The best Printer for Work?
At Kimbley IT, we often get asked, "Which printer do you recommend for my business?" This question is akin to asking, "What health insurance should I purchase?" or "Where should I invest my life savings?" The answer depends on your specific needs. You should consider several factors when selecting the right printer for your business.
Do you need a printer?
Before delving into the specifics of choosing a printer, you should decide whether you need one. Almost every document you use can be stored and processed digitally and easily shared through services like Google Drive. The only really valid reason for using a printer is when you have a document that has to be posted to the recipient, typically government departments, but even they have gotten better at receiving shared documents. Many Kimbley IT clients run a completely paperless business. Buying a printer is a poor investment simply because you think you should own one. That said, here’s what you need to consider if you need one.
Should you get a laser or inkjet printer?
There are two major categories of printer technology: laser and inkjet.
Printing Technology: Laserjet and inkjet printers use different technologies to produce prints. Laserjet printers use a laser and electrical charges to transfer toner onto the paper, which is then fused with heat. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto the paper, which is absorbed and dries to form the image or text.
Print Quality and Applications: Laserjet printers are better at producing sharp, crisp text quickly, making them ideal for high-volume document printing. Inkjet printers are preferred for high-quality colour images and photos with vibrant colours and smooth gradients, making them suitable for graphics-heavy documents and photos.
Cost Considerations: Laserjet printers have a higher upfront cost but a lower cost per page, making them good for high-volume printing. Inkjet printers have a lower upfront cost but a higher cost per page, making them better for moderate printing and high-quality colour outputs.
Speed and Efficiency: Laserjet printers can print large volumes quickly, especially in black-and-white. Inkjet printers are slower but produce high-quality colour prints for occasional or low-volume tasks.
Versatility and Media Handling: Inkjet printers can handle various media types, such as photo paper, and some can handle fabrics, making them ideal for creative projects. Laserjet printers are more limited in handling different media types, such as glossy photo paper or textured stationery.
Laser printers are typically geared toward documents and charts—business-type print jobs. Inkjets print high-quality glossy pictures if required. In most cases, businesses can get by with a colour laser printer, but if the ability to print high-quality photographs is important, you should consider an inkjet.
Which manufacturer should you pick?
Regardless of the badge on the front, printers are pretty much the same on the inside. Brands like Brother, Epson and Xerox have a long pedigree for making decent equipment, so you could begin looking at their products.
Never forget that choosing the cheapest available models can be a false economy. Along with the extortionate cost of consumables, frequent failures and a short lifespan quickly add to the total cost of ownership.
Using these guidelines, you should be able to draw up a list of requirements that your ideal printer must have. Now, it’s a case of searching online (or your nearest hardware store) for printers that fit the bill. You should also read professional reviews of any units you shortlist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Just make sure you choose carefully – the cost of buying an inferior printer could be much more expensive than the price tag.
