Although laser printers have bigger price tags than inkjet printers, they often actually cost less over time, since the cost of maintenance and supplies is far lower. Consider the issues of quality and dependability: the least expensive inkjet printers may be quite cheap, but they might not last as long as better-made models. The average lifetime cost per page on a laser printer is $0.01 to $0.03; you will pay $0.06 to $0.30 per page for an inkjet printer.
What kind of media will I be printing on?
Many printers can handle a variety of media. Just check before buying to make sure that the particular printer you buy can take the type of paper, transparencies, envelopes, or labels that you plan to print on. Most inkjet printers can't print on anything larger than 8 1/2 x 11; if you need to print on larger-size media, investigate laser printers or some of the more expensive inkjet printers. In addition, if you plan to switch among media frequently, consider purchasing a printer that has multiple paper trays.
What kind of print quality do I require?
Print quality, or resolution, is expressed in dpi (dots per inch). Look for a higher dpi. if you need better quality images. 600 x 600 should be adequate for most basic print jobs, but you'll need a resolution of at least 1,200 x 1,200 if you want photo-quality prints. If you plan to print in color, you'll probably require an inkjet printer (unless you're lucky enough to be able to afford a color laser printer). If digital photography is your thing, you should think about getting a photo-quality printer. These super-high-quality inkjet printers are designed specifically for printing photos.
What kind of speed do I require?
Each printer is given a speed rating (ppm) by its manufacturer, based on usage in optimal conditions. Beware that your actual print speed will be reduced by graphics, color, and complexity in your documents. A pretty good inkjet printer generally boasts a print speed of 8 pages per minute for black text and 6 pages per minute for color.
What kind of computer do I have?
Some printers only work with PCs, and some only work with Macs. Most printers will work with either platform. Of course, it is also important to make sure that the printer you buy is compatible with the operating system you use (this can be particularly problematic for Linux users). Finally, be sure to find out whether the printer connects to the computer via a parallel port (standard, but less useful) or a USB port (not available on all computers or printers, but more efficient).
Should I consider a multifunction printer/scanner/fax machine/copier?
Although these models are much cheaper than buying each machine individually, you may pay in the long run. If one element malfunctions or breaks, you may have to replace the whole thing.
How do I plan to use the printer?
If you plan to print fewer than 100 pages per month, you're probably better off with an inkjet printer. However, if you intend to print more than that, or require lots of graphics and/or fancy fonts in your printouts, you should probably consider a laser printer. Some inkjet printers, known as personal use printers, are designed specifically to be used on small household projects: they are compact and quiet, but less rugged and flexible than business printers. The inkjet printers that are designed for business use can handle a wider variety of media, a larger volume of printing, and last longer between ink refills. Finally, cheaper inkjet printers often use a single replaceable ink cartridge to house three or more colors of ink. That means that when one color runs out, all must be replaced. If you plan to print in color frequently, consider a more expensive inkjet printer that allows you to replace each individual color of ink separately.
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