Computer Printers

ACCENT COLOR SCIENCES, INC. Astro-Med, Inc. Brother Cadapult Graphic Systems Epson Imaging Technologies Lexmark International, Inc.

Muratec America, Inc. Oce NV Oki Data Americas, Inc. Olivetti SpA Printronix, Inc. Printware Prout AG

Star Micronics CO Ltd T/R SYSTEMS, INC. TallyGenicom Wells-Gardner Electronics Corporation Zebra Technologies Corporation

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

	Computer Printers in Brief Choose an inkjet computer printer for mostly graphics work, a laser for mostly text Save costs by buying all-in-one computer printers combining fax and scanner Check ink and toner prices before you buy a computer printer

Whether you churn out nothing but black-and-white text documents, or you want to print your own high-quality color letterhead, brochures and newsletters, you can find the right computer printer for the job. Knowing exactly how you plan to use your computer printers and how much volume you'll be printing are the first steps to selecting the best ones for your business.

Basic computer printer features to look for include adequate print quality, speed, paper-handling capabilities and memory as well as compatibility with your computer and a price within your budget. Before hitting the printer sales, consider if you'll be printing:

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

Action Steps for Smart Shopping for Computer Printers

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.

Tips & Tactics to Make Your Computer Printer Buy

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.