Inkjet printers print using a water-based ink to produce vividly colored documents. Epson, Hewlett-Packard, Canon and Lexmark are the best-known and most popular manufacturers of inkjet printers. They generally cost less than laser printers and also print faster. Typically each ink refill cartridge costs less than laser cartridges. These features make inkjet printers a good choice if you need to print high quality full-color documents in relatively low quantities.

If you have a small office, choose a low-cost color inkjet printer such as the HP Deskjet D2430 or the Lexmark Z2300. Print color photos with the Epson Stylus Photo R280 or the HP Photosmart D5360 Photo Printer. Network-compatible machines like the HP Photosmart C7280 or the Canon PIXMA MX7600 print photo quality documents and also fax, photocopy and scan. For inkjet printing on oversized paper, use the Canon imagePROGRAF series or the HP Designjet series of large- or wide-format printers.

Your choice of inkjet printers includes the following varieties:

1. Regular inkjet printers, which print standard sized color documents

2. All-in-one inkjet printers that fax, scan, copy and print

3. Wide format inkjet printers for specialized uses, such as printing odd- or large-sized pages

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

Visit manufacturers' websites to narrow your search for an inkjet printer

Visit the websites of the major manufacturers to find inkjet printers information, check the specifications for various models or buy the printer that suits your business' needs. These websites allow you to narrow your search by various criteria, including the size of your business and whether you require an all-in-one machine or just a printer. Visit the support section of each website to assess the type of support you will receive once you have purchased your printer.

I recommend: View models designed for everyday printing, mobile printing, home office or professional imaging at Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Visit Epson America, Inc. to receive special promotional discounts and rebates and view or buy accessories for your printer. Canon U.S.A., Inc. offers special promotions on photo inkjet printers, compact photo printers, professional large format inkjet printers and all-in-one inkjet printers. Learn more about each model of printer at Lexmark International, Inc., offering a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime priority phone support.

Save space with all-in-one inkjet printer

All-in-one or multifunction inkjet printers also fax, photocopy and scan. Choose an inkjet multifunction printer over a laser multifunction printer if you have a small office with a low quantity of pages printed each month. Look for one with network capability to interface scanning and faxing programs with your computer network.

I recommend: Buy inkjet multifunction printers and supplies like inkjet ink cartridges from Buy.com Inc. and get free shipping on most models. TigerDirect, Inc. also sells multifunction printers and supplies and offers competitive prices.

Stick to your budget with discount or refurbished inkjet printers

Suppliers of inkjet printers must service and repair printers in order to sell them as refurbished. Check the warranty, since it may be limited or even nonexistent on refurbished printers. You may want to browse the clearance section of major vendors to look for discontinued models or open box items.

I recommend: Find low prices on printers, economical service plans and open box items at Best Buy. Purchase refurbished inkjet printers at Super Warehouse.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you print a large quantity of black-and-white documents and only a small number in color, consider purchasing a color inkjet printer to use alongside a larger, business-sized monochrome laser printer.
• •  Some users of Microsoft Office 2007 on Windows XP or Vista platforms have experienced incompatible driver situations when using some models of HP Photosmart inkjet printers. There is no updated driver for Windows XP, but a simple workaround involves designating another printer as the default. HP's support site has updated drivers for Windows Vista.