How to Buy a Printer

step 1 Consider the various sizes, shapes, and capabilities. They range from portable printers to printer/copier/scanner/fax combinations the size of a small filing cabinet. Combination units (called all-in-one or multifunction printers) are great if you're short on space, but be sure to test the features that are most important to you.

Step2 Decide between ink-jet and laser printers. How you'll use the printer will guide your decision.

Step3 Choose ink-jet if you print infrequently, or if you're going to print color pictures. Ink-jet printers are less expensive, but can cost more per printed page because of expensive inks.

Step4 Go for a laser printer if you mainly print text (and lots of it), and you want fast, permanent printing. They cost more up front, but less in the long run due to cheaper supplies. Longer lasting laser printers can be repaired more easily and less expensively.

Step5 Buy a brand name to help ensure that you'll be able to get service, software, support and supplies in the future. Brother, Canon, Epson, Hewlett-Packard and Lexmark are the leading brands.

Step6 Confirm your computer's operating system, especially with older machines, supports the printer. Printer drivers come with the printer, but you can also download them from the manufacturer's Web site. (Search for the driver to confirm that the printer will work with your computer.)

Tips & Warnings

• By law, the printer's warranty remains in effect even if you use toner or ink produced by a company other than the original manufacturer.
• It's probably not worth having an inexpensive ink-jet printer repaired if it breaks.
• Some manufacturers void a printer's warranty if you use refilled ink cartridges.