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Frances Sharpe

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, freelance writer/editor

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
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
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.

The official source of Selecting the Right Computer Printers is
the Computer Printers page at Business.com

Brother® Official Site
Visit our Official Website to Find Enterprise Level Printing and Labeling Custom Solutions that Enhance Productivity and Reduce Operating Costs.
www.Brother-USA.com
Xerox Business Printers
Fast, Affordable Business Printers. Compare Models at Xerox.com Today.
Multifunction | Printers | Copiers | Software
www.Xerox.com/Office
IBM Computer Printers
Printer Solutions for Small Business & Large Enterprises. Learn More.
www.InfoPrint.com
Computer Printers
Print, Copy, Scan & Fax. Konica Minolta multifunction printers for home office and commercial use. Request a quote.
Color MFP | Black & White MFP | Production Print | Printers
www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us

Recommended Solution Providers

Printer Warehouse: Printers for Sale
Provider of printers, parts and supplies.

Matter of Fax: Printers, Fax Machines and Copiers
Providers of copiers, fax machines, printers and supplies.

Office Depot: Printers
Provider of printers and all-in-ones.

Super Warehouse: Printers
Provider of printers and printer supplies as well a other computer peripherals.

Best Sites to Learn More

Viewz: Printer Buying Guide
Buyers guide to printers. Includes types of printers and advantages/disadvantages.

ZDNet: Printer Guide
Reviews of printers by manufacturer, price range and type.

AllBusiness: MFD Buyer's Guide
Guide to purchasing printer/fax/copier devices.

Inc: Printer and Peripherals
Articles about printer and computer peripherals.

CNET: Shop for Printers
Listings of printers by category, manufacturer or type. Also listing printers that have dropped in price.

BizRate: Small Business Printers
Small business buyer guide to purchasing a printer.

Hardware Central: Hardware Reviews
Reviews of computer peripherals and technology, including printers.

PC World: Computer Printers
How to buy a printer, includes listings of brands and types of printers.

Best Blogs and Forums

Tek-Tips: Peripherals Discussion
Discussion of computer peripheral issues, including printers.

Computer Hardware Forum: Printer Discussion
Discussion about computer printers.

Windrivers: Printer/Plotter/Scanner Forum
Discussion of printer, plotter and scanner driver issues.

Printers Subcoded: Printer Blog
Reviews of printers and printer products.

Home Business Hardware: Computer Hardware Blog
Reviews of home office products, including printers.



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