Action Steps for Smart Shopping for Computer Printers
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set a budget for your computer printer

Computer printer manufacturers offer printers for every budget, so determine yours by assessing your company's specific printing needs. Consider what things you will need from your printer, such as image quality, output capacity and print size. A basic ink jet printer will start around $50 and can reach well into the thousands. A basic laser printer will be a little more expensive and usually starts around $100 with an upward range of $10,000.

I recommend: Search a wide range of printers by price at Best Buy and CompUSA. Compare each model's technical specs to help determine where you want to cap your budget. At Best Buy you can also use customer ratings to help make your decision.

Consider leasing computer printers rather than purchasing them

For small business owners, it is sometimes more economical to lease a printer. Even large organizations often prefer to lease heavy-duty printer equipment, in order to utilize funds for other projects. Leasing can save you on maintenance and repairs, and also protects your business from getting stuck with outdated technology.

I recommend: Rush Computer has a broad range of printers to choose from. You can easily request a quote after deciding upon the printer you need. Rentacomputer.com also provides printers for rent to over 1000 cities.

Save money with used and refurbished computer printers

Not every print job requires the latest and greatest model, and if your business is on a budget, used and refurbished PC printers are a great way to go. There are a number of computer printer sellers available online with used and refurbished computer printers for sale, and these previously owned models are often just as good as new, for up to half the price.

I recommend: Save a bundle and get free shipping on refurbished HP printers at CheapHPprinters.com. Choose from a wide selection of used printers at rock-bottom prices at Usedprinters.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When assessing the pricing and costs of computer printers, it is a good idea to take into account the supplies needed for the printer as well. You may buy a low-cost desktop printer, but if you end up paying a high price for the ink cartridges, paper and upkeep, it may end up being a pricey investment.
• •  Consider computer printer wholesalers during your search. There is usually a considerable difference in the price and many wholesalers, though they specialize in bulk orders, do sell individual pieces as well.

Guide to Selecting the Right Computer Printers

Tips to zero in on a computer printer that fits your needs and your budget

By Frances Sharpe

1. Text
2. Color graphics
3. Photos
4. High volume

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

Inkjet computer printers

Inkjet computer printers are ideal for printing color photos and graphics, but they may not produce razor-sharp text. If the photos and graphics you're printing are mostly for in-house use, select a basic inkjet computer printer. If you need to print high-quality photos, or want to print your own brochures and flyers, choose a more advanced model. These affordable desktop printers start at about $150, but upkeep can be pricey since the ink cartridges are costly.

I recommend: Find the top 10 inkjet computer printers at PCWorld.com. Find more sellers of inkjet PC printers at Business.com.

Laser computer printers

Laser computer printers can turn out crisp text as well as high-quality graphics, but don't measure up to inkjet printers for photos. If black and white text makes up the bulk of your printing needs, monochrome laser desktop printers may be the best choice thanks to their speed and ability to accommodate different paper sizes. Expect to pay about $300; color laser PC printers start at about $500.

I recommend: Search for color and monochrome laser desktop printers at Amazon.com. Find more sellers of laser desktop printers at Business.com.

Portable computer printers

If you're constantly on the road and need a computer printer with you, consider a portable model that runs on battery power and can fit in your briefcase. Costs start at about $150.

I recommend: Compare portable computer printers at TigerDirect.com.

Multi-function devices (MFDs) as desktop printers

If you want a space-saver that's also cost-cutter, shop for an MFD, a combined computer printer/copier/scanner/fax. MFDs are popular among small businesses as computer printer alternatives.

I recommend: Find reviews of MFDs and printer sales through ZDNet.com or check out BizRate.com's recommendations for the best MFDs for small businesses and their availability from various computer sellers. Find HP multifunction desktop printers and Xerox multifunction desktop printers at Business.com.

Computer printers for workgroups

If several people in your office will be sharing the same desktop printers, choose ones that can handle a high volume.

I recommend: Find a computer printer suitable for workgroups at C/NET.com, where you can search by price, print speed, inkjet, laser and more from various computer sellers.

Expertise from printer manufacturers and computer sellers

HP sells more printers to small businesses worldwide than any of the other printer manufacturers of computer sellers.

I recommend: The HP Printing and Imaging Center for small business offers excellent advice and information on choosing the best printing solutions, reducing costs and saving time. Also see what computer printers small business owners voted their top picks in the annual Small Business Computing Excellence in Technology Awards. Find offers on HP computer printers at Business.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Batteries not included: If you're thinking about portable PC printers, be aware that the battery may not be included in the price of the printer.
• •  Include upkeep costs when comparing prices. The price of ink cartridges or toner over the lifetime of the device could easily amount to more than the original cost of printer sales.
• •  Take the noise factor into consideration. In a small office environment, noisy desktop printers can easily become annoyances
• •  Take your measurements for desktop printers. Check the amount of space you have in your office for your computer printer before going shopping.
• •  Beware of speed claims. Printer manufacturers rate speed on PC printers based on the simplest of pages. Their speed claims may be two or three times faster than what you'll get from a computer printer installed in your office.
• •  Check printer manufacturers’ specs for features. Some desktop printers can print double-sided pages and can staple, collate or fold pages.

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

Purchase the right type of media for your PC printers

There is a wide selection of paper media available for desktop printers which varies by printer type, size, thickness, color and surface texture. It is important to identify which type of media your printer takes and which type fits your needs.

I recommend: Gotoforms.com is a great place for all of your printer paper needs. It's conveniently categorized by printer and media types. You can purchase a wide array of discounted printer papers and labels at Rapid Supplies.

Find the printer ink that is compatible with your computer printer

Computer printer manufacturers also make compatible ink cartridges. If print quality is important to your business, it is imperative that you only buy the ink cartridges that correspond to your printer model and brand. Purchasing third-party ink cartridges or using cartridges designed for a different model will produce sub-quality printouts and can potentially damage your printer.

I recommend: InkJetSuperStore.com has over 30 different computer printer brands to choose from. Simply select your printer, and you will able to browse the various available ink cartridges for you PC printer. ClickInks.com categorizes printer inks by ink jet cartridges and laser toners. You can also browse by printer brand.

Use transparency paper or films for presentations

Transparencies are excellent for corporate presentations and reports. There are transparency films available for both inkjet and laser printers.

I recommend: Atlex.com stocks transparency paper and films for HP, Epson, Canon and more. Another great place for transparency film is Business Supply.

Keep your computer printers running smoothly with maintenance supplies

To ensure the long-life of your computer printer, it is necessary to conduct proper maintenance. Various paper-jam and general maintenance kits as well as toner clean-up cloths are available for do-it-yourself fixes.

I recommend: Precision Roller boasts of an expansive stock of printer maintenance kits. Buy paper-jam kits for HP printers at The Laser Guys. You can purchase toner clean up cloths at PrinterSupplies.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Internet is a great place to find deals on supplies for computer printers. You can easily compare prices, find the best stores, get coupons and more which can help save on the price. Computer printer wholesalers also sell computer supplies like ink cartridges and media in bulk. Anywhere there are computer printers for sale is a good place to find deals and discounts.
• •  Read through your computer printer manuals. They usually come with easy instructions on how to clean your printer using readily available tools like ear-buds, tissue and water.