Printers / Scanners: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Photo Scanner Top Picks
For serious amateur photographers and pros on a tight budget, here's a list of great photo scanners to scan photographs and digitize negatives and slides.
For serious amateur photographers and pros on a tight budget, here's a list of great photo scanners to scan photographs and digitize negatives and slides.
Printer Resolution
Inkjets have nozzles that spray tiny drops of ink, while laser printers melt dots of toner against the paper. The more dots you can squeeze into a square inch, the sharper the resulting image will be. Printer resolution refers to how many dots per inch a printer can put onto a piece of paper.
Inkjets have nozzles that spray tiny drops of ink, while laser printers melt dots of toner against the paper. The more dots you can squeeze into a square inch, the sharper the resulting image will be. Printer resolution refers to how many dots per inch a printer can put onto a piece of paper.
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.
Best All-in-One Printers
Updated October 8, 2011 Small home offices and other frequent printers may well find that an all-in-one
Updated October 8, 2011 Small home offices and other frequent printers may well find that an all-in-one
Clean Printheads
When printheads get clogged, image quality suffers. But cleaning printheads is a quick and simple process. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on cleaning printheads. Note: These instructions will work for users of Windows but not of other operating systems.
When printheads get clogged, image quality suffers. But cleaning printheads is a quick and simple process. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on cleaning printheads. Note: These instructions will work for users of Windows but not of other operating systems.
Best Laser / LED Printers
Laser / LED printers are getting cheaper and, while they still may be pricier than inkjets, their total cost of ownership is lower thanks to their long-lasting toner cartridges. You can find some great deals on laser / LED printers. (LED printers work much the same as laser printers but use LED lights rather than a laser as their primary light source.) Here's a look at the laser and LED printers I've tried.
Laser / LED printers are getting cheaper and, while they still may be pricier than inkjets, their total cost of ownership is lower thanks to their long-lasting toner cartridges. You can find some great deals on laser / LED printers. (LED printers work much the same as laser printers but use LED lights rather than a laser as their primary light source.) Here's a look at the laser and LED printers I've tried.
HP LaserJet 1536dnf Printer
If there's a down side to the HP LaserJet 1536dnf multifunction printer, it's that it's not part of HP's
If there's a down side to the HP LaserJet 1536dnf multifunction printer, it's that it's not part of HP's
Top 5 Photo Printers
Photo printers are a great buy. Nearly everyone has a digital camera, and while it’s easy to share digital photos online, there are still lots of good reasons to print out your photos. Photo printers are inexpensive (all the ones here are under $200, and some are under $100), easy to use, and do a great job at printing photos. Here are my choices for the Top Budget Photo Printers.
Photo printers are a great buy. Nearly everyone has a digital camera, and while it’s easy to share digital photos online, there are still lots of good reasons to print out your photos. Photo printers are inexpensive (all the ones here are under $200, and some are under $100), easy to use, and do a great job at printing photos. Here are my choices for the Top Budget Photo Printers.
draft_mode
Changing print quality to Draft Mode can speed up printing and save ink.
Changing print quality to Draft Mode can speed up printing and save ink.
Best Wireless Printers
Wireless printers offer great convenience for small or home offices, or simply where desktop space is tight. Wireless printing is becoming more and more of a standard rather than an option. Here is a list of some of the best wireless printers I've tried.
Wireless printers offer great convenience for small or home offices, or simply where desktop space is tight. Wireless printing is becoming more and more of a standard rather than an option. Here is a list of some of the best wireless printers I've tried.
Great Budget Printers
If you've got limited cash to burn but need an excellent printer, you've still got a lot of great options. Here you'll find some of the best printers I've tested that are under (or almost under) $100.
If you've got limited cash to burn but need an excellent printer, you've still got a lot of great options. Here you'll find some of the best printers I've tested that are under (or almost under) $100.
CanoScan LiDE 210 Scanner
The Canon CanoScan LiDE 210 is one of the smallest flatbed scanners I've ever reviewed. Don't be fooled by its size, though; the LiDE 210 offers a lot of functionality and convenience in a small footprint--and with a small price as well. It feels a bit delicate and so I was hesitant to put too much pressure on it when trying to scan a hardcover book (and the cover only raises an inch or so, so it's not optimal for scanning large items); but it's a best bet for document scanning.
