printer

A printer is a device that prints out documents and other forms of information. There are many different types of printers and it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

The type of printer that you purchase depends on a few factors, including your printing requirements and budget. You should also consider the environment in which you will use the printer and whether it is intended for personal or business use.

Choosing a printer

Inkjet and laser printers are the two most popular printer technologies, but there are also other options such as Dot Matrix (which creates images using a series of dots), Solid Ink and Laser-Film Printing. Inkjet and laser printers both produce high-quality images and text on paper, but there are several key differences that can make one printer better than another.

Speed

The speed of a printer is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Some smaller printers are designed for low-volume printing and may only output 5 ppm, while some enterprise devices can handle multiple copies and prints at a much faster rate. The number of ppm you need depends on how many people you have printing regularly and what kind of documents they produce.

Efficiency

ENERGY STAR(r) and EPEAT(r) certified printers are more efficient than others, which can save you money in the long run. They also feature specialized energy saving features, such as automatic document feeders (ADF), which can reduce the time and cost associated with scanning and copying documents.

Workflow

Choosing the right printer for your workflow can help you increase productivity, decrease your paper costs, and improve your bottom line. Some printers can help you manage your workflow with apps that allow you to scan, save, and print documents on the go. In addition, some models have wireless capabilities that allow you to use your phone or tablet as a remote printer.

Cost

You should always calculate the cost of owning a printer, as well as its total lifetime costs. That way, you can get a fair idea of what to expect over the course of your investment.

Ink and toner are the most expensive parts of a printer, but you can often save by purchasing a new printer with refillable ink cartridges. Some brands such as HP, Brother, and Epson offer a monthly ink program that sends you a set amount of cartridges automatically when the ink runs out.

A few inkjet printers, such as the Canon Pixma iP283, include “supertank” models that are designed to refill themselves, meaning you can purchase fewer ink cartridges and save a lot of money. This is particularly useful if you plan to print a lot of color.

The ink you use is a crucial factor to your printer’s performance, and it can be difficult to find the best quality and lowest prices for ink. Some manufacturers, such as Canon and HP, have a range of inks to choose from, which can help you find the best value for your needs.