Shopping around for the right printer is no easy task when there are so many to choose from in terms of brand, model type and what they are capable of. There is, of course, a suitable printer out there for every possible need, but it is key to know exactly what you want from your printer. It is also a good idea to do your research before committing to a purchase, for example, take a look at some helpful guides to give you an idea of which printers are currently highly rated.
Your main focus when looking to purchase a new laser printer should be what you will be using it for, whether that be for images, graphics, colour, black and white, photos or text – you should keep that are the forefront of your mind as this will help narrow down which printers will work for you and your needs. There are a number of other elements you might also want to consider, including the following:
Running Costs
Like everything else, when it comes to printing things can get pretty expensive after the initial purchase of the printer itself. Things such as toner, ink and paper soon add up and you find yourself spending more than you had planned. Different printers will require different types of paper, ink and toner, so when deciding on your printer it is a good idea to look into the cost of running it
You should also consider how often you will be using your printer as this will also determine how much paper, ink and toner you will get through and how often these things will need to be replaced.
Paper Handling
As standard most printers will handle A4 sized paper, however if you know that you need to be able to print on paper of different sizes you should keep this in mind. You should also think about the weight of the paper as printers have different limits when it comes to paper weight and thickness. You may also want to consider whether you are able to print on other paper items such as envelopes. All of these things will determine which printers are right for your specific needs.
Design
Depending on where your printer is going to be kept, you may also want to consider it’s appearance. If it is going to be hidden away under a desk or in a cupboard, then design doesn’t need to be at the top of your priority list. However, if it is going to be out on show, you might want something more sleek on show for everyone to see, so shop around for some aesthetically pleasing printers.
Ease of Use
No one likes spending hours trying to set up new and complicated tech, especially when there are a multitude of wires that need connecting, programmes to be installed and parts to put together. When shopping around for your new laser printer, check out the installation guide beforehand – you can sometimes find PDFs of these online.
You may want to think about what aspects would make using this printer easier for you, for example a large paper load, wireless connectivity and a digital display – keep an eye out for all of these things to ensure you find a printer suited to your needs.
Reviews
Lastly, it is always a good idea to consider other people’s opinions and experiences with different printers. Whilst some reviews might be unkind, it is often a good way to find out about design flaws and recurring technical issues that could sway your decision and save you a lot of money. Reviews are also great for swaying your decision in the other way, and could help you decide between two printers that are both seemingly fit for your needs.
