Laser printers offer a plethora of options, and it can be hard to tell which one offers both a good purchase price and good value running costs over the longer term.



First up, let us establish your needs so you can go in search of a printer with appropriate features:

Home user

1) Occasional, low-volume printing of forms, school projects, letters

2) Low up-front cost more important than ongoing running costs due to the small volumes being printed

3) colour printing useful for newsletters and photos but only if affordable!

Small business user

1) Regular printing of invoices, letters, etc

2) Ongoing running costs more important than initial upfront cost

3) Inbuilt fax and copying capability may be a bonus

4) Ability to connect directly to a network a must so printer can be easily shared between multiple users

5) Colour printing may be useful for printing of promotional documents

Academic/student

1) Frequent printing of long reference documents

2) Direct PC connection via USB probably OK, but network connectivity an advantage

3) Colour printing probably not necessary

Laser printers provide better quality than ink-jet printers, but are more expensive. Keep in mind print quality, speed, reliability and price when deciding which printer to buy.

The following points will help you take a decision on buying the right laser printer:

1) Decide what types of documents you will be printing (text, graphics, odd paper sizes, etc.).

2) Make a list of specific features you need, such as the ability to handle large files, the ability to print on various media (labels, envelopes) with-out jamming, a size to fit a particular desk space, two or more paper trays, and compatibility with specific software.

3) Compare the print quality of different printers. Compare the resolution, or dpi (dots per inch). Use a magnifying glass if print quality is critical.

4) Compare speed specifications. Although you probably won't get the rated speed at home, the ratings are useful for comparing printers.

5) Learn how much RAM the printers have, and whether it's expandable.

6) Realize that the printer's paper path needs to be no sharper than 90 degrees to consistently handle envelopes, labels, transparencies or card stock. If you plan to use special media often, avoid printers with 180- degree U-turn paper paths.

7) Compare prices of consumable items such as toner cartridges and replacement drums.

8) Compare warranties and service contracts.