How do I judge print quality?
The cardinal rule of purchasing a printer is, whenever possible, print before you pay. There's no sure-fire way to tell exactly how text and images will appear unless you eyeball print samples.Text
Most demonstration pages will include rows of text at varying sizes, which can show different types of flaws. At the smallest font sizes, the individual letters should be legible and fully formed with no breaks, and they should not bleed into one another. Medium-size fonts should be crisp with no fuzzy edges. And the largest fonts, especially bold ones, should be filled in with a solid, even black--not a muddy bluish or brownish tone.
Black-and-white graphics
The printer demonstration should print several geometric shapes of different sizes and shading. The outlines should be crisp with smooth curves; inside areas of solid black should appear dense and evenly shaded. Also look for areas where an image goes from dark to light (a gradient). Is it a smooth transition, or can you see distinct bands progressing from darker to lighter?
Colour graphics
When you are evaluating an inkjet or a colour laser printer, there's no real way to tell how accurately it reproduces colours, but by comparing print samples from different models side by side, you can at least get an idea of whether the colours look good, based on your personal preferences. As in black-and-white graphics, large blocks of colour should appear solid and even, rather than muddy. Some printers try to dazzle the eye with overly saturated colours; others skimp on ink, leaving images that appear washed out. Look for a nice, natural-looking balance between the two.
Photos
A photo inkjet or snapshot printer is in a whole separate category in terms of image quality. Though it sounds simple, the main thing to look for is a printer that produces images that appeal to you--some like bright, saturated images; others prefer more realistic scenes. Some enjoy warm (red-yellow) tones; others want a cooler, bluish cast. When you hold images from different printers side by side, these traits become obvious to the naked eye. There are, however, some objective qualities to look for, as well. For example, areas with high levels of detail, such as hair, should be sharp, and skin tones should look realistic. 
| 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? |
| What
are my options? What's the difference between each printer 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. |
| 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