How to Buy an All-In-One Printer

Tired of electronics piling up in your office? Are there new capabilities out there you need? Want to make life simpler? An all-in-one printer may be the solution you've been looking for. Once you know what you're looking for, and where to find it, all-in-one printer shopping is simple. Follow the steps below to learn how to buy the one you want.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Computer

Instructions

1. Find out what's available. Look on the Internet as well as through consumer magazines and stores to discover the different types there are.

2. Determine your needs. Do you want the highest resolution? Fastest printing? A color photocopier? Some printers you can plug your photo card directly into without using the computer. Decide which features best suit your needs.

3. Find the printer with the options that fulfill those needs. Consider how easy it is to access the features you want. Select the printer with the right options and ease for you.

4. Look up ratings. There are consumer websites that rate all-in-one printers. Find out the problems others have had without having to make those mistakes yourself.

5. Compare prices. Once you've selected the all-in-one printer you want, find the best deal. Check back online as well as in stores.

6. Once you've found the best price, make your purchase. Keep your receipt and packaging in case you need to return it.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind any extra parts, such as paper and ink cartridges, which may affect pricing in the long run.

• Take your time. You don't want to pay extra for an all-in-one-printer cluttered with features you'll never use. You also don't want to buy one that doesn't have all the features you want. Carefully consider your options, including whether you want a laser or inkjet printer.

• Keep everything. Sometimes the box or packaging is required for a return.

• Pay attention. Some are called all-in-one printers but don't include a fax machine. However, if your computer has fax software and a modem, you may not need another fax option on your printer.