Printers are still a mainstay of business and home office productivity, despite recent increases in online data storage and paperless accounting. In order to properly manage any organization an easy to follow paper trail is essential and that trail begins with a reliable printer – here are four key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a new printer.

1) Printer Type

There are currently two main printer types on the market – inkjet based printers and those that use laser technology. Inkjet printers apply ink directly to a page using refillable ink cartridges, while laser printer use what are known as toner cartridges and a combination of electrical charges and laser light to stick and heat-meld toner onto printed pages. Both are effective in producing large numbers of documents but laser printers are more often seen in commercial settings as they have a reputation for generating more copies per minute. Inkjet printers are typically smaller in size and offer greater portability along with a wider selection of cartridge options.

2) Possibility of refill

Some printers permit users to refill their ink or toner cartridge easily, while others prohibit end users from trying to re-use their technology. Ink refill services are available from various after-market companies, but often the use of these services will void printer warranties and prevent users from getting service as required. Refilling ink cartridges can be done directly by end users but isn\’t recommended – if spilled, both ink and toner are notoriously difficult to clean up and can permanently stain or damage printer equipment.

3) Cost of Replacement Cartridges

Ink and toner cartridges vary in cost depending on the quality of product used, as well as the brand chosen. Often, third-party companies will make ink types that are compatible with mainstream printer models, and these cartridges are substantially cheaper than OEM options. Often ordering OEM cartridges online or in bulk will provide enough of a discount to make such purchases cost-effective, but over time the cost of new cartridges can add up and it\’s important to ensure that the type of printer purchased not only uses the type of ink required but that supplying it with ink won\’t break the bank.

4) Storage and Care

Keeping a printer in working order isn\’t simply about supplying it with ink, but also ensuring that it is properly cleaned and also stored in an appropriate environment. Most modern printers are able to function with minimal correction by end users, but do require that any extra ink or toner be stored in a cool, dry place in order to prevent them from drying out and becoming unusable. It\’s also important to remember that once any toner or ink cartridge is opened that it must be used – once their seals have been breached, re-storing them becomes almost impossible and one they become clogged the work needed to make them usable again is significant.

There are a wide variety of printers – both laser and inkjet – which can easily meet a business\’ needs, but what type is ideal depends on expected use and printing volume required.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, the UK\’s leading specialist in printer cartridges, including toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World (http://www.cartridgeworld.co.uk), the UK\’s leading specialist in printer cartridges.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, the UK\’s leading specialist in printer cartridges, including toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

Category: Advice
Keywords: printer cartridges, ink cartridges, toner cartridges