Whether you churn out nothing but black-and-white text documents, or you want to
print your own high-quality color letterhead, brochures and newsletters, you can
find the right printer for the job. Knowing exactly how you plan to use your
printers and how much volume youll be printing are the first steps to selecting
the best ones for your business.
Basic printer features to look for include adequate print quality, speed,
paper-handling capabilities and memory as well as compatibility with your
computer and a price within your budget. Before shopping for a printer, consider
if youll be printing:
- Text
- Color graphics
- Photos
- High volume
Action Steps
The
best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Inkjet printers
Inkjet printers are
ideal for printing color photos and graphics, but they may not produce
razor-sharp text. If the photos and graphics youre printing are mostly for
in-house use, select a basic model. If you need to print high-quality photos, or
want to print your own brochures and flyers, choose a more advanced model. These
affordable printers start at about $150, but upkeep can be pricey since the ink
cartridges are costly.
I recommend: Find the top 10 inkjet printers at PCWorld.com.
Laser printers
Laser printers can turn
out crisp text as well as high-quality graphics, but dont measure up to inkjet
printers for photos. If black and white text makes up the bulk of your printing
needs, a monochrome laser printer may be the best choice thanks to its speed and
its ability to accommodate different paper sizes. Expect to pay about $300;
color laser printers start at about $500.
I recommend: Search for
color and monochrome laser printers at Amazon.com.
Portable printers
If youre constantly
on the road and need a printer with you, consider a portable model that runs on
battery power and can fit in your briefcase. Costs start at about $150.
I
recommend: Compare portable printers at TigerDirect.com.
Multi-function devices (MFDs)
If you
want a space-saver thats also cost-cutter, shop for an MFD, a combined
printer/copier/scanner/fax. MFDs are popular among small businesses.
I
recommend: Find reviews of MFDs and make purchases through ZDNet.com or check out BizRate.coms recommendations for the best MFDs for small
businesses.
Printers for workgroups
If several
people in your office will be sharing the same printer, choose one that can
handle a high volume.
I recommend: Find printers suitable for
workgroups at C/NET.com, where you can search by price, print speed, inkjet,
laser and more.
Printing and Imaging Expertise Center
HP
sells more printers to small businesses worldwide than any other company.
I
recommend: The HP Printing and
Imaging Center for small business offers excellent advice and information on
choosing the best printing solutions, reducing costs and saving time. Also see
what printers small business owners voted their top picks in the annual Small Business
Computing Excellence in Technology Awards.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this
Guide
- Batteries not included: If youre thinking about a portable printer, be
aware that the battery may not be included in the price of the printer.
- Include upkeep costs when comparing prices. The price of ink cartridges or
toner over the lifetime of the device could easily amount to more than the
original price of the printer.
- Take the noise factor into consideration. In a small office environment, a
noisy printer can easily become an annoyance.
- Take your measurements. Check the amount of space you have in your office
for your printer before going shopping.
- Beware of speed claims. Manufacturers rate speed based on the simplest of
pages. Their speed claims may be two or three times faster than what youll get
in your office.
- Ask about additional features. Some printers can print double-sided pages
and can staple, collate or fold pages.