The Canon CanoScan LiDE 210 is one of the smallest flatbed scanners I've ever reviewed. Don't be fooled by its size, though; the LiDE 210 offers a lot of functionality and convenience in a small footprint--and with a small price as well. It feels a bit delicate and so I was hesitant to put too much pressure on it when trying to scan a hardcover book (and the cover only raises an inch or so, so it's not optimal for scanning large items); but it's a best bet for document scanning.
HP Envy 110 Inkjet Printer
Sleek, small, and quiet, the HP Envy 110 all-in-one color inkjet printer is also wireless and has a built-in duplexer. While I found the color touchscreen a bit tricky to use sometimes, and while (at regular speeds) it's not particularly fast, those who are looking for a small all-in-one with a lot of good features may find this printer a good match.
Sleek, small, and quiet, the HP Envy 110 all-in-one color inkjet printer is also wireless and has a built-in duplexer. While I found the color touchscreen a bit tricky to use sometimes, and while (at regular speeds) it's not particularly fast, those who are looking for a small all-in-one with a lot of good features may find this printer a good match.
Photosmart D110 Printer
Though the HP Photosmart D110 series sounds like a dedicated photo printer, it's not quite that; rather, it's a fax-less all-in-one that's not as portable as HP seems to think. It has a decent sized LCD screen, it prints photos nicely, and is wireless and has customizable apps to allow printing from online sources. Still, though inexpensive, it's in a crowded HP marketplace of similarly priced printers with similar functions, and it's hard to see how it distinguishes itself from the pack.
Though the HP Photosmart D110 series sounds like a dedicated photo printer, it's not quite that; rather, it's a fax-less all-in-one that's not as portable as HP seems to think. It has a decent sized LCD screen, it prints photos nicely, and is wireless and has customizable apps to allow printing from online sources. Still, though inexpensive, it's in a crowded HP marketplace of similarly priced printers with similar functions, and it's hard to see how it distinguishes itself from the pack.
Print Directly on Fabric
You can print directly onto fabric using your inkjet printer. Here's how.
You can print directly onto fabric using your inkjet printer. Here's how.
Epson V500 Photo Scanner
The Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner can scan both photos and negatives. Since Adobe Photoshop Elements and other optical-character recognition software comes in the package, it offers a lot of benefits for any photo-scanning use.
The Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner can scan both photos and negatives. Since Adobe Photoshop Elements and other optical-character recognition software comes in the package, it offers a lot of benefits for any photo-scanning use.
Best Printers and Scanners
Not sure where to start with your search for a printer, scanner, or photo scanner? Here are some top picks for the Best Printers, Scanners, and Photo Scanners I've tried. You'll find a great variety at good prices. But the choices change often, so come back and check often!
Not sure where to start with your search for a printer, scanner, or photo scanner? Here are some top picks for the Best Printers, Scanners, and Photo Scanners I've tried. You'll find a great variety at good prices. But the choices change often, so come back and check often!
ScanMyPhotos.com Photo Scans
The ScanMyPhotos.com service is a fast, efficient, and--depending on how many photos you have to scan--reasonably priced photo-scanning service. However, if you want to retain the rich colors of your original photos, you may not be content with the 300 dpi scans that ScanMyPhotos.com offers. In that case you'll either have to do it yourself, or use a service that can offer 600 dpi scanning.
The ScanMyPhotos.com service is a fast, efficient, and--depending on how many photos you have to scan--reasonably priced photo-scanning service. However, if you want to retain the rich colors of your original photos, you may not be content with the 300 dpi scans that ScanMyPhotos.com offers. In that case you'll either have to do it yourself, or use a service that can offer 600 dpi scanning.
Guide to Buying Printers
Looking for a new printer? There are a lot of excellent options, and it can be hard to sort through all the options. Here you'll find some ideas for the best printers I've tested and reviewed so far.
Looking for a new printer? There are a lot of excellent options, and it can be hard to sort through all the options. Here you'll find some ideas for the best printers I've tested and reviewed so far.
