Best Type of Printer

Numerous advanced printers are out there, which can be confusing for some consumers. That is why we have created this simple guide to help people break down which type of printer is the best fit for their needs. When deciding to purchase a particular type of printer, it can be helpful to understand the benefits and disadvantages of each type. Different manufacturers have different settings for their printers. The best type of printer includes inkjet printers, laser printers, all-in-one printers, and wireless printers. In short, the best printer type for you is the one that fits your needs.

However, if you’re new to printers, you’ll want to read our guide covering what is a printer.

When doing the initial setup process of HP printers, you will be prompted to enter a WPS pin on your printer generated when you create a wireless connection between your devices and your printer.

Common Printer Types

Below is a list of the most common types of printers, their unique features, and their disadvantages. Also, be sure to read about what DPI is on a printer.

Inkjet Printers

By far the most common printer type, inkjet printers make a solid choice for those who work from a home office or those who need to perform simple printing tasks. Inkjet printers are not the fastest type, producing anywhere from five to ten pages per minute, but they tend to be fairly efficient. Additionally, inkjet printers are so common that they have become extremely inexpensive, though the cost of replacement ink cartridges can add up over time. Due to the fact that they use actual ink, inkjet printers excel at producing color images. Check out our helpful resource guides for more about how an inkjet printer operates.

If you are curious, we have an article where you can learn more about inkjet printer ink. These printers can also be purchased in a wide variety of sizes to suit individual needs.

Laser Printers

Laser printers have become much more popular in recent years, due to the steadily decreasing costs of their various components. Laser printers do not use ink, rather, they send out focused light beams to impact toner as it is being laid upon paper or related material. Toner cartridges have distinct advantages over ink, as you can expect a much higher speed when dealing with a laser printer (12 to 20 PPM.) Additionally, a good toner cartridge will last for thousands of prints before needing to be replaced, which is exponentially more efficient than an ink cartridge. Though you will save money on replacement cartridges, the initial cost of purchasing a laser printer tends to be much higher than an inkjet printer. Knowing what paper for laser printer works the best will ensure that you get a better quality printout. Additionally, if you don’t need to print photos or graphics, you can learn about what a monochrome laser printer is.

All-in-one Printers and Wireless Printers

All-in-one printers, otherwise known as multi-function printers, bring a number of added benefits to the table. These units can typically scan, fax, and copy documents and handle simple print jobs. Many all-in-one printers are also wireless printers, meaning they can print documents directly from the Internet. Wireless printers must still be plugged into a power outlet, despite not having to be physically connected to a computer or related device. Check out this article on inkjet vs all in one for more info on the key differences between these printer types.

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