The first consideration when looking for a printer is the type of printer you
require.Inkjet Printer
Overview
These are the type normally given away free in bundles with a PC, they are
certain the most popular type of home printer around.
Running costs
The running of these printers are very high, average price for a set of OEM
cartridges is £40.00 odds are two set of cartridges are about the same cost as
the printer.
impression
The bottom line is these printers are marketed like mobile phones, The phones
are free but the contract will cost you... Same principle here the printers are
cheap but the ink will cost you money. Ironically it suits retailers because
they make money on the cartridges are you are continually making trips to there
store to buy more, so they can temp you into making further purchases.
Buying tips
Research the cost of replacement cartridges before you decide which one to buy.
Shop around, check out online (particularly with
top cash back)
with retailers such as DABS and MISCO, to buy the printer, and various printer
consumable sties all via top cash back of course.
Laser printer
Overview
Often thought to be expensive, larger printers for business.. Not that
common in your average high street store, but they are available both online and
in stores for less than you might think.
Running costs
These are very low, but the one off costs for replacement toners (ink cartridges
for a laser printer) are expensive and cost about £40.00 each and you need
about 5... But when you consider on average the cartridge in a laser printer
will last about 10 times longer than a inkjet cartridge.
Impression
Although bulkier colour laser printers are not as expensive as you might think.
with about £150.00 being a reasonable budget for a HP laser printer that's not
much over the cost of an inkjet and a set of cartridges
Buying tips
Try to make sure you buy a laser printer with a drum built into the cartridge
(all HP lasers currently do this).. Shop around, check out online (particularly
with top cash back)
with retailers such as DABS and MISCO, via top cash back of course.
What type do I require
There is no simple answer to this but all but most people would be better
suited to a laser printer. Unless you specifically require the extra
functionally of an all in one (photocopier, fax, scanner), or are particularly
tight for space. |
