Choosing a Laser Printer can be a confusing and difficult process given the array of manufactures, models, features and specifications.
Therefore, it is essential for the prospective buyer to narrow down those features that are most essential. Avoid paying for other non-essential features which will only be used very infrequently or never at all.
Some factors to consider include:
- Running costs: Of critical importance is the cost/number of pages the cartridge/other consumables last.
- Combined unit cartridges (convenient) ‘v’ separate components (lower operating costs).
- Ease of sourcing and installing consumables and cartridges.
- What size and type of paper/media is required? Remember monochrome is typically faster than color printing.
- What is the print speed and waiting time between prints?
- What is the most cost effective print resolution for your needs? Higher resolution dpi (dots per inch) comes at a cost.
- Is there the ability of Networking and how is easy is it to set up?
Finally, make sure you understand the manufacturers terminology used to describe certain features, so that when choosing a laser printer you are comparing like with like. For example, print resolution quoted may be shown as ‘effective output’. This can mean that a 600x600x2 dpi resolution is marketed as a printer with 1,200 dpi effective output.