What are my options?
Most buyers start with a general notion of the type of printer they'll need. The reason is that different printing technologies are suited for different printing needs and budgets. Find out more here about the basic types of printers and their pros and cons.Personal laser
Though the technology has been around for years (HP introduced its first LaserJet in 1984), laser printers are still going strong because they combine fast print speeds, sharp output, and a low cost per page. Like copiers, laser printers use a photographic drum to attract electrically charged toner and transfer it to paper, where the image is fused using a heated roller. The vast majority of laser printers are monochrome (black and white), and they are best-suited for printing text and simple graphics. They start around AU$500. Until recently colour laser printers were too expensive for individuals or small businesses, but there are now several models for less than AU$2,500, and these could soon become viable alternatives to colour inkjets.
| Key features | |
| Interface: | USB and parallel |
| Resolution: | 600x600 dots per inch (dpi) |
| Rated speed: | 10 to 20 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Memory: | Up to 16MB |
| Paper capacity: | 150 to 250 sheets standard input tray |
Workgroup laser
As the name implies, workgroup laser printers are designed for small offices or small teams within larger companies. The basic technology is the same, but these are more than beefed-up personal lasers with features tailored specifically for multiple users. First, they support printing over networks either standard or as an option. Second, they offer more-advanced handling capabilities, including larger input and output trays, and some models have features such as duplex (double-sided) printing, sorting, and stapling. Finally, they have faster processors and more memory so that they can manage multiple jobs and print faster. Like personal lasers, the vast majority of workgroup lasers are monochrome--designed for printing text and simple graphics--and they start at around AU$900.
| Key features | |
| Interface: | USB, parallel, and RJ-45 (Ethernet) |
| Resolution: | 600x600 or 1,200x1,200 dots per inch (dpi) |
| Rated speed: | More than 20 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Memory: | 16MB or more |
| Paper capacity: | 250 sheets or more standard input tray |
Inkjet
Inkjet printers have come a long way in the last 10 years. Today's versatile inkjets can produce both crisp text and rich photo prints. Most manufacturers offer both general-purpose and photo inkjet printers, which shouldn't be confused with snapshot or photo printers designed for only 4x6 or smaller prints. Inkjets print an image by applying a precisely controlled stream of tiny ink droplets from one or more cartridges to coated paper. Each manufacturer uses slightly different techniques, and the size of the droplets and the way they are applied to the paper determine the image quality. Unfortunately, the process is relatively slow compared to that of laser printing--and the ink cartridges and the special papers can be costly--so inkjets are best suited for home users and small businesses with light printing needs. Inkjet printers range in price from less than AU$200 to as much as AU$1,500, depending on features, image quality, and paper-handling capabilities.
| Key features | |
| Interface: | USB, parallel, FireWire (some networkable models) |
| Resolution: | Varies widely by manufacturer and model |
| Rated speed: | 5 to 20 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Memory: | Measured in KB, not MB |
| Paper capacity: | 100 sheets or more standard input tray |
Multifunction/all in one
Multifunction printers (MFPs) or all-in-ones (AIOs) are the Swiss Army knives of printers. They combine copier, scanner, printer, and, in some models, fax capabilities in one unit, making them perfect for home offices and small businesses. MFPs are available with either laser or inkjet printing (both described above) to suit different needs and budgets. The best models include flatbed scanners and auto document feeders for walk-up scanning, faxing, and copying of multipage documents. MFPs start at around AU$300, and you can check out five great models here.
| Key features | |
| Interface: | USB |
| Resolution: | Depends on printer technology |
| Rated speed: | Depends on printer technology |
| Memory: | 16MB |
| Paper capacity: | 100 sheets or more standard input tray |
Photo/snapshot
Some inkjet printers are optimized for printing high-quality photos, but if you own a digital camera and spend a lot of time printing snapshots, you may want a second printer specifically for that purpose. Some snapshot printers use inkjet technology, described above, but most rely on dye-sublimation, which transfers colour dye in a continuous tone from a ribbon onto the paper in a series of passes, followed by a protective clear coating. The print quality is comparable to that of professional photofinishing. Another big advantage: they can print directly from compatible digital cameras, and most models also accept storage cards such as CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard, or Memory Stick. But photo printers are generally limited to 4x6 or smaller snapshots; they can't handle standard 8.5x11 sheets, which is why they are suitable as second printers only. They typically cost at least AU$500.
| Key features | |
| Interface: | Direct from compatible cameras and storage cards, USB |
| Resolution: | 300x300 dots per inch (dpi) for dye-sublimation |
| Rated speed: | About 1 minute per snapshot |
| Memory: | Measured in KB, not MB |
| Paper capacity: | Cartridges hold a handful of sheets at a time |
Portable
These pint-size printers are designed for life on the road. The print speeds and the image quality are hardly top-notch, and you'll pay a premium for these travel partners, but if you really need to print on the go, they fit the bill. They typically cost AU$500 or more, and you can check out our comparative review of portable printers here.
| Key features | |
| Interface: | USB |
| Resolution: | Varies by manufacturer |
| Rated speed: | Less than 10 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Memory: | Minimal |
| Paper capacity: | Anywhere from a few sheets at a time to 50 sheets standard input |
| What
kind of printer is best for me? Are you a home user, photo enthusiast or high-flying executive, and what printer is best for each type? |
| How
do I sort out the specs? If DPI means as much to you as PPM, check out our guide to demystifying printer specifications. |
| How
do I judge print quality? Text, image and photo printing quality explained. |
| What
will it really cost me? Buying a printer isn't a one-time purchase; we examine the real story behind printing costs. |
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Great site....I've learnt heaps, still not sure whcih printer to go with but am far more informed thaks to you. Well done & thankyou