Nowadays, along with printing documents, a printer can also be used to send faxes. Many printers can not only connect with a computer or laptop but also be connected directly to smartphones or other gadgets.
If you are currently looking for a printer for printing purposes both at home or in the office, you should choose a printer considering multiple factors. Let’s dive deeper into these factors.
Tips to Choose a Good Printer
A printer is capable of printing text documents as well as images. But in order to get perfect results, of course the printer must be specifically designed for printing that type of document. We will help you gain some clarity before you choose a printer according to your needs by looking at the characteristics of the printer.
1. Use an inkjet printer to print images
If your need a printer for is just printing photos with good quality, choose an inkjet type printer. Inkjets are smaller in size so you don’t have to give up too much space.
Inkjet printers can print photos and images with fine quality and sharp color results. The price of this type of printer is also cheaper. However, running costs can be higher when you print a large number of images and photos. The reason is, to produce clear photos or images, more ink is needed.
2. Use a laser printer to print documents faster
Inkjet printers can also be used to print documents, its sharpness is even better than laser printers. However, if you want to print hundreds of pages, using an inkjet printer is not quite right.
For that, a laser printer is the best option. Laser printer prices are also more affordable. Although it can print in monochrome mode faster, laser printers can also be set to color mode to print images, but the results are not as good as inkjet printers.
3. Consider printers by function: single or multifunctional
Apart from being divided into two types, you also need to pay attention to the main function of the printer you want to buy. If you already know your need, choose one that supports those needs. For example, if you print documents more often, then choose a printer that only has print functions. Besides being cheaper, you can also maximize its main function.
However, if you don’t know the top priority of your needs for a printer, then it’s safe to choose a multifunction printer. A multifunction printer can be a more economical option as it can print and copy documents as well as send faxes.
4. Select based on the type of cartridge used
Each manufacturer designs a printer with a different model of ink tank (cartridge). There are at least three kinds of cartridges, namely integrated, split, and toner.
- Integrated type . This cartridge consists of two pieces which are used as containers of one to four colors. Because it is joined in two places, there are often cases when the cartridge cannot be used when one of the ink colors runs out. Although it can be used by moving the ink to an empty container, it can damage the cartridge.
- Split type . This type of cartridge consists of several containers for each ink color. With this kind of cartridge, you can change the color of the ink that runs out without having to buy a new cartridge. This type is also suitable for printing more images with same colors.
- Toner type . Used in laser printers, this cartridge is more expensive because the ink can last to print a large number of documents. It is suitable for those of you who often print high-intensity monochrome documents.
Each cartridge has advantages and disadvantages that you can consider. In addition, you should also pay attention to the costs involved in replacing the cartridge when the ink in it runs out.
5. Select printer ink based on what you want to print
In addition to the type of printer and cartridge, for optimal results, you also need to make sure you use appropriate ink. Currently, ink is divided into three types, namely color ink, pigment ink and hybrid ink. What are your needs? If you more often print photos and images, choose color inks that give sharper results with a glossy effect.
Colored inks require a longer drying time and will wash off easily when exposed to water. Meanwhile, pigment ink is normally used to print documents. This type of ink does not penetrate easily on paper because it has larger particles. However, pigment inks are limited in terms of colors and are not suitable for printing photos and images.
If you don’t always print one type of document, then use hybrid ink. This type of ink is capable of producing sharp blacks on ordinary documents and good density on printed images or photos. Although it is more expensive, we would recommend choosing hybrid ink.
Our 10 Best Printer Recommendations
1. HP LaserJet Pro M12w
The LaserJet Pro M12w printer from HP is suitable for those of you who want to buy a printer for office needs. This product can print monochrome documents up to 18 ppm.
The tray for putting paper can accommodate up to 150 sheets. Its function is only to print single color documents, but HP printer has a wireless connectivity option, perfect for those of you who want to print documents directly from a smartphone.
2. CANON PIXMA MG2570S
Canon releases multifunction printers at economical prices. In this Pixma series, the products can print, scan, and photocopy. If do not need to print frequently, this product is the best choice!
It has a print speed of 8.0 ipm for black ink and 4.0 ipm for color ink. Each printout also has a resolution of 4,800 dpi. Because of it’s elegant design and compact size, you would not require much space for this printer.
3. Brother DCP-T300
This is a multifunctional printer that truly excels in many ways. If you want to get maximum printing results for various paper sizes, then this product is worth choosing. The Brother DCP-T300 can print A4, A5, A6, Legal, Letter and Photo-2L sizes.
Each document of a different size will print at a resolution of up to 1,200 x 6,000 dpi! In addition, this product also has a print speed of 10 ppm for black ink and 27 ppm for color ink. If you want to print high-quality documents? The Brother DCP-T300 is the best choice!
4. Canon Selphy CP1200
Another choice from Canon for you, the Selphy CP1200. Made as a photo and image printer that gives amazing results, this product will be suitable for those of you who want to capture moments in physical photos. With a resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi, the results looks really amazing.
The display screen surrounded by the operation panel allows you to make adjustments before starting the printing process. You can even crop a photo or image to get the results you want.
5. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fwK
These printers from HP provides convenience without compromising on performance. You can use this product as a printing machine for various types of documents without the hassle of plugging in the cable.
HP designed this product with print speeds reaching 17 ppm for black ink and 4 ppm for color ink. Besides being equipped with a Wi-Fi connection, the LaserJet Pro MFP M177fwK can also process printing directly from the Apple and AirPrint applications.
6. Panasonic KX-MB2275
If you need a printer for office, you can choose this product. Panasonic designs printers with multiple functions. Besides being able to print, scan and copy, this product is also equipped with fax, cordless telephone, and intercom functions.
If you are someone who need to print large number of documents, you should consider the Panasonic KX-MB2275 as it has a print speed of up to 28 ppm. For monochrome mode, this print uses a laser print with sharp results. In addition, this product can also be used to for color photocopies.
7. Epson L360
This multi-functional printer will help you in printing and photocopying various documents. Although the price is relatively cheap, this product is equipped with a Wi-Fi feature to print from directly from smartphones. This product has a print speed of 33 ppm for black ink and 15 ppm for color ink due to it’s embedded Micro Piezo TM print head technology .
8. Fuji Xerox DocuPrint CP225 W
Fuji Xerox designed this product to be environmentally friendly with Eco-friendly features. It uses S-LED technology for the printing machine and EA-Eco for the toner. Print speeds that reach 18 ppm make this printer worthy of being relied on for office activities or large-scale businesses.
When placed in a corner of an office table, its elegant design will enhance your workspace. Additionally, the print resolution reaches 1,200 x 2,400 dpi providing excellent print quality. You can save various print-ready documents to it as well because of the internal memory of 256 MB.
9. Epson L120
If you planto buy this printer, make sure you provide a wide enough room because the Epson L120 is designed with the cartridge located on the right side of the main body. This printer is capable of printing up to 8.5 ipm for black and white printing and 4.5 for color printing.
Applying T6641-T6644 ink allows you to print more without requiring high operating costs. Epson also provides 2 years of official warranty for this product
10.HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 2135
With a resolution of 4,800 x 1,200 dpi with a print speed of 20 ppm for black ink and 16 ppm for color ink, this printer is suitable for your home.
This printer can print in black and white up to 7.5 pages per minute and 5.5 pages per minute for color documents. This printer would provide a minimalist look, thanks to its sharp and modern design.
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