I get this question a lot. The real answer is not so simple. There are a lot of factors that go into purchasing a printer. Let’s look at all the things you need to consider when purchasing a new printer.
There are three initial things to consider when purchasing a printer:
First, what will you do with this printer? Merely print, or do you also want to be able to make copies, scan and possibly even fax (if you still have a land line phone)? If you only need to print, usually you can get a basic printer for a lot less than an all-in-one printer which can also scan, copy and fax. One issue with this is that many basic printers don’t have a screen and only have a few basic buttons so adding these to your network can be cumbersome.
Next, do you need to print in color and make perfect copies, or do you just need black, and you don’t mind if it is perfect or not? If printing in color is not a requirement you can also save by getting a black only printer. These come in the all-in-one and basic varieties. See the possible issues above for the basic models.
Lastly, how often do you print, daily, maybe once a week, or hardly ever, do you just want it available when you do need it? There are three ink/toner systems for printers. Inkjets are small little cartridges that don’t hold a lot of ink but are also not as expensive as toner cartridges for laser printers, that can sometimes do thousands of prints before needing to be replaced. If you print a lot and almost daily you will save money by going with a laser printer versus an inkjet printer. Another issue with inkjet printers is the ink can actually dry up if not used regularly. The printer might show that the cartridges are full, but it prints blank sheets. This is not an issue with laser. You could leave it alone for a year and it would print just like it did last time.
There is a new type of ink printer called a tank where instead of cartridges, you fill reservoirs on the printer with ink from a bottle. This is a much less expensive way to print. The nozzles will occasionally dry up, but you can run the maintenance to clean the nozzles, and it will be back to printing in no time. These printers cost more than the traditional inkjet printers, but you will make up the extra cost in ink savings.
Armed with this information, you are ready to find a printer. The last consideration will be cost and brand. A lot has changed in the printer world in the last few years. HP used to be the absolute go to but in recent years they are really putting out junk. They are currently my last choice in buying a printer. If you are considering a laser printer, I recommend BROTHER. If you are considering a tank, I like the EPSON tanks. I usually try to steer people away from the inkjet, but they are still the cheapest initially so if that is what you want to consider either Brother or Epson for inkjet.
As always, I am happy to discuss your options with printers and even help you set up your new printers.