You can increase your laptop's functionality by getting a printer that goes with it. There are so many printers for laptops available nowadays, for sure there's a specific model out there that can meet your needs. However, the challenging part is looking for that specific unit. Worry not because below are some simple guidelines on buying one.
Going for a reliable brand is a good idea. It may not be the cheapest one around, but you know it's going to be of service for you for a long time. Besides, in case you need to purchase accessories or parts, you won't have a hard time finding them. Purchasing something that's from a cheap brand might only get broken easily.
Go for something that equals the portability of the laptop you own. Some models may have compact sizes but they may be on the heavy side. It's also possible for a large model to be light. Find a unit that's both compact and lightweight so you may lug it around hassle-free. There are models with such specifications, especially designed for people who are on the go always.
However, when picking a model that's compact, see to it that it can work on standard media sizes like letter, legal or executive. There are units out there that are limited when it comes to media sizes handled. That's why you should point out the size of documents you commonly print. For flexibility, choose a model which can also work on different media types.
Because of size discrepancies, all the ports you can find on a desktop computer may not be found on a laptop, especially a small one. For this reason, the printer you're eyeing should have a hi-speed USB 2.0 interface for easy hooking up with a laptop. Purchasing a printer that only sports a parallel port may not be a good idea at all.
A monochrome one is usually cheaper than something which can churn out both monochrome and color prints. Point out what your everyday printing needs are to be able to decide which of them to pick. It's also important to consider the resolution. This is measured in terms of dpi (dots per inch). If what you need to print are documents containing plain text, something that has a 600 x 600 dpi resolution is okay. A higher resolution is better for printing graphics.
The ppm, or short for pages per minute, will show you how fast the unit works. By and large, a printer is capable of producing more pages a minute when doing black-and-white tasks. You should also check out of the first-page-out time on the specifications list. This indicates how long will it take for the document to be printed from the time the data is transmitted to the printer.
Take a look as several different printers for laptops available out there. Go online and compare their features and prices. Read review by experts or drop by forum sites where the model you're considering to buy is being talked about.
Source: Jacob Akshire @Corysstory
Those are all really great tips. I bought a cheap HP when I wanted something small to connect to my MacBook Pro and it works great.
ReplyDeletegreat tips for a electronic idiot like me! thanks for sharing! but it has been a good while since I last used a printer at home. in fact, I have 2 sets kept in box still at home and not putting them to use.
ReplyDeleteNice tips. But I don't really use printers (trying to go electronic) as I find printing not environmentally friendly. But there were times I hope I had one, to make printing more convenient!
ReplyDeleteThis helped so much as I'm considering getting a printer for school use. Thanks for the tips! :D
ReplyDeleteMy printer gave up on me last month and I am on the look out for a new one. Glad to read this before buying. Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, which is really timely since we're planning to purchase a printer before this school term starts. Will definitely take them into account while searching for the best one for our needs.
ReplyDeleteI love how printers have evolved and how their features have evolved through the years. In our office alone, we've gone from having stuff printed outside to doing a lot of the printing for our materials in-house. We've considered the brand, durability, speed, and the price of the ink ( there are printers that can be not-so-expensive but the price of the ink can hurt your wallet ).
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving all those tips. I’m not in the market for new printers, but my friend is, so I’ll be telling her about this to help her.
ReplyDeleteSome great tips! When I last chose a printer it was an absolute minefield, having to choose from a range covering the absolute basic printer to an all singing all dancing one. I would be happy with a printer that had ink! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is a good reminder for shoppers like me who don't really go into details when buying a printer. As long as it prints, I'm okay with it. However, reading through this did make me realize why I have been changing printers every now and then.
ReplyDeleteIf it were just me, a plain monochrome printer is enough. However, we still have to buy a color printer because of the kids school projects. They use it more than I do. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, on what to look out for.. Admittedly with all the digital storage options these days, I don't print a lot anymore, only the occasional documents that I need to scan and sign.
ReplyDeleteThose are nice tips, pero parang we don't need printer na. Mura lang kasi magpa-scan sa amin.
ReplyDeletePrinters are indeed a blessing to have at home these days specially with so much kids work and it comes very handy.
ReplyDeleteI agree, rather than going for equipment that I cheap it's best to take branded products especially when it comes to electronic goods.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Fernan! The good thing is there are many options to choose from now and the prices are getting more affordable. The only thing expensive is the ink!
ReplyDeleteIf I may add another tip, consider a printer with wireless capability so that you don't have to be plugged.
I always go for quality over price since it's cheaper to keep a reliable one in the long run than go through several replacements.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips. My husband and I chose a printer that is multi-functional. One that can print, scan and copy. We can't live without it ;)
ReplyDeleteTrue. Great tips! I've chosen printers for office that's got several features. Economical! I buy those which has features I mostly need, not with features I don't even know what. haha
ReplyDeletegreat tips. i have a printer that scans as well as it is so useful. saves space too
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips and I'm gonna shop for my printer real soon... Hope I get a good one with great price!
ReplyDeleteReally great tips. Thanks for sharing such a nice post.
ReplyDelete