How to Compare Home Printers

It used to be that printers only had one function: to print in ink what was on a computer screen. However, printers now have many functions, including scan/fax capability, different paper input possibilities and wireless connectivity. The features that are packed into modern printers can seem overwhelming. However, by taking a few steps and thinking critically, you can compare printers for home use and decide on the feature set that works best for you.

Things You'll Need

• List of current-model printers with local retailer prices
• Current computer model specifics

Instructions

1. Look at your computer. Many printers are designed to work with certain types of computers. If you are looking at a high-end printer with a lot of extra features, you will need to make sure that your computer has an up-to-date operating system, processor, and ports. If you are unsure of the specs on your computer, simply go to your hardware profile (located in My Computer) to get a detailed report of your hardware and software.

2. Decide what features you need. If you have multiple computers, you may want to look into Bluetooth wireless connectivity. If you frequently fax or scan documents, you may want to consider an all-in-one printer that has multiple functions. You also may want to think about the type of documents you will be printing. If you print a lot of pictures, you'll probably want a printer than can handle glossy paper and high-quality ink. Conversely, if you print a lot of word processing documents, you may want a printer with ink-saving options.

3. Look at prices. After you have decided what you want from your printer and you know what kind of hardware you are dealing with, it's time to narrow your options. Go to your nearest electronics store, find printers that match your description, and then look at prices. Try to find a printer that meets both your needs and budget.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find a printer you like at a brick-and-mortar store, try shopping online. Retailers like Amazon.com have a great selection of printers, and you can easily shop by feature, price, or brand.

References

• CNet Printer Comparison