There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new printer, as each printer is suited for a different need. Some printers are compact for travel, and others are large workgroup printers. Some printers are geared towards multimedia printing, while others have multiple functions. Another important factor to consider when buying a printer is the cost of ink replacement.
For general home use, a printer must be able to do it all. Printing homework, work documents and the occasional picture are some of the tasks required of a home printer, so the best printer for home is a versatile, multi-purpose printer. These printers cost anywhere from $50 to $150 and are designed to do a little of everything. It's suggested to purchase a combination printer that can scan, copy and provide color printing. These printers aren't very fast, but the quality of print will satisfy the everyday needs of the house.
Multimedia printing is a world set apart by ink. Any inkjet printer can print photos in color, but for professional results, it's recommended to get a printer that is designed to reproduce a dynamic range of photographs. Find out about the gamut and characteristics of the ink set, plus support papers and color-management tools. For the serious hobbyist, a letter-sized inkjet is best; these printers can handle routine printing tasks.
Many photo inkjet printers use thermal dye-transfer technology. The process begins as heat changes the inks until they infuse specially coated paper, solidifying as they cool. For on-the-go photographers, snapshot printers can print directly from a digital camera.
If you work from home, a multifunction printer is an excellent choice. These printers, also known as all-in-ones, have multiple devices combined with an inkjet or laser printer, which can maximize your office space. Some of these functions include copier, scanner and fax machine capabilities. Inkjet all-in-one printer models start at $100, and it's best to find one that has an automatic document feeder for multi-page faxing and copying.