In today’s business world, the computer is an absolutely invaluable tool.  Nearly all of our business can be conducted digitally; whether online or simply with computerized record keeping.  Even so, paper records are still a necessity, and to produce paper records or Christmas cards or letters to family or any other physical hard copy you’ll need a good desktop printer.

There are several types of desktop printers, so you’ll have to decide what exactly your printing needs are.  The most common solution in the world of desktop printers is the liquid inkjet model.  By spraying tiny amounts of ink in precise patterns onto paper, these desktop printers reproduce text or images on to paper.  These printers are generally very cheap, but the ink cartridges can be expensive.

A faster, more precise solution often used in the business world is the laser or toner printer.  These operate much like photocopiers, using static electricity and laser technology to transfer toner on to paper at high speeds with great accuracy.  These desktop printers can be more expensive than inkjet models, but are also very fast and very accurate for large volume printing needs.

If you’ll be printing onto nonstandard surfaces like glossy paper or transparencies, the best option for you might be the solid ink desktop printers, which use solid sticks of CMYK ink.  These printers are excellent for fast, accurate color print work and are often found in office environments.  On the downside they are also rather expensive, can use a lot of power, and take a long time to warm up.

Choosing a desktop printer: When it is time to choose between desktop printers, it can be a great fun time or a moment of dread, depending on your level of comfort buying electronic devices.  If you are the type of person who loves to shop and compare specifications and see what new technology is out there, go – have fun!  This is your time!  But if you are one that is more inclined to just wish you did not even have to think about it, read on.  We will help take the mystery out of shopping for desktop printers.

In the world of technology today there are basically two decisions you must start with.  First, do you want color or just black?  Second, do you want (or need) laser or inkjet?  Once you get in the right market then the main points to consider have to do with price and specific applications, but giving some thought to how you will use your desktop printer will point you to the right group of printers to choose from. 

If you are thinking color, is it to print charts and graphs or are you planning to print photographs?  Unless you are planning to print photographs on a regular basis, it is not likely you need a photo-quality printer.  For school and work reports, photo-quality desktop printers would be over-kill.

If you plan to print things for long retention, look into a laser printer.  The technology has brought the price down to where it is very affordable now, and even color laser desktop printers can be had for less than $500 now.  Also, laser printed output is generally much more durable than inkjet.