HP 6500 All-in-One Printer
HP has released a printer that it says is fast, economical, and eco-conscious--it uses as much as 40
HP has released a printer that it says is fast, economical, and eco-conscious--it uses as much as 40
Brother MFC-7860DW Laser Printer
The Brother MFC-7860DW is a multifunction laser printer that offers automatic duplexing, wireless or wired networking, and a 250-sheet paper tray. I found it quiet, fast, and reliable--and prints look outstanding.
The Brother MFC-7860DW is a multifunction laser printer that offers automatic duplexing, wireless or wired networking, and a 250-sheet paper tray. I found it quiet, fast, and reliable--and prints look outstanding.
Epson V330 Photo Scanner
The Epson Perfection V330 Photo Scanner works well for scanning documents as well as photos and negatives. Its built-in photo-management software allows you to do some decent photo restoration (fixing colors, adjusting for dark backgrounds, and so on) while photo-stitching software gives the opportunity to splice several photos together. If only the power and USB cords plugged into the back rather than the front, it would be excellent.
The Epson Perfection V330 Photo Scanner works well for scanning documents as well as photos and negatives. Its built-in photo-management software allows you to do some decent photo restoration (fixing colors, adjusting for dark backgrounds, and so on) while photo-stitching software gives the opportunity to splice several photos together. If only the power and USB cords plugged into the back rather than the front, it would be excellent.
Brother MFC-J825DW All-in-One Printer
Moderately priced and with a fairly small footprint, the Brother MFC-J825DW all-in-one color inkjet printer comes equipped with lots of extras, including built-in WiFi and wired networking, automatic duplex printing, a color touchscreen, a separate photo-paper tray as well as an automatic document feeder, and an attachment for printing on printable CDs and DVDs.
Moderately priced and with a fairly small footprint, the Brother MFC-J825DW all-in-one color inkjet printer comes equipped with lots of extras, including built-in WiFi and wired networking, automatic duplex printing, a color touchscreen, a separate photo-paper tray as well as an automatic document feeder, and an attachment for printing on printable CDs and DVDs.
Canon Pixma MX892 Wireless Printer
Wireless and networking, a built-in duplexer, easy cloud printing, and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder are some of the features offered by the Canon Pixma MX892 all-in-one printer. The printer is a bit big but has a space-saving shape, and I like the dual-function panel that is handy and sleek, though not a touchscreen.
Wireless and networking, a built-in duplexer, easy cloud printing, and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder are some of the features offered by the Canon Pixma MX892 all-in-one printer. The printer is a bit big but has a space-saving shape, and I like the dual-function panel that is handy and sleek, though not a touchscreen.
HP Deskjet F4280
This HP Deskjet printer is an entry-level all-in-one printer that does a remarkably good job.
This HP Deskjet printer is an entry-level all-in-one printer that does a remarkably good job.
Brother MFC-J625DW All-in-One Printer
Moderately priced and with a fairly small footprint, the Brother MFC-J825DW all-in-one color inkjet printer comes equipped with lots of extras, including built-in WiFi and wired networking, automatic duplex printing, a color touchscreen, a separate photo-paper tray as well as an automatic document feeder, and an attachment for printing on printable CDs and DVDs.
Moderately priced and with a fairly small footprint, the Brother MFC-J825DW all-in-one color inkjet printer comes equipped with lots of extras, including built-in WiFi and wired networking, automatic duplex printing, a color touchscreen, a separate photo-paper tray as well as an automatic document feeder, and an attachment for printing on printable CDs and DVDs.
Online Photo Scanning
If you've got a huge amount of photos you'd like to scan, it's often faster and easier to trust someone else to do it--otherwise, scanning photos one at a time can be a very time-consuming process. But it's not easy to compare these services, since they all have lots of different deals and requirements. This comparison chart of online photo-scanning services should help you compare pricing between some of the biggest players.
If you've got a huge amount of photos you'd like to scan, it's often faster and easier to trust someone else to do it--otherwise, scanning photos one at a time can be a very time-consuming process. But it's not easy to compare these services, since they all have lots of different deals and requirements. This comparison chart of online photo-scanning services should help you compare pricing between some of the biggest players.
Brother HL-2270 Laser Printer
The Brother HL-2270 laser printer offers a lot of the conveniences of heavier-duty Brother laser printers such as the HL-5370DW, such as wireless networking and built-in duplexing--and it's about a hundred dollars cheaper as well. Where the 5370DW has a few extra perks such as a 50-sheet bypass tray (where the 2270DW has only a single-sheet bypass tray), the cheaper printer easily competes with its more expensive cousin and is highly recommended.
