There are many different printer types and models in the market today -- so many in fact that you really have to give serious thought to how you’re going to use your next printer. Some printers are better at printing photos than others, while some printers area so advanced that they can double as a copier. Before ever paying a visit to Best Buy or Staples, be sure to give your needs some serious thought. The worst thing you can do is to make an impulse buy or allow a pushy salesman to talk you into a printer with features you’ll never use.
Once you determine how you’re going to use your new printer, spend some time researching printers online. There are many great websites that have compiled hundreds of printer reviews. Spend some time reviewing printer specifications to get feel for what’s out there. Pay close attention to print speed (measured in pages per minute). Look for printer that produces output at the rate of about 20 pages per minute in black and white. Also look at resolution – there are many printers in the market today that offer very low resolution print outs. If you plan on printing photos, high resolution is critical.
The absolute best advice – read what other consumers had to say about printers. Amazon, Epinions, and other online shopping sites including my site www.inkcartridgesworld.com/_printers.html) have collected user feedback on most printers. This is a great indicator of how good the printer really is. You can gain considerable insight into common printer problems that you never would have known about. You’ll probably want to steer clear of printers that have known issues with paper jams, that use excessive ink or are probe to smudging, and printers that under deliver.
My last recommendation – check out costs of replacement ink cartridges before making a final purchase decision. Ink cartridge prices are at all ends of the pricing spectrum. Obviously, you want to find the least expensive inkjet cartridges. Remember, you’ll be replacing printer cartridges once every couple of months. Can you afford to pay $50 every time you run out of ink? Be especially weary of printers that cost less than $100 – they usually require the most expensive replacement cartridges.
Bill Smith is an editor for Castle Ink Cartridges. He has been researching printers and inkjet cartridges for 10 years and is an expert in the field. View their website at: http://www.castleink.com 
