Printers & Scanners

Overview

Printers and scanners can be some of the most challenging items to purchase. Even the most technically oriented people can have trouble judging what makes a good printer or scanner. If you are a home user, you don't necessarily need a high-end printer, so you may be likely to spend less money. In any case, less money might buy you a printer that breaks and jams frequently. Plus, printers can be money-sinks that require constant toner and ink replacements.

Businesses have different needs than home users. For the most part, home users can sacrifice quality and efficiency for price. Businesses on the other hand, cannot and require efficiency and high quality. In high pressure environments, businesses cannot afford to deal with a paper jam or low quality presentation. High quality equipment can be expensive, and for this reason, businesses tend to lease their primary printers and scanners.

When shopping for a printer or scanner, you need the best quality and the most efficient machines at the least expensive prices. Understand your product, and your money can go a long way.

Inkjet Printers

Some of the least expensive printers on the market are inkjet printers. They print documents and text by dropping tiny amounts of ink on paper. The ink drops are difficult to distinguish since they are thinner than human hair. The printer mixes several colors to create custom colors.

Laser Printers

Laser printers create images and text using focused laser beams. The drum of the printer creates an electrostatic image. The laser creates loose toner powder on the drum, and then this power will melt onto the paper. You know that you are using a laser printer or laser photo copier when the paper that comes out is warm. Laser printers tend to be more expensive than inkjet printers since they produce high quality images quickly.

Photo Printers

Both inkjet and laser printers have the technology to produce photo quality prints. You can print your photographs from home, sometimes directly from your digital camera. Some photo printers even have built-in memory card readers. Some photo printers create images in specific sizes, and others print a range of sizes. Some photo printers are so small that they can actually fit in your pocket.

Brands like Poloroid have designed some models to print small photos instantly and without ink. These models are available for under $50.

All-In-One Printers

Get everything that you need in one inkjet or laser printer. Fax, scan, print, and copy in a variety of sizes in one place. Many all-in-one printers are for all kinds of budgets with the least expensive starting at under $100.

Factors to Consider

Make sure that you buy a printer that fits your needs. If you have your own business and create documents frequently or for presentations, you will need a higher quality printer, and you may want to invest in a more expensive all-in-one. If you are a student, then you will probably be fine with an inexpensive printer and scanner. You may not even need a fax machine or scanner. Your needs should orient your budget