The Brother HL-2270 laser printer offers a lot of the conveniences of heavier-duty Brother laser printers such as the HL-5370DW, such as wireless networking and built-in duplexing--and it's about a hundred dollars cheaper as well. Where the 5370DW has a few extra perks such as a 50-sheet bypass tray (where the 2270DW has only a single-sheet bypass tray), the cheaper printer easily competes with its more expensive cousin and is highly recommended.
Epson Artisan 810 All-in-One
The Epson Artisan 810 color printer is at the high end of all-in-one line; but for the price, it delivers a great value. It prints very quickly and photos in particular come out with startling quality and richness. It's got all the handy bells and whistles you could hope for, from built-in wireless (very easily configured) to automatic duplexing. And the printer's enormous (7.8-inch) and tiltable touchscreen makes it a snap to use. For a little extra money, this printer is truly a best buy.
The Epson Artisan 810 color printer is at the high end of all-in-one line; but for the price, it delivers a great value. It prints very quickly and photos in particular come out with startling quality and richness. It's got all the handy bells and whistles you could hope for, from built-in wireless (very easily configured) to automatic duplexing. And the printer's enormous (7.8-inch) and tiltable touchscreen makes it a snap to use. For a little extra money, this printer is truly a best buy.
Print on a CD or DVD
Printing directly onto a CD or DVD using the Epson Stylus Photo RX680 inkjet printer couldn’t be easier, and the results are fantastic. This Step-By-Step guide will demonstrate how to do it. Note that you need to make sure the CD or DVD you’re using can be printed on; check the label before you buy. Also, make sure you have already burned to the disk; once you’ve put the label on, you can’t burn data to the disk.
Printing directly onto a CD or DVD using the Epson Stylus Photo RX680 inkjet printer couldn’t be easier, and the results are fantastic. This Step-By-Step guide will demonstrate how to do it. Note that you need to make sure the CD or DVD you’re using can be printed on; check the label before you buy. Also, make sure you have already burned to the disk; once you’ve put the label on, you can’t burn data to the disk.
Samsung SCX-4729FW Laser Printer
The Samsung SCX-4729FW is a fairly heavy-duty monochrome laser printer. It offers office-friendly features such as automatic duplexing, scanner, fax, copier, built-in Wi-Fi networking, and an automatic document feeder. Print times are competitive with other monochrome laser printers.
The Samsung SCX-4729FW is a fairly heavy-duty monochrome laser printer. It offers office-friendly features such as automatic duplexing, scanner, fax, copier, built-in Wi-Fi networking, and an automatic document feeder. Print times are competitive with other monochrome laser printers.
Canon Pixma MG6220 Inkjet Printer
The Canon Pixma MG6220 is a three-in-one printer (no fax capability) with built-in wireless networking and a built-in duplexer. Canon keeps this printer sleek with its use of a touch system that means only the relevant buttons light up on the touch interface, which also makes the printer very easy to use. Speeds are competitive with other multifunction printers in this price range.
The Canon Pixma MG6220 is a three-in-one printer (no fax capability) with built-in wireless networking and a built-in duplexer. Canon keeps this printer sleek with its use of a touch system that means only the relevant buttons light up on the touch interface, which also makes the printer very easy to use. Speeds are competitive with other multifunction printers in this price range.
Using OCR Software
If you are scanning documents, you may wish that you could convert them to Word documents rather than PDFs or image files so they'd be easier to search and edit. But if you’re like me, you’d rather not have to buy new (and expensive) software. Microsoft Office Document Imaging software can convert the text in a scanned image to a Word document, and it's built into Office. Here’s how to find and use it.
If you are scanning documents, you may wish that you could convert them to Word documents rather than PDFs or image files so they'd be easier to search and edit. But if you’re like me, you’d rather not have to buy new (and expensive) software. Microsoft Office Document Imaging software can convert the text in a scanned image to a Word document, and it's built into Office. Here’s how to find and use it.
