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Learn more about Printers
Most buyers start with a general notion of the type of printer they'll need. The reason is that different printing technologies are suited for different printing needs and budgets. Find out more here about the basic types of printers and their pros and cons.Personal laser
Though the technology has been around for years (HP introduced its first LaserJet in 1984), laser printers are still going strong because they combine fast print speeds, sharp output, and a low cost per page. Like copiers, laser printers use a photographic drum to attract electrically charged toner and transfer it to paper, where the image is fused using a heated roller. The vast majority of laser printers are monochrome (black and white), and they are best-suited for printing text and simple graphics. They start around $200. Until recently color laser printers were too expensive for individuals or small businesses, but there are now several models for less than $500, and these are viable alternatives to color inkjets for printing flyers, spreadsheets, and brochures.
Workgroup laser
As the name implies, workgroup laser printers are designed for small offices or small teams within larger companies. The basic technology is the same, but these are more than beefed-up personal lasers with features tailored specifically for multiple users. First, they support printing over networks either standard or as an option. Second, they offer more-advanced handling capabilities, including larger input and output trays, and some offer duplex
(double-sided) printing, sorting, and stapling. Finally, they have faster processors and more memory so that they can manage multiple jobs and print faster. Like personal lasers, the vast majority of workgroup lasers are monochrome--designed for printing text and simple graphics--and they start at around $400.
Inkjet
Inkjet printers have come a long way in the last 10 years. Today's versatile inkjets can produce both crisp text and rich photo prints. Most manufacturers offer both general-purpose and photo inkjet printers, which shouldn't be confused with snapshot or photo printers designed for only 4x6 or smaller prints. Inkjets print an image by applying a precisely controlled stream of tiny ink droplets from one or more cartridges to a variety of paper types. Each manufacturer uses slightly different techniques, and the size of the droplets and the way they are applied to the paper determine the image quality. Unfortunately, the process is relatively slow compared to that of laser printing--and the ink cartridges and the special papers can be costly--so inkjets are best suited for home users and small businesses with light printing needs. Inkjet printers range in price from less than $100 to as much as $800, depending on features, image quality, and paper-handling capabilities.
Multifunction/all in one
Multifunction printers (MFPs) or all-in-ones (AIOs) are the Swiss Army knives of printers. They combine copier, scanner, printer, and, in some models, fax capabilities in one unit, making them perfect for home offices and small businesses. MFPs are available with either laser printers for speedy text and occasional graphics, or inkjet printers for vibrant photos.
The best models include flatbed scanners and auto document feeders for walk-up scanning, faxing, and copying of multipage documents. MFPs start at around $100.
Photo/snapshot
Some inkjet printers use more than the four basic CMYK inks to produce high-quality photos, so if you own a digital camera and spend a lot of time printing photos, you may want to pay a little more than a plain old inkjet will cost or opt for a second printer specifically for that purpose. Most photo printers use inkjet technology, described above, but most rely on dye-sublimation, which transfers color dye in a continuous tone from a ribbon onto the paper in a series of passes, followed by a protective clear coating. The print quality is comparable to that of professional photofinishing. Another big advantage: they can print directly from compatible digital cameras, and most models also accept storage cards such as CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard, or Memory Stick.
A subclass of photo printers, or snapshot printers, is limited to 4x6 or smaller prints; they can't handle standard 8.5x11 sheets, which is why they are suitable as second printers only. They typically cost at least $200.
Portable
These pint-size printers are designed for life on the road. They weigh anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds and are just large enough to squeeze through a standard 8.5-inch-wide sheet of paper. Portable printers use the color-inkjet-printing technology described above. The print speeds and the image quality are hardly top-notch, and you'll pay a premium for these travel partners, but if you really need to print on the go, they fit the bill. They typically cost $300 or more. Read more
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• Canon Pixma iP4000 - $149.99 • Canon i9900 - $469.94 • Canon Pixma iP5000 - $189.94 • Canon Pixma iP6000D - $179.99 • Epson Stylus C86 - $99.94 • Canon Pixma iP4000R - $229.94 • Canon Pixma iP3000 - $89.99 • HP LaserJet 1012 - $199.99 • Epson Stylus Photo R800 - $399.94 |
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