Types of Printers and Scanners
There are many different kinds of printers to choose from, including inkjets, photo printers, color and monochrome lasers, and multifunction printers (MFPs). There are also lots of scanners to choose from. Here we'll look at the differences between them and explore how they work.
Multifunction Printers
Multifunction printers, also known as all-in-ones, are handy if you have a small office or frequently need to fax, copy, and scan.
Multifunction printers, also known as all-in-ones, are handy if you have a small office or frequently need to fax, copy, and scan.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjets are the most common type of printer available today. They’re very affordable and are excellent printers for almost any task, from printing shopping lists to making copies of photographs.
Inkjets are the most common type of printer available today. They’re very affordable and are excellent printers for almost any task, from printing shopping lists to making copies of photographs.
Laser / LED Printers
Laser and LED printers are great for printing high-quality documents in black-and-white or in color. They create sharp-looking text and excellent color graphics. They're more expensive to buy than inkjet printers (although prices continue to drop) but are cheaper to own in the long run, as toner cartridges last a long time.
Laser and LED printers are great for printing high-quality documents in black-and-white or in color. They create sharp-looking text and excellent color graphics. They're more expensive to buy than inkjet printers (although prices continue to drop) but are cheaper to own in the long run, as toner cartridges last a long time.
Types of Scanners
There are a few different kinds of scanners and, as with printers, the one that’s right for you depends on how you intend to use it. The most common types are flatbed scanners, sheetfed scanners, photo scanners, and portable scanners.
There are a few different kinds of scanners and, as with printers, the one that’s right for you depends on how you intend to use it. The most common types are flatbed scanners, sheetfed scanners, photo scanners, and portable scanners.
Mobile Printers
Mobile printers allow you to print on the go, from your car, an airport lounge, or anywhere your temporary "office" is located. Find out which are the best mobile printers from the About.com Guide to the Mobile Office.
Mobile printers allow you to print on the go, from your car, an airport lounge, or anywhere your temporary "office" is located. Find out which are the best mobile printers from the About.com Guide to the Mobile Office.
Label Printers
If you need to print a lot of labels, you might find that a dedicated label printer is a good investment. Look for one that has a large LCD screen to make your job easier.
If you need to print a lot of labels, you might find that a dedicated label printer is a good investment. Look for one that has a large LCD screen to make your job easier.