HP LaserJet Pro 1606dn Printer
Reasonably priced for a high-quality monochrome laser printer, the HP LaserJet Pro 1606dn laser printer
Reasonably priced for a high-quality monochrome laser printer, the HP LaserJet Pro 1606dn laser printer
Choosing the Right Printer
Buying a new printer can be hard work; the first thing to do is choose which printer is the right one for you. But that's not so easy to do, since there are so many printer choices. Inkjet? Laser or LED? All-in-one printer? Some or all of the above? The answer depends on how you intend to use it, and the first step is figuring out what you need.
Buying a new printer can be hard work; the first thing to do is choose which printer is the right one for you. But that's not so easy to do, since there are so many printer choices. Inkjet? Laser or LED? All-in-one printer? Some or all of the above? The answer depends on how you intend to use it, and the first step is figuring out what you need.
Printer Networking
Networking a printer allows multiple computers to access a single printer, a great convenience for home or small offices.
Networking a printer allows multiple computers to access a single printer, a great convenience for home or small offices.
Scanner Resolution
Resolution refers to the amount of information, calculated in dots per inch, that the scanner can read.
Resolution refers to the amount of information, calculated in dots per inch, that the scanner can read.
Comparison of 300 dpi and 600 dpi scan
This photo compares the 300 dpi scan from ScanMyPhotos.com with a 600 dpi scan done on an HP OfficeJet 4500 all-in-one printer.
This photo compares the 300 dpi scan from ScanMyPhotos.com with a 600 dpi scan done on an HP OfficeJet 4500 all-in-one printer.
HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw
The HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Laser Printer is meant for offices with heavy printing needs. It's not particularly fast, at least for first pages, but print quality is uniformly excellent. It offers a single paper tray and a single priority feed slot. Like other HP LaserJets, page curl is an issue, and the tiny LCD screen and control panel offer only the basics. With a duty cycle of up to 30,000 pages per month, this relatively small color laser printer is meant to last.
The HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Laser Printer is meant for offices with heavy printing needs. It's not particularly fast, at least for first pages, but print quality is uniformly excellent. It offers a single paper tray and a single priority feed slot. Like other HP LaserJets, page curl is an issue, and the tiny LCD screen and control panel offer only the basics. With a duty cycle of up to 30,000 pages per month, this relatively small color laser printer is meant to last.
Xerox Phaser 3100
A review of the Xerox Phaser 3100MFP laser printer shows that it needs more work to compete in this price range.
A review of the Xerox Phaser 3100MFP laser printer shows that it needs more work to compete in this price range.
Brother MFC-9325CW Digital Color Printer
Brother's MFC-9325CW digital color printer is a digital color printer (it's similar to a laser printer but uses LEDs instead of a laser) that includes wireless and wired networking, and a USB direct interface. It's the updated version of the Brother MFC-9320CW LED printer.
Brother's MFC-9325CW digital color printer is a digital color printer (it's similar to a laser printer but uses LEDs instead of a laser) that includes wireless and wired networking, and a USB direct interface. It's the updated version of the Brother MFC-9320CW LED printer.
Epson Artisan 837 Printer
The Epson Artisan 837 is a color inkjet all-in-one printer that offers copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. Duplex printing and wireless are built in, and there is an automatic document feeder and a separate tray for photo paper. It excelled in all the tests I threw at it, and is highly recommended.
The Epson Artisan 837 is a color inkjet all-in-one printer that offers copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. Duplex printing and wireless are built in, and there is an automatic document feeder and a separate tray for photo paper. It excelled in all the tests I threw at it, and is highly recommended.
Canon Pixma MG5320 Inkjet Printer
The Canon Pixma MG5320 is a very reasonably priced all-in-one (minus the fax) inkjet printer. While printing times are not particularly speedy, neither is it frustratingly slow; and somehow, color photos print out quick fast, with very good quality. I found color graphics to be acceptable but certainly not thrilling or crystal clear. But, given the price (around US$150), it performs above its class.
The Canon Pixma MG5320 is a very reasonably priced all-in-one (minus the fax) inkjet printer. While printing times are not particularly speedy, neither is it frustratingly slow; and somehow, color photos print out quick fast, with very good quality. I found color graphics to be acceptable but certainly not thrilling or crystal clear. But, given the price (around US$150), it performs above its class.
