When it comes to buying a home printer, there are several important factors to consider. With so many options available on the market from brands like Canon, HP and Epson, it can be overwhelming to choose the right printer specifically for home use.
In this article, we discuss the top 5 considerations when buying one:
1. Printing Technology
The first consideration when buying a home printer is the printing technology. There are two main types of printers: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are known for their high-quality photo printing.
They are generally slower than laser printers but offer better colour accuracy. On the other hand, laser printers use toner and are faster for monochrome documents (black and white). They are ideal for high-volume printing and are more cost-effective in the long run.
So, if print speed is a top priority, consider a laser printer. HP is a reputable brand when it comes to laser printing, they are long-lasting and durable. On the other hand, if print speed is not a big deal, inkjet options from Epson and Brother are worth considering.
2. Function Capabilities
Another important consideration is whether you need a printer that can perform other functions such as scanning, copying, and faxing. Multifunction printers, also known as all-in-one printers, offer these additional capabilities in a single device.
They are convenient and save space in your home office. They also save you on additional costs of buying a scanner, copier or a fax machine separately. The good part is MFP printers today are also very affordable plus their maintenance and toner costs are relatively cheap depending on the brand.
Most inkjet printers have multifunction capabilities and are the best when it comes to toner yield. For under $300 you can get a reliable multifunctional printer from Epson, Canon and HP.
Some users may require advanced capabilities like duplex printing. A duplex printer will save you on paper costs as it can print on both sides. These printers can be a-bit pricier and are generally suitable for busy offices, but in some cases, it can be advantageous if you do a-lot printing at home.
3. Connectivity Options
The connectivity options of a printer are also crucial. Most printers if not all offer USB connectivity, which allows you to connect directly to your computer.
However today people are into gadgets that offer convenience. Today printers have also evolved, their connectivity options have been advanced to include Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities. These options enable you to print and copy wirelessly from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
A wireless printer also minimizes cable management issues, keeping your operating area/desk neat and clunk free. Additionally, some printers offer ethernet connectivity known as network printing.
A network capable printer allows many users to print from any device connected to the network. Choose a printer that offers the connectivity options that suit your needs.
4. Cost Considerations
Cost is always an important factor when making a purchase decision. As mentioned in the first point, inkjet printers are much cheaper than laser printers. When buying a home printer, consider both the upfront cost and the ongoing expenses.
Inkjet printers are generally the best for home use. They have lower upfront costs and their ink cartridges are also cheap. Laser printers, on the other hand, are more expensive upfront but have fewer cartridge replacements over their lifetime, although in some cases/models their toners can be very expensive.
All in all, we believe one should always go for an inkjet printer if its primarily for home use. They are easy to set-up, can be self maintained without one ever having to consult a technician.
5. Maintenance Cost
Finally, it’s about upkeep. If you don’t use inkjet printers often, their nozzles might get clogged or dry because they work with ink cartridges which can lead to more maintenance needs like cleaning and changing parts.
Printers that use laser technology do not dry up because they utilize an ink in the form of powder, making it less costly for occasional usage.
For many laser printers, particularly bigger A3 models, the drum unit might also need changing after a set duty cycle. Duty cycle is basically the maximum number of pages that a printer can handle in one month without wearing down too much.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when buying a home printer, it is important to consider the printing technology, all its capabilities, connectivity options, cost considerations, and maintenance costs.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a printer that meets your specific needs and provides the best value for your money.
