Tips for Buying a Printer

Buying a printer is a significant investment for many people; however, with so many brands and models available in the market today, choosing one from the crowd can be quite a daunting task for sure. That's why, we decided to step in with this "Smart-Buying Guide" designed specifically to help you choose a printing companion that will not disappoint you for years to come.

The Million Dollar Question: Inkjet Printer or Laser Printer?

The first question you need to ask your self is - 'How much will your printing requirements be'?

Laser Printers

Lower Cost per Page: For large scale and high-quality printing needs, where you would need to print hundreds of pages in a day, a laser printer would be the obvious choice because of its low per page printing cost as the laser toner generally produces more pages per refill unit than inkjet cartridges. Moreover since they use a toner cartridge filled with fine powder the chances of getting dried up when not in use are practically none.

Designed to Multitask: Capable of handling multiple print jobs at one go, laser printers have faster processors and print engines that are capable of printing more than 35 pages per minute. Also some models offer efficient work-group features like network printing and larger paper input and output trays, making them ideal for offices and organizations.

For Superior Text Printing: If your printing needs include printing small fonts then laser printers are the perfect choice, as their fusing technology is more efficient than an inkjet printer when it comes to printing minute curves and dots of small text. And with many basic models being launched in the market like the HP Laser Jet 1020 Plus Printer, the difference between the initial cost of a multi-functional inkjet and a laser printer is also not that high anymore.

The Final Verdict: Even though a laser printer costs more than an inkjet printer, it is the perfect choice if you're looking for cost effective printing in the long run. And when it comes to the domain of printing black and white text pages and that too at a lightning fast speed, the laser printer emerges as the unbeatable king.

Inkjet Printers

Small in Size & Price, Big on Performance: If your printing needs are relatively low, an inkjet printer also known as a deskjet printer would be the best bet for you because of its low initial cost. Also being relatively smaller in size than most laser printers, it is best suited for places where space is a crunch.

Multitasks without Sinking your Budget: A multi-functional inkjet printer which includes a color printer, scanner and a stand-alone photocopier will not only be easy on your pocket but is also capable of handling all your paper-work needs.And with models like the HP Deskjet All-in-One 1050 Printer that costs you approximately Rs 4,000, it is a great way to equip your office with one, minus the worry of sinking your budget.

For Superior Image Printing: Inkjet printers are most suited for printing photographs and colorful pictures, graphics, banners and greeting cards and come with the promise of giving you great quality every time.

The Final Verdict: Inkjet printers are ideal for business where the need to print is low and are best suited for those on a tight budget or those looking for printing color photographs and images.

When you have decided if you are leaning more towards an inkjet printer or a laser printer you then need to consider other issues such as networking ability, paper tray configuration, media portability, memory, paper paths, optional font capabilities etc.
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