Print Speed
Print speed depends on what kind of document you're printing and how your printer's preferences are set.
Print speed depends on what kind of document you're printing and how your printer's preferences are set.
Brother MFC-9970CDW All-in-One
The MFC-9970CDW is built for offices and small workgroups. It's a color laser printer with built-in fax, copier, and scanner, and it features an automatic document feeder, USB port up front, a five-inch color touchscreen (for some but not all functions), automatic duplex printing, and wireless or wired networking. Standard or high-yield toner cartridges work with this unit.
The MFC-9970CDW is built for offices and small workgroups. It's a color laser printer with built-in fax, copier, and scanner, and it features an automatic document feeder, USB port up front, a five-inch color touchscreen (for some but not all functions), automatic duplex printing, and wireless or wired networking. Standard or high-yield toner cartridges work with this unit.
Canon Pixma MP480
The Canon Pixma MP480 All-in-One Printer is inexpensive, small, and good looking, but it's missing some of the options that would make it a must-buy.
The Canon Pixma MP480 All-in-One Printer is inexpensive, small, and good looking, but it's missing some of the options that would make it a must-buy.
HP LaserJet M175nw Printer
The bottom line on the HP LaserJet 100 Color MFP M175nw color laser all-in-one printer is that it's remarkably
The bottom line on the HP LaserJet 100 Color MFP M175nw color laser all-in-one printer is that it's remarkably
Brother HL-3075CW Digital Color Printer
Brother's HL-3075CW digital color printer is a moderately priced digital color printer (it's similar to a laser printer but uses LEDs instead of a laser). It offers wireless and wired networking, and a USB direct interface, but not many other extras.
Brother's HL-3075CW digital color printer is a moderately priced digital color printer (it's similar to a laser printer but uses LEDs instead of a laser). It offers wireless and wired networking, and a USB direct interface, but not many other extras.
NeatDesk Document Scanner
The NeatDesk Document Scanner is a great help in clearing out cluttered drawers and filing cabinets, allowing scans to be exported to useful programs such as Outlook and Turbo Tax. Business cards gave the scanner some problems, however.
The NeatDesk Document Scanner is a great help in clearing out cluttered drawers and filing cabinets, allowing scans to be exported to useful programs such as Outlook and Turbo Tax. Business cards gave the scanner some problems, however.
HP Scanjet 3000 Document Scanner
The HP Scanjet Professional 3000 Document Scanner is a high-speed and surprisingly heavy-duty sheet-fed scanner. It comes with a full suite of scanning software which makes it right for a lot of different uses. I wasn't impressed too much with the business-card software, which did an okay job with lots of cards but still left me plenty of editing to do. But I was impressed that the scanner seemed nearly unjammable.
The HP Scanjet Professional 3000 Document Scanner is a high-speed and surprisingly heavy-duty sheet-fed scanner. It comes with a full suite of scanning software which makes it right for a lot of different uses. I wasn't impressed too much with the business-card software, which did an okay job with lots of cards but still left me plenty of editing to do. But I was impressed that the scanner seemed nearly unjammable.
Selphy CP780 Photo Printer
Excellent print quality at a low price makes the Canon Selphy CP780 a best buy.
Excellent print quality at a low price makes the Canon Selphy CP780 a best buy.
Dell 968 All-in-One Printer
The Dell 968W All-in-One printer is a convenient and hard-working multifunction printer that's easy on the wallet.
The Dell 968W All-in-One printer is a convenient and hard-working multifunction printer that's easy on the wallet.
HP Officejet Pro 8500 Printer
The HP 8500 all-in-one printer is a professional-level printer that, like the HP 6500, offers energy savings and, claims HP, a lower cost per page than laser printers.
The HP 8500 all-in-one printer is a professional-level printer that, like the HP 6500, offers energy savings and, claims HP, a lower cost per page than laser printers.
Remote Scan
Software from Remote Scan allows printers to share a single scanner across a wired or wireless network.
Software from Remote Scan allows printers to share a single scanner across a wired or wireless network.
Getting Organized with a Scanner
Turning paper documents into digital files is a great first step in organizing your home office, or your home life. But it's not a silver bullet. Getting organized requires good planning in addition to good equipment.
Turning paper documents into digital files is a great first step in organizing your home office, or your home life. But it's not a silver bullet. Getting organized requires good planning in addition to good equipment.
