Buying a printer 101

(NC) – Whether it’s a high-tech laser model for big-ticket office jobs or a portable desktop machine for printing photos at home, a quality printer is an invaluable tool. The right printer can be cost-effective, environmentally-friendly and, most important, a resource that prevents hours of headaches and frustration.

According to Marc Ruel, Home Office Expert at Brother Canada, a company that specializes in equipment for small and home offices, the key to selecting the right printer involves making a checklist and doing the required research. “Your choice of printer depends on the kind of work you expect to do, what you plan to print, how many users your printer needs to accommodate, and how much you’re willing to spend,” he said.

Before you visit your local office supply store, take the time to consider the following:

• Determine what you will print most often: documents, charts, pictures, or all of the above. This will help you determine the quality of printer you require. For example, if you typically print documents with a lot of text, pick a laser printer that will deliver a high print speed for only a few cents per page. If your print jobs will often incorporate graphics and colour images, you could opt for a colour laser printer. If you mainly print photos, an inkjet printer is the best option. Check out the manufacturer’s Web site for more details about the benefits of the various models. Brother.ca, for example, has a special section that explains the differences between laser, colour and inkjet printers and the benefits of each.
• Calculate how many people will use the printer. This will determine how fast the printer needs to be. Print speed is measured in pages per minute, which is listed by the manufacturer. Inkjet printers, for example, are not as fast as laser printers but will suit your needs if your printing volume is not significant. If you have a small workgroup that needs to share a printer, look for one with networking and expandability features.
• Determine if you need a printer that also goes the extra mile by delivering copying, scanning, fax and wireless networking functions. Depending on your requirements, investing in a multi-function centre could be the optimal approach. Since a multi-function centre combines several pieces of equipment in one machine, it can also save on both space and money.

Once you’ve identified the printer that meets your criteria, the final step involves carefully reviewing the type of customer support that comes with the printer. Look for a manufacturer that will provide a replacement machine in the event of technical difficulty. Other important customer service features to look for include complimentary toll free telephone support, as well as around-the-clock online support.

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