Find the Right Printer / Scanner at the Right Price
By Peter Piazza, About.com Guide to Printers / Scanners
You've got questions about how to find the right printer or scanner; I've got buying advice that looks at gauging what you need, what features you might (or might not) need, some questions to ask before you buy, and where to find a great deal.
Holiday Buying Guide for Printers and Scanners
With the holiday season approaching, it's sometimes hard to think of the best gift for a family member or friend who loves gadgets. A printer or scanner can be a great idea; they're not expensive and they're the most practical gift you could get. Here are some inexpensive ideas.
- Printer / Scanner Best Buys 2009
- Holiday Buying Guide: Best Scanners and Photo Scanners
- Holiday Buying Guide: Best All-in-One Printers
- Holiday Buying Guide: Best Photo Printers
- Holiday Buying Guide: Best Wireless Printers
- Holiday Buying Guide: Budget Inkjet Printers
- Holiday Buying Guide: Laser and LED Printers
Picking a Printer
Looking for a printer, but don't know where to start? Here you'll discover if a laser, inkjet, or multifunction printer is right for you based on how you'll use it and what you can afford.
- Which is the Right Printer?
- All About Inkjet Printers
- All About Laser / LED Printers
- All About All-in-One Printers
Which is the Right Scanner?
If you're looking for a scanner, whether it's a dedicated photo scanner to fix up old photos or a document scanner that will help you efficiently scan a cabinet full of documents, you'll find the one that fits your needs and budget right here.
Features to Look For
When you research a printer or scanner, there are some important features to look for. These include cables and connections, the ability to work with different types of media, and PictBridge, which lets you connect your camera directly to your printer.
- Networking
- USB Connections
- Guide to Bluetooth Printer Adapters
- Great Deals on Bluetooth Printer Adapters
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Before you buy a printer or scanner, there are a few important questions you should ask so that you get everything you need before you leave the store. We'll look at those questions here, and also discuss the pros and cons of extended warranties.
- How to Network a Printer
- Will It Work with Windows 7?
- Where to Recycle Used Inktanks and Cartridges
- Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
- Estimating the Cost Per Page of Printing
- How Ink Yields Are Measured
- Finding Linux Drivers for Printers
- Who Invented the Printer?
Finding a Great Deal
You can buy printers and scanners online or in a brick-and-mortar shop. Here I'll help you find the best deal for whatever kind of printer or scanner you're looking for.