HP Officejet 4500 All-in-One
The HP OfficeJet 4500 Wireless is not exactly a speed demon, but for the price (I saw it as low as $129.99), it's a very good deal. For that price, built-in wireless, an automatic document feeder, fax, and (manual) duplex come as welcome surprises. Print quality for text documents was not the best I've seen, but color photos looked lush and wonderful.
The HP OfficeJet 4500 Wireless is not exactly a speed demon, but for the price (I saw it as low as $129.99), it's a very good deal. For that price, built-in wireless, an automatic document feeder, fax, and (manual) duplex come as welcome surprises. Print quality for text documents was not the best I've seen, but color photos looked lush and wonderful.
Two on One Copying
Copying two pages onto one saves you paper and money. Here's how to do it with the Canon Pixma MP610.
Copying two pages onto one saves you paper and money. Here's how to do it with the Canon Pixma MP610.
Plustek OpticFilm 7400
The Plustek OpticFilm 7400 is a dedicated scanner for negatives and slides. With the aid of the included SilverFast software, the scanner does a phenomenal job of easily scanning negatives and slides and making them look great--without a lot of editing intervention. It makes multiple passes when it scans, so it's not meant to be fast; and it will work only with standard 35mm negatives and slides. It's not a very versatile scanner, but is right for those with lots of old film to convert.
The Plustek OpticFilm 7400 is a dedicated scanner for negatives and slides. With the aid of the included SilverFast software, the scanner does a phenomenal job of easily scanning negatives and slides and making them look great--without a lot of editing intervention. It makes multiple passes when it scans, so it's not meant to be fast; and it will work only with standard 35mm negatives and slides. It's not a very versatile scanner, but is right for those with lots of old film to convert.
Canon iP3600
The Canon Pixma iP3600 color photo printer is inexpensive and high quality; but for a few dollars more you can get the next in Canon's line.
The Canon Pixma iP3600 color photo printer is inexpensive and high quality; but for a few dollars more you can get the next in Canon's line.
HP Scanjet 1000 Mobile Scanner
The HP Scanjet Professional 100 Mobile Scanner is portable, fast, and comes with a full suite of scanning software. It's easy to use, though the sheer amount of software included is a bit daunting--it takes some playing around to figure out what each does. The business-card software was very weak. But the scanner's size, USB power, and heavy-duty case make up for this (unless you need a mobile scanner primarily for business cards--in that case, look for other software).
The HP Scanjet Professional 100 Mobile Scanner is portable, fast, and comes with a full suite of scanning software. It's easy to use, though the sheer amount of software included is a bit daunting--it takes some playing around to figure out what each does. The business-card software was very weak. But the scanner's size, USB power, and heavy-duty case make up for this (unless you need a mobile scanner primarily for business cards--in that case, look for other software).
HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus Printer
The HP Officejet Pro 8600 is a color inkjet all-in-one printer that offers print, fax, scan, copy, and Web access (to HP's Web apps). It's as fast as many laser printers and has a low total cost of ownership; and the quality doesn't suffer from the speed.
The HP Officejet Pro 8600 is a color inkjet all-in-one printer that offers print, fax, scan, copy, and Web access (to HP's Web apps). It's as fast as many laser printers and has a low total cost of ownership; and the quality doesn't suffer from the speed.
Brother MFC-255CW All-in-One
Brother's MFC-255CW is a very good color inkjet printer that is a great value at under $100. Like some other Brother all-in-ones I've tried, it has slow print speeds across a wireless network, but it scores high points for print quality--especially photos, which come out looking fantastic.
Brother's MFC-255CW is a very good color inkjet printer that is a great value at under $100. Like some other Brother all-in-ones I've tried, it has slow print speeds across a wireless network, but it scores high points for print quality--especially photos, which come out looking fantastic.
TWAIN
TWAIN is a software protocol that goes between your computer and your camera, scanner, or whatever imaging device you're using. It helps ensure that your computer can understand and display the data being sent by the imaging device.
TWAIN is a software protocol that goes between your computer and your camera, scanner, or whatever imaging device you're using. It helps ensure that your computer can understand and display the data being sent by the imaging device.
