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Step 1
Keep in mind there are two types of color inkjet printers; those designed for color photos, and those that aren't. If you're going to print photos it's best to get an inkjet printer designed to do it. A regular inkjet printer can print photos, but it will never equal the quality of an inkjet photo printer.
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Step 2
Once you decide on the type you need to look at the print quality. Print quality is measured in DPI, or dots per inch and is simpley the amount of ink density. The higher the DPI the less grainy the printing will be. Obviously photo inkjet printers will have a higher DPI. If you won't be printing photos then you can settle for a lower DPI quality.
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Step 3
Next look at the paper handling characteristics of the inkjet printer. A good printer will be able to handle many different papaer types such as letter, legal, cards and envelopes.
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Step 4
Look at the printer speed. Inkjet printers are rated seperately for black and white, and color printing. Keep in mind that photo printers can take minutes per page. Higher DPI printers are also usually slower.
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Step 5
Look at the ink cartridges. Are there seperate cartridges for each color, or one combined cartridge. Combined cartridges are the worst as you will have to replace the whole thing even if just one color runs out. Look for an inkjet printer with seperate cartridges for each color. Photo inkjet printers should have at least 5 cartridges, including one black cartridge.
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Step 6
Check the connection types available to the printer. Most printers today use a USB cable, usually not included. Consider getting an inkjet printer with built in wireless connection so all the computers in your house can share the printer.
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Step 7
Before buying one of those 'free after rebate' inkjet printers take a good look at the type of replacement cartridges it uses. Some cartridges can cost more than the printer itself. Divide the page capacity by the cost of the cartridge to get the true cost per page.
