Specifications

One variable not figured in the previous discussion can substantially change the cost-per-page picture:
the cost of paper.
The typical monochrome laser printer has a miniscule cost per page, even when paper is considered.
Ordinary copy paper selling for under $4/ream produces very sharp and satisfactory results in opera-
tion because the fuser bonds the toner to the paper. Similarly, color laser printers also can use ordi-
nary paper for text, although more expensive coated paper at costs of about 90 cents per sheet is
recommended for best results in color page proofing or final production.
Inkjet printers require better paper to reach their rated resolutions. Why? As you learned earlier,
inkjets spray the ink onto the paper, where it dries to make the image. The rough surface of typical
copy paper—although no barrier to acceptable operation with laser printers—greatly reduces the effec-
tive visual resolution of an inkjet printer because the ink wicks through loose fibers on the surface of
the paper.
At a minimum, smooth papers designed for inkjet printers (and costing a buck or two more per ream
than copy paper) should be used even in high-speed “plain paper” printing modes for best results.
If you decide to print your own photos (and avoid a trip to the photo counter at your local store for
reprints), be prepared for sticker shock. Although many grades of so-called “photo paper” are available
for inkjet printers, the newest 2,400dpi and 2,800×720dpi printers need the finest-quality glossy
photo stock for best results at costs of as much as $1.75–$2 per full-page sheet. To avoid paper jams
and misfeeds caused by small paper sizes, I recommend that you buy the 8.5”×11” paper that has
punchouts for two 4”×6” or 5”×7” prints; you print two pictures per page either using your standard
graphics or page-layout program or using special color-printing software supplied by some vendors. If
you plan to print more than a few pages per month, consider carefully how much your printer costs,
how much your media costs, and how much your ink or toner costs per page before you decide which
color printer to buy.
Choosing a Printer Type
With so many printers to choose from, it can be confusing to go the store or e-store to find the best
one for your needs. This section helps you focus on the best choices for you and your company or
family.
When you’re buying a printer, you’re really buying a combination of the following factors:
■ Output quality
■ Output speed
■ Versatility
■ Flexibility
■ Economy
■ Reliability
Always keep in mind that your printer makes an impression on those who receive the output. Make it
a good impression!
Because the print quality is really the bottom line when it comes to printing, use the checklists that
follow to help you decide on two or three models. Then, compare prices, availability of supplies, cost
per page, and print quality to help you get the best models for your needs. Most printer manufactur-
ers allow you to request print samples from their Web sites, enabling you to see actual output, even if
your local stores don’t have the model set up for a live demonstration.