Tips for buying the right printer

At work or home, it's vital to have a reliable printer. Understanding the advantages of the different types is the first step to finding the one that meets your needs, and avoiding the Black Friday bargains that will only cause you grief.

Printers are available in different styles. Consider what you're printing to help determine what type of printer will best keep up with the task at hand.

Inkjet printer: Inkjet printers use liquid ink for deep colours and contours and offer versatility without costing more money. They are great for printed images, and some are built specifically for photo printing.

Laser printer: Laser printers are fast and efficient, making them ideal for home offices and businesses. They are great for printed text and can be used frequently and quickly.

Multifunction printer: Multifunction printers combine printing with copying, scanning and faxing. Making use of your hard-copy documents is easy and cost-effective with an all-in-one printer.

Speciality printer: Many printers, such as photo printers and label printers, are designed for specific functions. They are built to excel at specific types of printing and are the perfect size for task.

Portable printer: Portable printers are reliable and easy to set up on the go. They are great choice if you need a reliable printer while traveling, saving you from a jam after making some last-minute revisions.

Look for these features when purchasing a printer.

USB port: A USB port and cable connects your computer to your printer directly for simple set up and printing.

Ethernet port: An Ethernet port and cable connects your printer to your network for printing across all computers and mobile devices in the area.

Wi-Fi capability: Wi-Fi capability allows you to print wirelessly from any computer on your network.

Mobile printing: Mobile printing allows you to print from your smart phone or tablet.

Duplex printing: Some printers offer duplex (double-sided) printing that can be performed automatically or manually.

Consider how you will use it before buying a new printer.

Colour vs. black and white: Colour printers are usually best for home, since they are versatile enough to accommodate the occasional birthday card or colourful flyer.

• For offices, consider black and white models that may be less expensive and produce higher quality results.

Size: Printers are becoming smaller all the time. For small home offices and dorm rooms, compact printers may be the way to go.

Usage: Inkjet printer ink tends to dry out when not used frequently enough. If you only print occasionally, a laser printer may be the best choice.

Don’t get caught investing in a printer that causes you nothing but stress in the long run. Find a printer that balances versatility with specialization and is reliable enough to make your life that much easier.