How to Compare Printers

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

List specific features of a printer you want to compare. (photo quality, document quality, speed/pages per minute, cost per page, cost per ink cartridge, multifunction, extra features, compatibility, etc.)
Step 2

List the printers you want to compare and read reviews about them. Websites like PCWorld.com and CNET.com rate and review products; you can use their detailed reports to compare products based on your specific needs.
Step 3

Go to retailers to test printers, stores like BestBuy have printers hooked up so you can test the print quality, speed, etc. printers on display. Be aware when you do this sales personnel will try to SELL you the product, just advise them you are still shopping around.
Step 4

After seeing various printers in action list the model numbers so you can go back online to read about them. Just because they do well in the store doesn't mean they are the best. Customer reviews are the best point of view. I suggest reading the bad ratings because people normally write bad reviews of a problem they couldn't solve. Browse through other reviews that may list similar problems. You don't want to go through the same headaches.
Step 5

If you don't feel like reading pages of reviews use a product compatibility chart. CNET.com, PCWorld.com, online retailers, and other sites offer these charts and you can usually customize them to compare products you chose side by side. I've listed some websites that may be useful on the resources items below.

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