| Choosing an output device (notice I did not say | | | | cartridges cost and what their yield (how many pages |
| "printer") is an arduous task indeed: inkjet, laser, LED, | | | | you can get out of them) is. If a cartridge costs $45 |
| 3-in-1, 5-in-one, 7-in-one, photo printers, MFPs..... the | | | | and yields 450 sheets, it will start getting expensive. If |
| choices are seemingly endless.. To make matters | | | | you do not need anything other than straight B/W |
| worse, the employee at the big retail/computer | | | | printing, then get an entry-level laser/LED printer. They |
| electronics store has held the job for less than a week | | | | now come with a very good price tag (under $200) |
| and is a lot more knowledgeable about PlayStation | | | | and are very cost-effective. |
| than anything else. So what do you do? Here's a little | | | | C - 250 to 1000 sheets per month: In this case, there is |
| quick guide to help you sift through most of the | | | | no doubt you need to get a laser or LED since it does |
| choices. | | | | not make any kind of sense to get an inkjet - the cost |
| These tips are based on how much paper you use | | | | will be much higher. If you can, try to get a |
| per month. If you do not know (I wouldn't if somebody | | | | Multi-function, but remember to do your homework on |
| asked me), then think of how often you buy paper and | | | | cartridge cost vs. yield - and do not let the |
| how much; then divide by the appropriate timeframe. | | | | comparatively lower cartridge cost fool you (a $280 |
| Regular office paper (A4, letter- or legal-size) normally | | | | cartridge with a 5000 page yield is a lot better than a |
| comes in 500-page reams or 2500 or 5000-sheet | | | | $120 cartridge with a 1000 page yield). Also, get a |
| boxes. If you buy a 2500-sheet (5 ream) box once a | | | | system that is suited to your primary application: do not |
| quarter, you therefore use 833 sheets per month. | | | | get a fax-based system if 90% of your usage will be |
| A - Less than 50 sheets per month: Get as cheap an | | | | copying. |
| inkjet as you can - just make sure there are | | | | D - Over 1000 sheets per month: In this case, your |
| store-brand or knockoff cartridge brands readily | | | | best bet is to call 3 or 4 office-equipment providers, as |
| available so you can purchase those as soon as the | | | | they will guide you towards the best choices according |
| warranty on your printer runs out. If your printer dies, | | | | to your needs. Just be sure to get 3 or 4 quotes (just |
| DO NOT fix it: it will be cheaper to get a new one | | | | to keep them honest) and get an all-inclusive service |
| (which will come with a new cartridge pack). I would | | | | contract; they include toner and all your services and |
| personally buy a "multi-function" with a flatbed scanner, | | | | are typically cheaper (at this stage) than buying toner |
| as they are now quite cost effective. The more | | | | alone for a laser system. |
| mainstream the brand, the more retailers carry it, the | | | | A few parting words: These tips are for basic office |
| better. | | | | use only; if you need oversize paper (11x17 or A3), o |
| B - 50 to 250 sheets per month: If your usage dictates | | | | photo-quality finishes for pre-press, these tips are not |
| that you need colour and/or a multi-function (any | | | | for you. Also, I do not recommend refilling laser |
| combination of 2 of the following: printer/fax/scanner | | | | cartridges, as the systems themselves are somewhat |
| copier), then definitely get a multi-function inkjet. | | | | of an investment and can be picky. For inkjets, |
| However, before you do, do some research (15 | | | | however, since the machines themselves are almost |
| minutes on the internet) to determine how much | | | | disposable nowadays, it should not be a major issue. |
