A new printer: what to consider

In recent years the technology that is used in printing has grown significantly. Perhaps this is your first time buying a printer, or you have an older model that’s due to be upgraded. Either way, you might feel slightly daunted by the sheer amount of options out there in the printing market.

Don’t worry too much though, as deciding on a printer isn’t that difficult once you’ve thought through a few key areas. In this post we will offer a short guide on what to consider before buying a new device, taking you through these options and hopefully, once at the end, you will be able to establish exactly what you need to look for.

1. Compatibility with Existing IT Infrastructure
Your first consideration should be whether your new printer will be compatible with the computers you’re currently using. If you buy a printer that isn’t, you could spend hours and hours trying to find a solution that just isn’t there.

2. Size
Where are you planning on storing the printer? If you have limited space, then you might have to take the printer out every time you use it. In that case, you’d probably want a smaller sized one that can easily be handled.

Perhaps you need to produce larger prints though, in which case you’ll have to find a printer that can output pages larger than A4. If this is the case, you might want to find a space where the printer can be permanently kept.

3. Ink and Toner
The price of ink and toner can sometimes prove a sore point for people who have brought the wrong printer, simply because of the amount it costs to replace the cartridges. If you are planning to use your printer on a frequent basis and the cartridges are expensive, then you can end up with a hefty bill. It’s always important to check the price of replacing the ink and toner in the printer you’re considering.

Other considerations to think about include the amount of cartridges your printer has. Some manufacturers can incorporate different tones within one cartridge, meaning that if you run out of one, you have to replace them all.

4. Cost
The range of prices between different printers with different functions is enormous. Know how much money you have to spend and don’t let a slick salesman hit you with the up-sell pitch and have you buy into a model with unnecessary bells and whistles attached.

Another thing to think about is the amount each page of printing costs. Work out on average how much printing you will be doing and from there you can figure out what printers fall into your budget, or not.

There is also the question of whether to lease or purchase a new printer or photocopier. There are benefits to both, with ownership obviously attractive, but leasing’s flexibility valuable. If you are not sure whether you have enough cash to purchase outright without causing an impact on your bottom line, you may want to explore leasing options.

5. Number of Users
How many people will be using the printer? It may seem obvious to point out that if you have a lot of users it will put more pressure on a printer than if it is only used by a single person occasionally, but this should play a big part in your decision.

6. Specifications – Cloud printing, Security, Finishing Options
Are there any specific requirements you need your printer to perform? Perhaps you need high-resolution images, cloud printing, or a whole range of other options that only specific printers offer. Consider what you want your printer to be able to do and that way you’ll be able to get one that meets your work or home life requirements.

Still not sure what kind of printer or copier is best for your business? Contact the experts today!