Things To Consider When Buying A Printer:

If you have ever purchased a new printer then you probably know how confusing it can be. With so many brands and technologies to choose from, and so much "smoke & mirrors" from many manufactures, it can be difficult to make an educated decision. The following is a list of the most important considerations based on cost and function, you may also need to consider space constraints, computer platform (Mac or PC), and aesthetics.

When considering a printer, keep in mind the following:

Technology: There are three basic types of printer to choose from, each with it's own advantages and disadvantages:

1. InkJet Printers are generally the lowest cost to buy and highest cost to operate, due to their low initial cost and high quality color output they are the most popular printer for home users. InkJet printers should be used weekly to prevent the ink from drying out in the printhead.
2. Laser Printers have a higher initial cost but much lower operating cost than in InkJet. Laser printers offer much faster output and crisper black-and-white images, their speed, reliability, quality and economy make them the undisputed leader in office printing.
3. Color Laser Printers, once only realistic for large businesses, have plummeted in price in the past few years. Offering stunning color output, and lower per-page costs than inkjets, these printers will probably become the office standard in the next few years. A HP Color LaserJet 4500 now costs about $2650.00, less than many paid for LaserJet II's and III's in past years.

Volume: (often referred to as duty cycle) is one of the most important considerations in purchasing a printer. You should determine about how many pagers per month you will be printing and allow an additional 25% for growth. It is best to select a printer with a recommended monthly volume no less than 50% to 75% of your expected usage.

Cost: When you buy a printer, cost is always an important consideration. The cost to own a printer is primarily based on three factors:

1. Initial Purchase Price. What you pay to purchase, deliver and install your new printer.
2. Supply Costs. Calculate by taking the cost of all supplies (not just toner) and dividing this by the yield. Be sure the yield given you is based on the same percentage coverage (usually 5%) for all supplies and printers involved.
3. Service and Maintenance Costs. These are less foreseeable than supplies. Consider brand reputation and see user reviews of the printer elsewhere on copyfaxprint.com

Print Quality can be one of the most confusing consideration in purchasing a printer. Decisions based on published specs can be misleading. Many InkJet printers offer 1440 dpi, or higher, resolution, but if you check the fine print, you usually have to use special papers and inks which are very expensive. Compare print quality of actual prints, on the type of paper you intend to use, then decide for yourself which is the best for you. When examining InkJet prints pay particular attention to the lighter areas of the picture, where InkJet printers are weakest.