Computer Printers Buying Guide

Computer printers are computer peripheral devices that produce a hard copy (human-readable text and/or graphics on paper) from data stored in a connected computer. There are various types of computer printers for different applications. This guide is designed to help you understand the features available in today's best computer printers.

Inkjet

Inkjet printers spray very small, precise amounts of ink onto the media. Inkjet printers have a much lower initial cost than do laser printers, but have a much higher cost-per-copy, as the ink needs to be frequently replaced. Inkjet printers also have the disadvantage that pages must be allowed to dry before being aggressively handled; premature handling can cause the inks (which are adhered to the page in liquid form) to run. Inkjet printers also have relatively slow print speeds, making them inappropriate for office use in situations where high turnout is required. On the positive side they produce great pictures and graphics.

Laser

Laser printers are excellent for printing text and printed documents (monochrome laser printer)), and they can also produce good quality color pictures and graphics (color lasers). Laser printers are known for high quality prints, good print speed, and a low (monochrome) cost-per-copy; they are the most common printer for many general-purpose office applications. Laser printers are available in both color and monochrome varieties. Laser printers can also print at significantly faster rates than inkjet printers, and the toner cartridges are less expensive than ink, and they last longer. Another toner based printer is the LED printer which uses an array of LEDs instead of a laser to cause toner adhesion to the print drum.

Photo

Virtually all modern inkjet printers are color devices; some, known as photo printers, include extra pigments to better reproduce the color gamut needed for high-quality photographic prints (and are additionally capable of printing on photographic card stock, as opposed to plain office paper). A photo printer is a color printer that can produce images that mimic the color range and resolution of photographic methods of printing.

Dye Sublimation Printers

If you are a photographer or want to print mostly photo-quality prints or images, a dye sublimation printer is your best choice. Keep in mind that most dye sublimation printers are capable of printing 4x6 photos only, and are not capable of printing text documents.

Multifunction

MFC/All-in-one-printers can take care of a wide variety of tasks including printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. No need to invest in several different machines. Save some money and space too by buying a MFC printer that meets your needs.

What to Look for When Buying

Print resolution is important for quality prints. Most printers’ specs are given in horizontal and vertical numbers using dpi (dots per inch). The horizontal number times the vertical number gives you the resolution (dpi) of the printer per square inch. The higher this resolution is the better your print quality will be.

Output Types

There are two types of printer output: monochrome (black and white) and color. Monochrome printing is one color, typically black, while color output means a printer can print in a variety of colors. Color printers are also capable of monochrome output. Most inkjet and photo printers are color printers and capable of producing excellent color pictures and photo prints.

Pages per Minute

Printing speed is measured by the number of pages that can be printed per minute. Inkjet and photo printers are typically slower than laser printers, and should not be used where high volume printing is the norm.

Connectivity

Connectivity refers to how the printer interfaces with its host computer or network. Here are the most common methods.

LPT-Legacy or parallel port once common, but has been replaced mostly with USB.

USB is currently the most common method of connecting a printer to a computer. Allows higher data transfer speeds, better compatibility, and hot-swappable connectivity.

Other ports may also be encountered such as network (RJ-45, RJ-11) ports which allow a printer to be shared over a LAN. COM and serial ports are still in use and offer legacy compatibility. Finally, wireless ports such as Bluetooth or infrared are used for wireless capable computer printers .

Costs

Computer printer ink can be expensive depending upon the printer you have, so it is a good idea to shop around first and know what expenses you will have down the road. Replacing computer printer ink with a new cartridge available in most retail chains can be the most expensive option. Conservation is your best way to increasing the economy of your computer printer ink. Additionally, rather than replacing the entire computer printer ink cartridge, consumers can instead just replace the ink (with refill kits).

Recommendations

Home Users- Inkjet printers make the most sense for home users. Other options are photo printers for high-quality images and MFC/All-in-one printers if copy, scan, print, and fax capabilities are needed.

Small Office- An MFC/All-in-one makes the most sense for small office user. Another option is a laser printer if printing output is high and/or mostly text.

Business Users will most likely opt for laser printers capable of network-sharing especially if text makes up the bulk of the printing jobs.

Mobile Users- Mobile printer designed specifically for mobile use (generally an inkjet).

Digital Photographers-Photo inkjet printers produce the best quality for photographs. Look at a great selection of computer printers here.