A few years back, the Internet threatened to do away with paper, turning our work lives into a digital dreamworld. Funny thing happened, though: Paper demand skyrocketed. Seems we just can't do without that piece of paper in our fingers, and now nearly every computer has a little printer attached.

The trick with a printer, though, is getting the right one for your needs. Too much printer can be a waste of resources and money (as well as space!) and too little will give you unprofessional and unbecoming results.

Covered in this guide:

1. Selecting a home office HP printer
2. Multifunction HP printers
3. Inkjet vs. laser HP printer
4. Buying an HP printer for photography

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

For small business, an HP printer home office model is typically sufficient

You could break the bank on a computer printer, but why? Prices for all makes of basic HP printers -- even color HP printers -- have dropped in the recent years. If you're putting off a printer you need because of cash flow, you might be surprised.

I recommend: Get started shopping for HP printers and HP printer supplies at HP's Home and Home Office catalogue online. See more categories of HP printers at the Business.com vendor directory for HP printers.

If you need more than a printer, HP has got you covered

Short on desk space? You can get an HP printer, copier, scanner and fax machine in a single footprint device for under $100. Plug and play with your desktop and it's a complete office in single product.

I recommend: Of course, this is HP, so you could also spend north of $10,000 for an office-ready HP printer workhorse that nevertheless takes up a relatively small space by a cubicle or entryway. Take a look at the range at HP's gateway site for multifunction printers. See more multifunction HP printer choices at the Business.com directory on HP multifunction printers.

Selecting HP printer technology by your needs

Laser or inkjet? The technologies are quite different. (Short version: An inkjet sprays ink, while lasers bond the ink to the paper.) Laser printers are pricier upfront but better for heavy volume printing, while inkjet printers are economical yet still high quality.

I recommend: The difference in quality used to be noticeable. Not any more, so first figure out your real workload, then budget for the appropriate technology. Try the HP "help me choose a printer" engine if you are not sure. Take a look also at HP DeskJet printer vendors at Business.com.

Choosing an HP printer for photographic needs

The latest wrinkle in printers is the photo printer, meant to replace a photofinishing service by allowing consumers to print their digital camera snapshots direct to photo paper.

I recommend: HP printers has an entire subsite dedicated to photography -- including printing tips and advice on editing and managing digital images -- at its HP Digital Photography page. For Photosmart HP Printers, see the directory at Business.com on HP Photosmart printers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy enough technology for your needs, even more than you need if you can swing it. If your printing volume suddenly rises, buying a completely new printer to accommodate will be a waste of money.
• •  Beware of unnecessary complexity. If you will use all or nearly all of the functions on a multifunction printer -- scan, fax, etc -- then great, go for it. If not, maintaining a complex machine for simple black and white prints will be a problem.
• •  Got a medium sized business? Consider leasing a printer from HP or a third-party. You can get the right technology and be productive without having to front the full price.