How to Buy a Laser Printer

Laser printers provide better quality than ink-jet printers, but are more expensive. Keep in mind print quality, speed, reliability and price when deciding which printer to buy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laser Printers
• Power Strips
• Toner Cartridges
• Printer Paper

1. Decide what types of documents you will be printing (text, graphics, odd paper sizes, etc.).

2. Make a list of specific features you need, such as the ability to handle large files, the ability to print on various media (labels, envelopes) with-out jamming, a size to fit a particular desk space, two or more paper trays, and compatibility with specific software.

3. Compare the print quality of different printers. Compare the resolution, or dpi (dots per inch). Use a magnifying glass if print quality is critical.

4. Compare speed specifications. Although you probably won't get the rated speed at home, the ratings are useful for comparing printers.

5. Learn how much RAM the printers have, and whether it's expandable.

6. Realize that the printer's paper path needs to be no sharper than 90 degrees to consistently handle envelopes, labels, transparencies or card stock. If you plan to use special media often, avoid printers with 180- degree U-turn paper paths.

7. Compare prices of consumable items such as toner cartridges and replacement drums.

8. Compare warranties and service contracts.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for at least 600-by-600 dpi (dots per inch) resolution.
• If you want to print PostScript fonts or PostScript graphics, you'll need a PostScript printer. Many, but not all, laser printers can handle PostScript; most ink-jet printers can't.
• Printer RAM will affect the printer's speed and ability to handle large files. If the printer includes many built-in fonts, that may also
• improve speed.
• You may need to purchase the printer cable separately.
• Be wary of terms such as "laser class printer." These inexpensive printers use toner cartridges, but use LEDs instead of lasers, and produce an inferior text quality.

[shellygirll]

on 9/16/2009 this is fantastic info, thankyou afroacon nitpicker3 and eHow. Afroacon, had you finished all you were saying and do I understand you by saying that it is better to get a printer that uses 'drum inside cartridge' rather than 'separate drum component' due to the possiblity of it costing a lot to replace the drum?

[nitpicker3]

on 8/13/2009 Caution: Do not change operating systems until you confirm that your laser printer driver and other equipment will work with the new OS or that the features of the new OS are worth having to purchase new equipment that will work with it. I did not do this before I switched to Windows Vista. I unknowingly gave up the ability to print multiple copies, receive inbound faxes, and scan to my computer on my HP LaserJet 3015 when I made the switch. HP will not update the driver to work with Vista. The only ways to get those functions back are to revert to an older operating system (XP) or purchase a new multi-function printer.

[afrobacon]

on 7/11/2009 Other things to consider:
1. If you are buying a printer that is on closeout, it is possible that a driver program might now exist for the latest Windows/MAC OS. Check for the availability of the printer driver, or you may end up with a printer that can't work with the most recent operating systems.

2. If you plan to do a lot of printing, consider a printer that does not use fixed "drum" technology. HPs, Cannons and others provide the "drum" inside the toner cartridge. Each time you replace the toner, you replace the drum. Brother printers, and others, have a separate "drum" component. After a few thousand pages, the drum wears out and needs to be replaced. This can cost you anywhere from $150-$400 depending on the printer model.

3. Related to #2: If you are going to do a lot of printing, consider a "duplex" printer... one that can print on both sides of the paper. That'll sa...

[jack42b]

on 7/4/2009 Excellent Info! =)

[12magazine]

on 6/19/2009 thank you!