Purchasing a New Printer

Are you looking at purchasing a new printer? Do the number of models available seem overwhelming? Choosing the right printer doesn't have to be so difficult. Simply consider these seven  factors before buying your next printer.

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    1. Usage
  Are you going to be using your printer every day? If you are going to be  using it on a daily basis, you should avoid buying an economy-priced model. As the cartridges tend to be smaller in size, the ink runs out much more  quickly, and you will need to replace the cartridges more often.  This can cost you more in the long run than replacing the cartridge in a more expensive model.
 
  2. The Printer's Size
  Most of the multifunction printers (scanner/copier) are much larger than the other models available. Determining how much room you need will help you determine which models to consider. If you have very limited space, there will be less models for you to consider.
 
  3. Print Quality
  For what you gain in speed, you lose in quality. For graphics designers or photographers who deal mostly with hi-res graphics and photographs, a slower yet more accurate printer is mandatory.
 
  4. Printer Speed
  What kind of documents will you be printing? Will you have the occasional homework assignment, or will you need to print a large number of  business documents? Your choice in printer should be based on the urgency of your print jobs. If hundred-plus-page documents need to be printed in a speedy  manner, a laser printer will be a time and cost effective choice.
 
  5. Other Options
  Added options will always increase the price of a printer. Which options do you need, and how often will you use them? Will you need to scan or copy documents on a daily basis? Do you frequently need the ability to print double-sided? If these options don't effect you, you can save money by purchasing a printer without these features.
 
  6. System Requirements
  If you have purchased a new computer recently, this will not be an issue. However, if you own a Mac or  a PC that is more than a few years old, you may want to check to see if the printer will be compatible with your current  operating system. What good is a new printer, if it won't work with your existing hardware?
 
  7. Other Reviews
  There a ton of magazines and websites dedicated to providing up to date information on PC hardware. Product reviews will help you narrow down  your options.  Have other people encountered problems with a certain model?  Are certain printers easier to setup or use? It is easier to make educated choices based on other people's experiences.
 
  Conclusion
    Whether you are looking at replacing an older model, or purchasing a printer for the first time, never rush into purchasing a new printer. You should consider all your options before making that next purchase.

About the author

John Jinks is a freelance programmer/writer/blogger based out of St. Catharines, Ontario. He recommends Beatties Basics for all of your office supply and printer needs.

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