Finding the right printer can be a pain-free process – provided you know what you’re looking for.   As with any purchase, it’s important to sit down and evaluate what the new item is going to accomplish.  After doing so, you’ll be able to quickly narrow the field of possibilities.

Which Type of Printer?

The first and most important question that MUST be answered before making a purchase is this: what would you like your new printer to accomplish?  Answering this question will determine if you’re in need of a photo printer, laser printer, all-in-one, or an inkjet.  Let’s go over the uses for each printer type to help you focus.

The Photo-only Printer

It does just what its title says it does, but what else?  Do you need special paper?  Is it efficient?  Photo printers are known for the ability to reproduce photo-like prints as if they came from the print store, except there’s no time wasted running to the store and waiting.  They offer the highest print resolutions available today and it is recommended to use only approved photo-quality papers.

Photo printers tend to go through ink quite quickly as many prints use extra ink to get that glossy photo finish.  They may also require special ink types or more than the standard four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to perform optimally.  Many provide direct printing from various memory cards as well.

The Ink Jet Printer

Ink jet printers are the workhorses in many homes and offices.  They print documents both timely and efficiently, and with the right paper can produce near-photo quality prints.  Consider the following when comparing ink jet printers:

• Ink cost:  Ink cost is often more than the printer itself.
• Dried print heads:  When an ink jet goes without use for extended periods of time, the ink cartridge or print heads can clog up with dried ink.  Cleaning processes are usually included on these printers as well as a “print test page” button for a one-touch print using all colors to keep the ink fresh.
• Slower prints:  Ink jets are not designed for high-speed prints as you’re headed out the door to the board meeting or when you need a quick print.
• Smudging:  More noticeably with color prints, the ink can remain wet for up to a minute after printing and are susceptible to smudging unless carefully handled.

The Laser Printer

Laser printers are likely to be found in businesses as they are capable of handling large print orders quickly and efficiently.  Depending on whether or not you have the need to print color photos, these are now appearing in many homes; in some cases accompanying color inkjets or photo printers.

Laser printers use toner instead of ink and their cartridges can handle up to 5,000 prints or more.  Color lasers are also a sound investment as they do not suffer from drying ink and printer heads.  In the long run, they generally offer a lower cost per print cost than ink jets.  The toner cartridges can hike up the initial cost of a color laser printer, but when you’ve printed over 5,000 pages and have yet to replace your cartridges, you’ll see the value in laser.

The All-in-One Printer

Can’t make up your mind on what features to look for?  Be prepared to give up a little more desk space, but these all-in-one printers offer many features that others do not, including: scanning, copying, fax, and phone.  If you have a preference of ink-jet or laser, you’ll find all-in-one printers supporting both technologies.

Most all-in-one printers now include media card readers so you can print directly from or save your scanned images to your memory card without having to turn on the computer.  Double check the print and scan resolutions as higher are always better.

The Compact Printer

If you’re worried about your printer being an eye-sore, or just need the convenience of printing wherever you go, these compact printers can be hidden and carried with ease.  Don’t be fooled by these mini marvels, as some can still compete with their oversized ancestors.  Compact printers are usually designed for one job, and they do it really well.  Whether its photos, documents, or scanning you’re in need of there’s likely a compact printer to get the job done.

As with all printers, higher resolutions are better.  If you’re seeking a compact photo printer, make sure the color resolutions are high and you can ignore the black and white.  If its receipts or black and white documents you’re printing, you’d be more concerned with print time and black and white resolutions, even paper size.

The Printer Buying Decision: Make It with TopTenREVIEWS

After having read through the many uses and considerations of the above printers, you should now be able to narrow your choices to a specific printer type.  If you need additional help, consult our comprehensive list and side-by-side comparisons of the best printers on the market, including expert and user reviews from across the Internet.  At TopTenREVIEWS— We do the research so you don’t have to.