Technology Toolkit

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.

Ink jets are a good choice if you are looking for high quality color photo output for a reasonable price. Prices start at less than $40, with only a few business-level ink jets costing more than $700-the starting point for color lasers. And ink jets that handle tabloid-size paper start at less than $500, which is thousands less than tabloid-size lasers cost.

When a Color Inkjet Printer is the Best Choice

First, you’ll need to decide on the type of machine you want: a standard ink jet for reasonable photos and a low purchase price, or a photo ink jet for superior photo quality. All of the top models offer 4800-by-1200-dpi resolution, but they vary quite a bit in terms of printing speed.

Specialized photo printers may not work as well on general tasks such as word processing. Even if they do, their per-page costs may be higher and their operation slower. The cost of the printer isn’t the only consideration. Color ink cartridges can be expensive, offsetting the low cost of the printer. Special coated photo papers also add to the cost of color printing.

Choose an Inkjet printer based on the cost of replacement ink cartridges, and not on the cost of the printer. Over time ink and paper costs can exceed the cost of the printer several times over. Avoid single-cartridge printers which only come with a color cartridge that can’t print true color. It is more cost effective to purchase a color Inkjet with multiple color cartridges (CMYK), so they can be replaced individually.

Another cost saving tip: Leaving any Inkjet idle for even a week or two can allow the ink in the tiny tubes that feed the nozzles to dry. The resulting clogs cause streaks and other anomalies in your pictures. To avoid clogs, print at least once a week. Some printers run a maintenance routine on startup, meaning that you can keep the nozzles clear simply by turning your printer on and off once a week. Check your device’s manual to see whether it has this feature.

When to Choose a Laser Printer

If you do a lot of document printing, don’t use an Inkjet printer. Use a laser printer. Laser printers cost more to buy but much less to use – they are very cost effective to operate since their toner cartridges are not replaced as often.

With all costs figured in, each document page printed on a typical laser printer costs from 2 cents to 5 cents; on an Inkjet, the cost per page can run from 10 cents to 15 cents, depending on the model. (This does not even count the cost of photo printing, which can cost up to a dollar per page on an Inkjet when you include the high cost of photo paper and the additional ink that’s used in that mode.)

Comparison Shop

Once you’ve finalized your list of requirements, check out some of the large comparison review sites, such as CNET or PC Magazine or PC World, to get an idea of what printers are currently out there in your price range. Also check the cost of printer ink cartridges, toner and paper for the different models. Finally, read all user reviews and note any comments regarding reliability, ease of use, and any hardware issues or defects.

Once you’ve identified some potential candidates, go to Best Buy, Staples, CompUSA or any other computer superstore to see the printers in person. If you have a small workspace area, consider the printer’s footprint and how it will be connected to your existing system.

Printer Tips to Save You Money:

1) Using your printer regularly is the best way to maintain consistent print quality. Clean your print head if you haven’t printed anything for some time.
2. Always use your printer’s power switch to shut off your printer. Powering down any other way can park your print head improperly, making it vulnerable to drying out.
3. Remove, shake gently, and replace toner cartridges that seem to be running out of toner. You might get additional pages or jobs.
4. When printing from the Web, turn off images in your browser. Select “printable view” whenever possible.
5. Save time and toner by choosing “draft” or “economy” mode when you don’t need best-quality printouts.