Printer Buying Guide
Printers are essential peripherals, performing a critical role as they render electronic information into tangible records or material output. You're simply not using your computer to its fullest potential if you are unable to print reports, presentations, letters, photos, or whatever it is you need to output. Choosing a printer can be confusing, however, in today's competitive, ever-changing landscape. This buying guide rounds out some of the more important criteria to consider before you make that all-important purchase decision.
Printing Technologies
This is the biggest decision to make before anything else. Your choice should be based on how you work and the kind of output you will be expecting from the printer.
?Inkjet: Inkjet printers can deliver stunning color, so this is the way to go if you are mostly concerned with printing photos.
Inkjets can be used for printing text, but the print speed is too slow if the primary purpose of the printer is document printing.
To obtain more photo-realism, choose inkjets with an expanded range of colors that includes light cyan and light magenta in addition to the standard four-color CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The extra colors deliver more subtle color gradations in blue skies and skin tones. And if you print a great deal of black-and-white photos, consider photo printers with more than one variation of black ink or with gray inks. Many photo printers use color inks to produce a composite black, resulting in a muddy tint.
A second black-ink cartridge and different shades of gray help maintain a neutral tone, with the gray ink allowing for subtle shading and thus improving the quality of black-and-white photos.
?Dye-sublimation: Dye-sub printers can print continuous tones and a superior range of colors that laser printers are unable to, making them ideal for more demanding graphic applications or color printing. Dye-sub prints are also less prone to fading and distortion over time than dye-based ink prints. In addition, many consumer-based dye-sublimation printers can print directly from digital cameras and also accept memory cards. They are, however, more limited in the range and size of printing media that can be used - usually letter-size paper or smaller.
?Laser:
Laser printers are the perfect choice if you need to print large amounts of text documents.
They print faster than inkjets and have a lower cost of operation over the long-term - even though they may cost more to buy initially.
There are trade-offs, however. Monochrome laser printers produce crisp black-and-white text but cannot be used for color printing. Color lasers deliver excellent text and graphics but are much more expensive and can be costly to maintain.
Printer Usage
Some printers are good for general printing, while others are better at specialized tasks or combine several functions into one machine.
?Photo: If you take lots of pictures, consider getting a photo printer. Photo printers can be in the form of photo inkjets - which can print both photos and text; snapshot photo printers - for outputting small 4x6-inch prints; or professional photo printers - for large, tabloid-size photos and often including network connections to enable printer sharing. Most consumer and professional photo printers use inkjet technology, while most snapshot photo printers that print 4x6-inch prints rely on dye-sublimation technology.
Regardless of the type or technology that is used, the most important thing to look for in a photo printer is photorealistic quality. Everything else is secondary.
?General Purpose: As the name implies, general purpose printers can be used for printing almost anything, including text and photos. Choose a general printer with a laser format if you print more text than photos; and choose an inkjet format if you print more photos than text.
?Multifunction: Multifunction printers (MFPs) combine in one device several functions such as printing, scanning, faxing, and copying. MFPs cost less than buying separate stand-alone devices and cut down on the hassle of setting up individual machines.
If you are strapped for budget or space, consider these all-in-one devices. Take note, however, that a malfunction with one component takes down the whole device, and individual components may not be upgradeable. MFPs are available with either laser printers to emphasize speedy text printing and the occasional graphics output; or they are available with inkjet printers for vibrant photo printing.
Printer Specs and Key Features
Printers feature various specifications, so navigating the spec sheet intelligently requires familiarity with what each specification entails according to the printing technology involved or for the type of usage planned for the printer.
?Resolution: For laser printers, 300 dpi is adequate if all you need is to print black-and-white text, but choose at least 1200 dpi for photorealistic grayscale or color printing. For inkjets, choose one featuring 1200-dpi or higher resolution with a droplet size of 4 picoliters or smaller for sharp, clean output. With photo printers, resolution varies according to technology: Output at 300 dpi by photo printers using dye-sublimation technology is comparable to photo printers using inkjet technology outputting at 1200 dpi or higher.
?Speed: Speed ratings vary greatly, and the print speeds cited by manufacturers usually refer to printing in draft mode or at the lowest resolution.
For laser printers, a more accurate way of measuring actual print speed is to time just how long it takes from the minute you hit "Print" - to the time that it takes the printer to warm up, spool the job into the print queue, and for the printed output to finally come out. For inkjets, print speed is not one of its stronger suits; so don't be overly concerned with this spec.
