Printers

Printers have come a long way from our first dot-matrix models. Most of today's models take printing text for granted and prices range from next to nothing to thousands of dollars. So which one is right for you?

Well, what do you print? I print mainly text, so I chose a printer capable of high speed and quality text. It's okay for pictures, but I have a second printer just for photo printing. And that's the key - printers all vary.

If your printing is primarily for letters and e-mails, a less expensive color printer will do an extraordinarily fine job. Many of the $99 printers are more than adequate for simple printing. All of today's color printers will give you a great text and decent images. For the photo enthusiast, however, you may want to upgrade to the premium printers designed just for the task. These printers offer many camera-friendly features and handle variations of color much better, especially in subtle variations such as skin tones.

The true camera enthusiast will love the advanced models that are designed just for them. Many of these include LCD Screens that allow you to view your photos directly from the camera's smart card or memory stick that inserts directly into the printer. Paper handling features now include roll paper that cuts off your photos to order and large trays that allow for 13" x 19" poster sized photos. Smudge resistant prints are even available that will hold up outdoors.

This is also where the printers with multiple cartridges shine. Newer printers are including multiple small cartridges with individual colors rather than one color cartridge combining the primary colors. There may not be a difference to the average eye but those with a more critical eye will notice both the brighter tones and more subtle variations.

Since each color is replaced separately, manufacturers submit that they are less expensive. We normally replace the entire color cartridge if we run low on one color, under this system you would only replace the empty cartridge at a lower cost.

So how about some tips for a happy printing experience?

Reset your printer quality to draft for the day to day. Normal and Best quality will use your ink up in a heartbeat. Save the best quality for those special occasions.

For those best quality photos - print on photo paper. The difference is huge. You may also want your ink and paper from the same manufacturer as your printer. This is particularly true for the longevity of photos. If you don't want your photos to fade over time you'll need to use the right supplies. There are no guarantees unless paper, ink and your printer are all from the same manufacturer.

Adjust your printers setting to accommodate the right paper. Photo paper is heavier than our normal sheets. Make sure you enter the printer's properties - don't rely on the default settings.

And when purchasing a printer:

Compare ink cartridges prices, quality, and longevity. The replacement cost of ink cartridges will be your number one cost in printing over the years.

Stick with a USB connection. Not only is it faster, but the drivers (software that talks to your computer) are better and more reliable. By the way, don't expect any cables to be included when you buy your printer.