Which Printer to Buy?

If you are looking for a printer for your home or Small Office Home Office (SOHO), you will land in a dilemma. Why? There are so many printers out there, in the pc peripheral market that you will end up truly confused. So, I decided to try and break down the process of finding the best printer that caters to your needs and fits your budget at the same time.

Computer peripherals price is a major component in decision making. Printers are fast becoming an important constituent in anybody’s computer peripherals list. Printers are mainly classified on basis of technology in to two types – Inkjet and Laser printers. Apart from technological classification, printers are also classified in to two types based on number of functions as Single function (Print only) and Multi-Function (Print, Copy, Scan and Fax in certain cases). Multi-function printers, as the name suggests, are capable of executing more than just printing function. These Multi-function devices (MFDs) can print, scan and hence copy, and fax in case of certain MF printers.

MF printers usually use Inkjet technology. Laser printers usually come in SF or single function printer type. MF printers or also known as All-in-One printers, house the components necessary for the multiple functions. This requires more space within the small or limited package. So while limitation of space requires that the technology used in MF printers remain small and compact, it is also important to make such devices compact and portable. Inkjet printing technology has evolved into compact components and lesser moving parts. While thermal technology is used in inkjet printing, the heat produced or used is less and manageable without the specific need of more space.

Hardware for computer components like optical drives, which deploy technologies like laser and optical sensors, have evolved to miniaturisation of computer hardware. However, Laser printing technology is yet to evolve to a point where it can be deployed into small package MF printers. Therefore, Laser technology requires more space to deploy, making them ideal for single function printers. Laser printers are ideal for high volume printing.

So, if you need multiple functions in your printing device, with smaller print volume, a multi-function Inkjet printer would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand if you require a high print volume type printer with little or no use for multiple functions in the printing device, then a good laser printer would serve you best.