?Memory: Extra memory will come in handy for laser printers to enable them to handle large graphics and documents more easily. Check the maximum upgradeable memory allowed for your printer, if it features a hard drive with similarly upgradeable memory, and if the printer can use generic memory or needs the manufacturer's brand. In the case of inkjets, memory is built-in and not upgradeable, but this is not an issue inasmuch as processing occurs on the side of the computer - so there's no need for large amounts of installed RAM to begin with on inkjets.
?Connectivity: Most printers today no longer support the older parallel connection but feature instead USB 1.1 or Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) - either of which should work fine with USB computers. For printers to be used on a network, it will need to have an Ethernet port to enable printer sharing.
For more flexible printing options, you may want to look for printers with infrared input/output ports that allow wireless printing from notebooks or other devices with infrared ports. And if high-speed or long-distance printing is what you need, consider printers with a FireWire port.
Consumables and cost per page
The purchase price of the printer is just the beginning of its overall cost because over time, the hidden cost of ink or toner, paper, and parts will add up. These "hidden costs" are the consumables; dividing the total cost of consumables by the number of pages that can be produced from the consumables gives you the cost per page. Laser printers offer the lowest cost per page, using relatively inexpensive toner and normal-weight, uncoated paper. On the other hand, cost per page for inkjets can be four or five times as much, depending on how much ink you use and the cost of the paper - normally more expensive, coated, glossy paper for higher-quality color output.
The tank configuration for inkjets should also be taken into consideration. Inkjets with a single cartridge for the colored inks will incur higher replacement costs because the cartridge must be replaced as soon as one color runs out - even if the cartridge still contains plenty of ink for the other colors. To save costs, get an inkjet with separate cartridges for black and each individual color.
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New Preclick?-powered Photo Organizer Software Leverages Latest HP Imaging and Printing Technology
Preclick Corporation today announced the availability of CD-Viewer and Photo Organizer software, built with HP's industry-leading imaging and printing technology, for retailers, peripheral manufacturers and online service providers.
Licensees can customize, brand and distribute software copies to customers, enhancing home digital photography.Adorama, the nation's #2 mail-order photo retailer, announced today it will distribute the Preclick-powered Photo Organizer software with orders and at its photo-sharing site, www.adoramapix.com. "Since 2002, we've offered Preclick software that helps customers switch to digital," said Herman Klein, Adorama PhotoLab manager. "It's so simple, customers love it. With HP imaging and printing technology, we can offer customers the best home printing experience.
While they still print with Adorama, we anticipate additional home printing sales, including HP printers, photo paper and...
New Preclick?-powered Photo Organizer Software Leverages Latest HP Imaging and Printing Technology
Photo printer > New Preclick?-powered Photo Organizer Software Leverages Latest HP Imaging and Printing Technology
Ink cartridges - shopping online
Getting ready to buy printer ink cartridges online? It really is amazing how much you can save versus store bought ink cartidges. The ability to compare prices really makes shopping online a sweet deal. There are however a few things you should look for in an online printer supply store before buying those ink cartridges. The first thing you want is a low price. To determine this you will need to comparison shop.
This can be fun. The next thing to consider is the store's reputation. You can find that out by looking them up in the search engines and by checking sites like Bizrate.com to see if they are listed and what their rating is. You want a store that ships a great product quickly, and handles any problems quickly and to the customers satisfaction.Another very important thing to consider is the strength of any money back guarantee on printer supplies sold. You should be able to return ink cartridges that you are not happy with over a reasonable period of time for a full refund.Lastly,...
Ink cartridges - shopping online
Photo printer > Ink cartridges - shopping online
Get a Discount Epson Inkjet Cartridge and Save up to 85%? That Means You can Buy Six Discount Cartridges for the Price of One!
You can get a discount Epson inkjet cartridge on sale everyday and save up to 85%. If you own an Epson inkjet printer, you already know that purchasing an Epson inkjet cartridge is not a discount. In fact, the cost of inkjet cartridges can easily surpass the cost of your Epson inkjet printer in only a few months? especially if you do any volume of printing.The good news is that you don't have to pay so much for your Epson printer ink. You can get a discount inkjet cartridge everyday for your Epson printer without even leaving your home. It's fast, easy and convenient with online ordering.
I thought it would be interesting to compare the regular and discount price of three popular Epson inkjet cartridges you can purchase online. I'll show you what I found below. Keep in mind that these Epson discount inkjet cartridges are specifically made for your Epson printer from brand new parts. They are guaranteed to be as good or better than your original Epson inkjet cartridge. The major...
Get a Discount Epson Inkjet Cartridge and Save up to 85%? That Means You can Buy Six Discount Cartridges for the Price of One!
Photo printer > Get a Discount Epson Inkjet Cartridge and Save up to 85%? That Means You can Buy Six Discount Cartridges for the Price of One!
