How to choose a printer

Numerous computer programs do not make sense without the ability to print received documentary information or images. For this purpose, printers or multifunction devices (MFPs) with a printer function are used. With all the variety of models offered by the market, they are divided into several types that differ in design and functional features.

Printer Selection: Criteria

Most printers for home and office use are small in size.

High-performance, professional multifunction devices typically require a separate installation space.

Printing technology

Printers are distinguished by printing technology. To date, 4 main types are used:

• inkjet;
• laser (LED);
• sublimation;
• solid ink.

Inkjet technology is based on obtaining images at points by ink droplets sprayed by a print head with many micro-holes (nozzles). It features high-quality image printing in color at low speed and fast ink consumption.

The disadvantage of inkjet models is the relatively high cost of cartridges and photo paper, the need for regular use of the device. Otherwise, the mechanism may become clogged with dried ink, which is very difficult to eliminate. This type of multifunction printer uses 2 ink technologies: continuous and on demand.

Laser devices use dry electrographic printing, similar to the copy process. The page is transmitted using a laser or LED to a photosensitive drum with a dielectric layer, from which the finished image is rolled onto paper using toner. To fix the image, the toner heats up and melts into the paper.

Cartridges are refilled with ink or toner powder in office equipment service centers. Old cartridges can be replaced with new ones without any professional skills.

Attention! Most manufacturers protect their cartridges with special chips that prevent their refilling.

Sublimation technology is based on the process of transition of the paint into a gaseous state at high temperature, at which its deep penetration into the material occurs. These printers are professional equipment. Designed for the manufacture of souvenirs, flyers, banners. In the process, not only paper can be used, but also plastic, glass, wood, metal, fabric. The technology is characterized by high-quality image of drawings.

The solid ink technique is used only for the color variety. Feature is a waxy dye of 4 primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). Ink melted at high temperature through micro-holes of the piezoelectric printing mechanism is sprayed onto a hot steel drum, from which it is transferred to paper and solidified. The main advantage of the method is a bright and high-quality picture. The disadvantage is the high consumption of electricity and ink. Suitable for large volumes.

Color, black and white

Most inkjet printers process in black and white and color. For color, 4-8 primary colors can be used. The resulting color photographs and images are distinguished by a variety of shades, but a fairly high price.

Reference! The cost of color inkjet printers is significantly lower than similar laser devices.

The price is reduced by using the Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS). The quality of the obtained black and white prints in inkjet devices is identical to the typographic.

Laser printers are divided into black and white and color. The first issue only black and white prints of high quality. Colored until recently, were available to a narrow circle of users. Their cost is significantly higher. For color images in laser devices, a subtractive color model is used, based on the mixing of 3 primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow).

To obtain high-quality black, black is added to the 3 main ones. Abbreviated in English, the color model is called CMYK. By combining two or three colors, the basic colors are obtained, but high-quality color photos can be printed only on expensive models of laser printers.

Reference! Conventional laser printers are well suited for printing texts with color graphics or diagrams.

Paper size

Business documents are kept on standard A4 paper. Printers for home and office use are designed for this format. For A3 format products, which are two A4 standards in size, printers with a wide format are used. Such models belong to the class of semi-professional or professional.

To work with the formats A2, A1, A0, professional printers are produced that can work not only with individual sheets, but also with roll products. For small-format A6 images, you can use compact mobile printers. They weigh no more than 0.5-1.5 kg, easily fit in a woman’s bag or briefcase, and allow you to print photos from any gadget. Some portable models can create documents in full A4 format.

Print speed

It is determined by the number of pages printed in 1 minute. Laser models work faster than inkjet ones. The speed of the laser devices equals the rotation speed of the paper feed drum. With black and white technology, a conventional laser device produces up to 18-22 pages per minute. For more expensive models, the speed is increased to 50 prints per minute. Inkjet models work more slowly, especially with color printing. The average speed is up to 4-8 images per minute. Printing 1 photo may take 2 minutes.

Additional features

Along with printers that work only in print mode, MFPs are widely used, combining 3 functions: printer, scanner, copier. Today, speaking of printers, MFPs are usually implied.
Additional features may be presented:

1. Creating wired and wireless networks. The second requires a Wi-Fi interface. Printers connected to the network print documents from any network computer. Connecting to the network makes it possible to print files not only from a computer, but from any mobile device with a similar interface.
2. Double-sided printing is convenient for large volumes. Eliminates the need for manual sheet shifting. For home use is optional.
3. A memory card slot may be needed for mobile photo printing. Quick printout of a picture from the camera’s memory card.
4. Tray size is selected according to printer performance. Through the tray, paper is fed into the MFP. For simple models, the tray is designed for 100-150 sheets, office - 200-500 sheets, for printing companies - 1000 sheets or more.

The best printer models

The best manufacturers in the printer market are: Xerox, Samsung, HP, Canon, Kyocera, Epson, Ricoh, Brother. The quality of the products of these brands is firmly proven by time and customer reviews. Each model has pros and cons in its price category.

Inkjet Printers:

1. Canon PIXMA iX6840 - 5 colors, the ability to work with additional cartridges, printing -10 color, 14 black and white ppm, wireless connection.
2. Epson L805 - 6 colors, CISS, up to 38 color ppm, high-quality photo printing.
3. Epson M100 - black and white, 34 ppm, 140 ml cartridge, CISS, cartridge performance - 6 thousand pages, low cost.
4. HP Officejet Pro 8100 ePrinter - 2-sided printing, 20 ppm for black and white, 16 ppm for color, quiet operation, black and white cartridge yield - 2300 pages, color - 1500 pages, tray capacity - 250 sheets, good photo quality, Wi-Fi access, office MFP with a convenient control panel.
5. Canon MAXIFY MB2740 - 4-color and double-sided, color display, tray volume - 500 sheets, 24 black and white, 15.5 - color ppm, Wi-Fi, Internet.

Laser Printers:

1. Samsung Xpress C430W - 4-colors, 18 ppm, wireless printing, the most detailed image.
2. HP LaserJet Pro M104W - black and white, 22 ppm, compactness, the ability to work with different paper in quality and thickness, USB-connector, Wi-Fi.
3. Brother HL -1212WR - black and white, 20 pages per minute, 1 cartridge per 1000 pages, compact size, USB port, Wi-Fi.
4. Xerox Phaser 3020BI - LED system, black and white, 20 ppm, USB port, Wi-Fi.
5. Kyocera ECOSYS P2035d - black and white, up to 35 ppm, 1st sheet - after 8 seconds, wireless connection, double-sided version, cartridge yield - 2500 pages, the ability to work with different paper in thickness and density.

When choosing a printer, you need to focus on your own equipment preferences. It is also important for what exactly the device is needed, this will make it clear which printer to choose correctly.