Ink Jet Printers

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We don't sell ink jet printers--only the ink cartridges, refill kits, and papers. But we get lots of questions from our customers, and would like to share our opinions.

It is our policy to test essentially all of the papers and ink cartridges we sell. To achieve this, we have bought, and use about 15 different printers. These include most brands of ink jet printers.

There are two major categories of ink jet printers. Printers (only) and Multi Function Machines. (Combination of printer, scanner, copier, and sometimes fax machines.)

There are several manufacturers of ink jet printers. Among the best known are Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Epson, Canon, Brother, and Xerox. Often other brands such as Apple and Dell sometimes are, at their core, one of the above brands.

All of the Ink Jet Printers we have used are very functional, and are capable of producing images. The differentiating qualities of the various printers involve:

speed,

ease of use,

cost to purchase,

cost to operate,

print quality,

and photo quality.

The choice should be made based upon the way you will use the printer, the type of output you need, the number of pages you print, and your own proficiency in using a computer and software.

Basic Document Printing

Any of the Major Brands of ink jet printers will produce excellent quality ducuments if you use the proper papers, and the proper settings.

The decision should be based on the SPEED, SIZES of PAPER, TYPES of PAPER, and COST of OPERATION.

SPEED is usually measured in pages per minute. It is important to understand the parameters used when comparing pages per minute. Black only printing is often considerably faster than color printing. Additionally, spot color will not slow down the printer as much as printing images.

SIZES of PAPER are usually only 8-1/2" x 11" or 14", or Oversize (11" x 17" or 13" x 19" or more). If you need the larger size, you will pay more, but the larger sizes will provide options not available on Standard Size Printers.
Another Size consideration may be the ability to print Banners on Roll Paper. That is 8-1/2" or 11" wide by any length.

TYPES of PAPER include thickness of the stock, and texture of the stock. Some printers have a "Straight Through" paper path, which make it possible to print heavier card stocks. Most printers will have a "Thickness" setting which will allow you to use Thicker Papers, Textured Papers, and Envelopes.

COST of OPERATION is one of the most important issues of document printing. Cost of Operation can be calculated by estimating the number of pages per year you will print, and the cost of the printer and ink cartridges.

IT IS COMMON TO SPEND MORE ON THE INK THAN ON THE PRINTER!

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