It's All In The Settings
Inkjet printers do a great job on text printing but many people do not know that you don't need a photo printer to make great photo printouts. Sure a photo printer is going to do a superior job and a little faster but you really don't need a photo printer for spectacular photo quality prints. Most inkjet printers on the market today have a mode for printing on photo glossy paper. If you use good quality photo glossy paper, 7 - 10 mills in thickness, you can get a picture perfect print. A good quality digital camera helps too.
Most digital cameras sold today have the capability of making a decent print even on the lowest resolution. Of course if you want a better print you need to use a higher resolution on your camera.I won't go into resolution settings here because everybody has their ownidea of what their perfect resolution is and my inbox would be flooded. :-)My point with this article is to get people to use the right printer setting ifthey want great photo prints. If you...
It's All In The Settings
Photo printer > It's All In The Settings
Apply Special Effects to any Digital Photo with the Award Winning Photo Software, Professor Franklin?s Instant Photo Effects 2.0
Streetwise Software announces the 2.0 release of its award winning photo software, Professor Franklin's Instant Photo Effects. The 1.0 version of this popular photo editing software was originally distributed with several million Hewlett Packard and Epson inkjet printers worldwide and quickly developed a following as the easiest way to turn any photo into a professional image. With its unique browse-and-click interface, version 2.0 now has over three times the amount of photo effects as well as several innovative new features. Professor Franklin's Instant Photo Effects 2.0 provides PC users with an easy-to-use, affordable software tool that enables anyone to create images with the look and feel of photos created by professional photographers and designers.Instant Photo Effects has won numerous industry awards including PC Magazine's Top 100 CDs and Editor's Choice from PC Photo Magazine. Its simple, intuitive interface enables users to get results that were previously only available...
Apply Special Effects to any Digital Photo with the Award Winning Photo Software, Professor Franklin?s Instant Photo Effects 2.0
Photo printer > Apply Special Effects to any Digital Photo with the Award Winning Photo Software, Professor Franklin?s Instant Photo Effects 2.0
Change for Better...
A Change for the Better??????Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013It is said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, each time expecting a different outcome. You and I know that reality says otherwise. If you expect a different result, you must change your current actions. Change is necessary. It is human; however, it's not always easy.Here are the basics: in order to change one's behavior, one must change one's thinking.
And to change one's thinking,...
Photo printer Printer Buying Guide Change for Better...
Photo printer > Change for Better...
Low Carb Diet Secrets Revealed!
You may be considering a low carb diet program, but wonder if they really work, and if so, how well? Let's take the mystery out of low carb diets by giving you the 3 most important elements to their success. First, you need to bring your carboydrate cravings under control. Some diet programs argue that most of us are addicted to carbohydrates. Others take a more moderate approach and link it to the glycemic index. All of the low carb diets are consistent on this one fact though - you need...
Photo printer
Photo printer > Low Carb Diet Secrets Revealed!
Monaco - Yacht Show Has Record Entries
The world's leading luxury yacht show in Monaco is to pay for 55 wind turbines in New Zealand - enough to generate power for 45,000 homes - making the event 'carbon neutral'.
Under the watchful eye of Prince Albert, the yacht show is part of Monaco's new stance on global warming, and comes shortly after Prince Albert himself travelled to the North Pole in April to highlight the damage he believes global warming is having on the environment.
'Since Prince Albert came...
Photo printer > Monaco - Yacht Show Has Record Entries
Automakers Market Noise and Incivility
The new Volkswagen ad shows two young people dancing and jumping around on the furniture in their apartment while a neighbor below is trying to quiet them by banging on the ceiling with a broom. He climbs the steps and pounds on their door and, although we aren't privy to the exchange, it's obvious he's complaining about the noise. The noisy neighbors roll their eyes and laugh as they close the door. They jump into their Jetta and crank up the car stereo as they drive to the audio equipment store...
Photo printer Printer Buying Guide toyo tires Automakers Market Noise and Incivility
Photo printer > Automakers Market Noise and Incivility
Muse Premieres in "The Pitch"
Muse Communications Inc. is proud to announce the premiere of The Pitch, a new web-based promotional tool on the company website. The Pitch offers a look into the Muse new-business win of the Big Headed Boxers account.The Pitch is a reality-based report of how the team at Muse worked to win the Big Headed Boxers account in the summer of 2004. As pioneers in multicultural advertising, Mr. Muse and his talented staff have used The Pitch as a unique way to demonstrate their creative, strategic and...
Photo printer flower
Photo printer > Muse Premieres in "The Pitch"
Photo printer
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