Printers Buying Guide | ShopClues.com

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If you work out of home or an office or just like being able to print out documents and photos without rushing to a cybercafé, consider getting a computer printer. It’s come a long way from the bulky, expensive machine it used to be. What’s more, you have your pick of types so that you can get the most out of your purchase.

Types of Printers

There are several types of printers that you can choose from depending on your needs. They’re broadly categorised into non-impact, impact printers and 3D printers, and further divided into different sub-types. Impact printers make use of a head or needle that hits an ink ribbon and then transfers the imprint to paper. The most popular type called dot matrix printer is used to print forms, waybills, payslips and address labels. Non-impact printers, meanwhile, don’t use heads or needles to strike paper. Instead, they make impressions on paper either by spraying ink or by using a laser beam to transfer toner. A third type is 3D printers that work very differently and don’t print on paper.

Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printers are non-impact printers. They’re hugely popular and are the top choice for many. The relatively inexpensive cost coupled with good printing quality makes them great picks. They work by spraying ink drops on paper to form text and images. Depending on requirement, inkjet printers may be black and white or colour.

Pros and Cons of Inkjet Printers

Pros	Cons
Inkjet printers output colour images excellently	The ink is water-based so prints are prone to water damage
The cartridges don’t necessarily have to be replaced; they can be refilled	The printers don’t utilise ink very efficiently so there can be a high cost per page
They can print on different types of paper such as glossy, matte and textured	Replacing the cartridges can be pricey
They’re affordable	While much faster than dot matrix, inkjet printers may not be ideal for high volume printing
Small Duration	Long Duration
They’re relatively easy to maintain	Cleaning the printers can be messy

Select Inkjet Printers

Inkjet

Laser Printer

Laser printers are also non-impact printers but work quite differently from inkjets. They don’t use ink but toner powder. A laser beam focuses on a drum coated with toner, which detaches and transfers to paper. The toner bonds, thanks to a hot roller.

Pros and Cons of Laser Printers

Pros	Cons
3D printers can print a range of products including customised designs	3D printers are expensive
3D printing is cost-effective and is pegged to become more so as popularity increases	At present, most 3D printers can print small products. Those capable of creating larger and more complex forms carry hefty price tags
3D printers work fast	3D printers can be used to print dangerous objects

Select Laser Printers

Laser

3D Printer

3D printers are the newest types and are completely different from inkjets and lasers. They don’t print on paper but print out 3D objects. Using successive layering, they’re able to output models of different shapes.

Pros and Cons of 3D Printers

Pros	Cons
Laser printers print fast, making them ideal for high volume requirements	They’re heavier and bulkier than inkjet printers
Relative to cost, they work out cheaper than inkjets for prints that aren’t graphically complex	Unlike inkjets, they can’t handle too many different types of paper
They produce excellent prints and very sharp blacks	While toners last longer than inkjet cartridges, they’re expensive
They’re not messy to clean	They have higher upfront costs
Small Duration	Long Duration

Select 3D Printers

Output Types

Colour Printers

Colour printers print in colour. They make use of several different colour cartridges.

Select Colour Printers

Colour

Monochrome Printers

Monochrome printers print only in black and white and use just a black cartridge.

Select Monochrome Printers

Monochrome

Function

Print: Some printers have a single function, which is to print. They can’t perform anything else.
Scan: There are also printers with a scan function in addition to printing.
Copy: Moving up the function ladder, you can find printers that combine printing, scanning and copying.
Fax: Adding even more to the functions list are printers that can fax in addition to printing, scanning and copying.

Today, printers can take care of several jobs, on and over just printing. These multifunctional machines come in different sizes from smaller, compact models to large ones that are ideal for offices and small businesses.

Select Printers By Function

Print Scan Copy Fax

Your Requirement

Printers for home: If you need a printer for outputting documents, a laser printer will likely serve you well. It may be expensive at the outset but you’ll find it cheaper in the long run. However, if you’re looking for a printer to produce top-notch photos, consider buying an inkjet model. Students, who usually need to print out documents and images alike can go for compact multifunction printers.
Printers for offices and business: Offices and businesses usually require printers to handle larger volumes of work. While having a multifunction printer can do the job, it could tie-up others’ work. Standalone machines, therefore, are best.

Maximise Your Printer

There are several ways you can get the most out of your investment. Knowing what they are can see cartridges and toners last longer.

Try to print in greyscale. Leave sharp black and rich colour prints for final drafts and for printing photographs.
Proof-read and preview your document before hitting ‘print’. It’ll save you from printing mistakes.
If you’re using an inkjet printer, power it off when not in use. It enables the ink heads to be ‘parked’ and capped. This keeps the ink from drying and also saves energy.
Some laser printers refuse to print when the toner is low. You may still be able to get a few prints, however, by covering the sensor hole on the cartridge. You can also shake the cartridge to redistribute the toner.