laser printer buyers guide

The laser printer market covers such a large section of models and competing laser printing technologies that it can be bewildering but the goal is knowing how to select the right laser printer that will fulfil your laser printer needs completely - without bankrupting you in the process.

The same rules apply across the whole print and printing industry in general from the HP LaserJet 1200 sitting on the review bench to the industrial gravure printers of continental Europe.

The Three Laser Printer Guide Questions

• The trick to choosing the right printer is to ask yourself these three guide questions.
• How much do I want to print?
• How long am I prepared to wait for it?
• What am I prepared to pay per copy?

what is the right laser printer for me?"

Three Laser Printer Guide Questions in Action

The Laser printing technology in the HP LaserJet 1200 was developed to provide high quality text reproduction for the small home or office environment. I wouldn't print more than 10 sheets at a time, I am willing to wait for a couple of minutes and I am willing to pay whatever it takes to do this, up to about 2 cents a page to do so - but then - I know where to shop.

Gravure technology, where the image to be printed is actually engraved onto metal cylinders, was developed for the massive print runs of the European newspapers where they are looking to print millions of copies, over six hours and if they pay anywhere near a penny a ream (500 sheets) they are going bankrupt.

So ask yourself these three laser printer guide questions - but do so bearing in mind what you want to be doing with this printer in a year or so - I cringe at the thought of printing a book the length of Lord of the Rings out on my HP LaserJet 1200 - and you will understand at what level you should approach the technology at.

Laser Printer Market has Grey Areas

That is not to say that you will then be able to make a black and white decision as there are a lot of grey areas in this market. For example, you may be an experienced computer user who is willing to trade being difficult to install for improved after sale service. - or you may know you want to network this printer in six month but you are only ever going to print single side - so you look at network expansion in favour of duplex capable printers.

Have a read through the various reviews on this site be aware of the three laser printer guide questions as well as what your answers to these questions will be in a year or so and don't pay more than you need.