brand, and may only print a few hundred pages.
Laser. Laser printers work much like copy machines, forming images by using a laser to transfer toner (powdered ink) onto paper as it passes over an electrically charged cylinder. The result is high-quality documents at high speeds, with copies that won’t smear. For photos, however, lasers generally do not produce as high a quality pictures as inkjet printers. Laser printers are large and need more space than inkjet types. The initial cost for the printer is generally higher than a comparable inkjet; but based on the long life of their toner cartridges compared to ink, laser printing results in a lower cost per page. Printer prices start under $100 for black and white and can run to over $3000 for full-featured office-quality color models. The cost of a toner cartridge can range from $20 to $75 for a black and white and up to $150 for color.
All-in-one. In addition to printing, multifunction printers can scan, copy and often have fax capability. Moderate in physical size, they may be an attractive option for those who need all of the features, as one machine takes up less space and is less expensive than buying individual components. Multifunction printers are available as lasers and inkjets. The all-in-one inkjet models tend to print more slowly than regular inkjets. Plus, the failure of one feature can disable others. Prices range from under $100 to over $500.
Photo Printers. Most use inkjet or thermal-dye technology and produce excellent photos. They are generally compact in size, feature memory card slots for photo uploads, and have special trays for photo paper. Some have in-printer editing tools. There are models that allow direct printing without a computer if your printer and digital camera are compatible, or cable or wireless connectivity to the camera or a smart phone. Look for models with high-resolution quality—usually measured in dpi (dots per inch). Take into account the cost per print, speed, and print longevity. Prices start under $30 to over $700 for the larger models, with an excellent selection of quality models in the $50 to $150 range.
Key Features
Print Quality. Resolution is generally measured in dpi. Printers with higher dpi produce sharper images. Compare the quality of printers and select one that produces the quality you desire.
Speed. How many pages per minute (ppm) your printer produces depends on what and how you print. Documents print faster than photos. When considering manufacturer claims for ppm, know what it’s based on. Lasers tend to be the fastest printers, but inkjets also can produce a reasonable ppm rate. All-in-one printers are usually the slowest.
Price. Consider the initial cost to buy the printer versus the long-term maintenance costs for ink and toner. Laser printers generally cost more than inkjets, but operating costs are considerably lower.
Cost per Page. The toner cartridges for laser printers usually cost more than the ink cartridges for inkjets, but they can print thousands of pages versus hundreds of pages. Because they last longer, the print cost per page can be dramatically less when compared to inkjet. Balance your planned use against the cost.
Function/Options. Factor in the options available if versatility like wireless capabilities, scan, and fax features are important to you.
Memory. More storage allows you to send multiple complex jobs to the printer for processing. Printers with marginal storage capacity tend to be slow; plus, they may automatically adjust resolution to match the printer’s capabilities, which reduces image quality.
Connections. The more connection ports, the better. Look for printers that can accept information in a variety of ways, including cables, wireless, and memory cards for maximum flexibility.
Size. Desktop and workspace may be limited in home offices. Select a printer with a physical size that enables you to locate it conveniently close to your computer for more effective operations. Also, shorter cables are usually less problematic.
Purchase Decisions & Considerations
Define your requirements.
- What do you print?
- How often do you print?
- What size do you usually print?
- Is your workspace size limited?
- Do you want to share the printer via a home wireless network?
- Do you want to scan, copy, or fax?
Research and evaluate the available options. Review what printer types and features are available to address your needs. Factor in the less obvious elements like warranties.
Establish your budget. Balance your preferences and needs. Factor in such items as cables, paper, and ink or toner.
Try before you buy. See and touch your potential printer purchase. Try to get a print demonstration.
Visit sears.com and your local Sears store to comparison shop a full selection of the most popular brands and models.
Copyright 2010, Sears Brands, LLC. All Rights Reserved.