Buying a Printer

A printer is a device that allows message and visuals results from a computer to be transferred to paper. It can vary in dimension, expense, refinement and velocity. It is generally used for domestic use but could also be utilized for business and industrial applications as well.

Several factors determine the quality of a print job, including the type and kind of paper, ink, and print head. The most common types of printers are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers can print in black and white or full color and use a system of tiny droplets to create the image, similar to how TVs and computer screens render images through clusters of thousands of pixels. Laser printers, on the other hand, use a drum to attract toner powder onto selected areas of paper as it rolls over a laser beam.

Many printer manufacturers apply the razor and blades model to make a profit on the cartridges, paper or another replacement part. This strategy has led to legal disputes over the right of third parties to sell compatible ink cartridges. Some cartridges have microchips that prevent the ability to replicate them, while others are hidden deep within the printer in an attempt to avoid this practice.

One question that frequently arises when looking to purchase a printer is whether to go with a major retailer or a local dealer. Depending on your preference, either option can offer convenience, but it is important to consider the differences in price, selection and service offered by each type of seller.