Many people are unsure how to choose the best printer for their needs. When shopping for a printer, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure you’re getting the best value and performance.
With so many options available, where to start? Don’t worry!
In this article, we’ll provide 10 helpful tips on how to choose the best printer for your needs.
From technical features to maintenance and support costs, we’ll walk you through all the aspects you need to consider before making the final purchase.
So read on to find out how to choose the best printer!
10 tips for choosing the best printer
Choosing a printer correctly is very important and can directly affect the performance of its use.
Here are 10 tips to help you choose the right printer for your needs:
1. Type of use
It is important to consider the type of use you plan to put your printer to.
You must assess whether the use will be domestic, commercial or professional.
Printers used for home use are generally less expensive, but may not afford large-scale or high-quality prints.
On the other hand, printers used at a professional level tend to be more expensive, but may offer additional features for quality improvements.
If the objective is for office demands, before making a final decision, it is possible to bet on renting printers.
Thus, you can test some models in practice and later buy yours.
2. Printer or All-in-One
For those who only need the basics and want to save more, the printer is the ideal option.
All-in-ones are great for those who want to print, scan, and copy all in one device.
In terms of price, there is not much difference between the two options.
But if you want to scan documents frequently, then it’s worth spending a little more and getting an all-in-one.
3. Print template
The most common printing models are inkjet, ecotank and laser printing.
Inkjet printers are ideal for home use and also offer the best per page pricing rates.
Laser printers are more suitable for professional use, as they have higher print quality, speed and durability.
In addition, ecotank prints are great for those looking for energy savings and lower costs per page.
4. Operating System!
It is important to check which operating system is supported by the printer you are evaluating.
Most printers these days are compatible with Windows, Mac OS and even Linux.
Make sure the printer you choose is compatible with your computer’s operating system.
This is important to ensure that everything works correctly when the printer is connected.
5. How to choose the best printer with good image resolution
The higher the printer resolution, the better the quality of the printed images.
A printer with a high resolution will produce better image and text results.
So make sure you choose a printer with the right resolution for your needs.
Generally, when it comes to home and office printers, a minimum resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi is considered adequate.
However, if you plan to use the printer to print high quality images, consider a higher resolution printer.
6. Wired or wireless connectivity selection
Nowadays, it is possible to buy printers wirelessly or with a cable connection.
If you want to print documents from anywhere in your home or office, choosing a wireless printer may be your best option.
However, if you want greater speed and stability, a printer with a cable connection may be the right choice for you.
In either case, make sure your device supports connectivity technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB.
7. Analysis of printing cost per page
Before purchasing any printer, it is important to calculate the average printing cost per page.
Printer price isn’t everything – you still need to consider the costs associated with toners and cartridges, which can vary depending on the model you choose.
A laser printer is often much more cost-effective in the long run, as toners last longer and cost less than ink cartridges.
However, if you plan on using your printer to print documents occasionally, ink cartridges are a better option.
To calculate the value of each print just divide the price of the cartridge by the number of pages it is capable of printing.
8. How to choose the best printer with print speed
Print speed is also an important factor to consider.
If you need to print documents in bulk, such as reports or worksheets, then a faster printer may be your best option.
Print speeds are typically measured in pages per minute (PPM).
The higher the PPM the faster the printer is able to print.
Also, check to see if your printer has any time-saving features, such as a preview function or quick cancel.
9. Paper tray capacity for printing
If you plan on using your printer to print many pages daily, it’s important to check the paper tray capacity.
The large trays can hold up to 250 sheets of paper at a time: this means you don’t have to reload the tray as often.
However, most home printers have smaller trays, which typically hold up to 50 sheets of paper at a time.
10. Duty cycle
The printer’s duty cycle refers to the recommended monthly number of pages that the printer can print.
If you plan to use it to print documents in large volumes, it is important to choose a model with a high duty cycle.
For home printers, a duty cycle of between 500 and 3,000 pages per month is recommended.
While for business companies the recommended duty cycle is between 5,000 and 30,000 pages per month.
Keep in mind that the duty cycle varies by manufacturer, so be sure to read the product specifications before purchasing.
Once you know the main factors to consider before purchasing a printer, you’re ready to start looking for the right model for your needs.
Take into account the factors mentioned above, also considering the choice of a safe and reliable website for purchase and you’ll find the right printer for your business or home use. Good shopping!