PURCHASING A PRINTER

Are you looking for a new computer printer? Perhaps you are considering your options and whether you will need a printer with color or black-and-white capabilities. Can you save money by choosing a black-and-white printer? Is it really worth it? Not really.

Brand-new computer printer prices may range from under one hundred for a basic computer printer to several thousand dollars for a high-tech photo printing system.

BASIC PRINTER PRODUCTS

Basic computer printer prices have dropped dramatically in recent years. Actually, you can now purchase a useful and capable color printer for less than one hundred dollars (U.S.)

For example, I recently purchased a basic back-up computer printer for my home office. After doing a bit of comparison shopping, I finally selected a Hewlett-Packard Deskjet All-in-One (printer and scanner and copier) for about $75 at WalMart. (Incidentally, I have spent four times that amount, in the past, for computer printers with lesser capabilities.)

PRINTER MANUFACTURER COMPETITION

Computer hardware technology is advancing daily. The computer hardware and peripherals marketplace seems to have advanced to the point where competition has driven prices downward, at least for many popular products. Computer printers are no exception.

Hardware manufacturers must fight fiercely for customers. As a result, the retail prices on home-office equipment have come down a lot in recent years. Like videocassette recorders, microwave ovens, digital cameras, and even color television sets, computer printers have become widely available and even affordable.

CONSIDERING OPTIONS

Flexibility is important, as you consider a computer printer purchase. A color printer is certainly the most versatile choice, and it generally does not cost a lot more than a black-and-white printer.

When you send a document file from your computer to the printer, you can certainly select a black-and-white option, if you wish. By doing so, you may save money in replacement ink cartridges.

PRINTER CARTRIDGE COSTS

Most modern computer printers employ ink cartridge technology. These cartridges must be refilled or replaced fairly often.

As you evaluate potential computer printers for your office or home use, you will want to examine the specific ink cartridges each printer uses. Ink cartridge prices vary dramatically, so it is important to consider the replacement costs. You can realize significant long-term savings, if you purchase a computer printer that employs more economical cartridges.

In addition, you may save money by purchasing an inexpensive computer printer (using cheaper ink cartridges) for everyday use and saving your costlier printer (using pricier ink cartridges) for jobs requiring photo-quality and high resolution printing.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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