Brother MFC-5890
This Brother all-in-one printer connects easily to a network and prints and scans quickly. A better LCD and automatic duplexing would raise it a few notches higher.
This Brother all-in-one printer connects easily to a network and prints and scans quickly. A better LCD and automatic duplexing would raise it a few notches higher.
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. LED printers simply use an array of LEDs rather than a single laser as a light source; output is almost indistinguishable from a laser printer.
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. LED printers simply use an array of LEDs rather than a single laser as a light source; output is almost indistinguishable from a laser printer.
Pandigital PhotoLink
The Pandigital Photolink One-Touch Photo Scanner is small, affordable, and did a decent job in scanning photos. It may not be the choice of professional photographers, and it doesn't scan negatives or slides, but for the home user looking to get that box of photos organized, this is a good deal.
The Pandigital Photolink One-Touch Photo Scanner is small, affordable, and did a decent job in scanning photos. It may not be the choice of professional photographers, and it doesn't scan negatives or slides, but for the home user looking to get that box of photos organized, this is a good deal.
HP LaserJet CM2320nf
The HP Color LaserJet CM2320nf All-in-One Laser Printer provides excellent color prints though it can be slow in printing jobs from large files.
The HP Color LaserJet CM2320nf All-in-One Laser Printer provides excellent color prints though it can be slow in printing jobs from large files.
Canon Scan-tini Portable Scanner
The Canon imageFORMULA P-215 Scan-tini Personal Document Scanner is a mouthful to say, and while it's small enough to hold in one hand, it's not light on scanning power. Only 11 inches long and just over two pounds (and powered by included USB cables), it's portable enough to go anywhere. It offers a fold-out automatic document feeder that can hold as many as 20 pages and can also scan business cards and other smaller pieces of paper (both sides at once).
The Canon imageFORMULA P-215 Scan-tini Personal Document Scanner is a mouthful to say, and while it's small enough to hold in one hand, it's not light on scanning power. Only 11 inches long and just over two pounds (and powered by included USB cables), it's portable enough to go anywhere. It offers a fold-out automatic document feeder that can hold as many as 20 pages and can also scan business cards and other smaller pieces of paper (both sides at once).
Lexmark X466 Laser Printer
It doesn't come cheap, but with a huge, customizable touchscreen that helps simplify repetitive printing, scanning, and copying tasks, the Lexmark X466 networkable monochrome laser printer may well help to define the future of office printing.
It doesn't come cheap, but with a huge, customizable touchscreen that helps simplify repetitive printing, scanning, and copying tasks, the Lexmark X466 networkable monochrome laser printer may well help to define the future of office printing.
iP4600 Photo Printer
The Canon iP4600 Photo Inkjet Printer is on the big side for a photo printer but it does great work.
The Canon iP4600 Photo Inkjet Printer is on the big side for a photo printer but it does great work.
HP LaserJet M1217nfw Printer
The LaserJet M1217nfw is a very fast monochrome laser printer that produces excellent prints. Scanning,
The LaserJet M1217nfw is a very fast monochrome laser printer that produces excellent prints. Scanning,
Polaroid PoGo
The Polaroid PoGo portable photo printer is a very portable photo printer that doesn't use ink. The prints are small but it's a lot of fun to use, it's fast, and it fits in your back pocket.
The Polaroid PoGo portable photo printer is a very portable photo printer that doesn't use ink. The prints are small but it's a lot of fun to use, it's fast, and it fits in your back pocket.
PaperPort Professional 12
PaperPort 12 Professional is a top-end suite of software that allows you to easily create PDFs (and make regular PDFs into fillable forms) that can be searched and password-protected. It also makes organizing scanned documents across a network a much simpler task, and even connects directly to Sharepoint. It's a bit complicated to use and more expensive than, say, a full-blown version of Adobe Acrobat, but the range of options it offers might be worth the extra money to business users.
PaperPort 12 Professional is a top-end suite of software that allows you to easily create PDFs (and make regular PDFs into fillable forms) that can be searched and password-protected. It also makes organizing scanned documents across a network a much simpler task, and even connects directly to Sharepoint. It's a bit complicated to use and more expensive than, say, a full-blown version of Adobe Acrobat, but the range of options it offers might be worth the extra money to business users.
ICC Printer Profiles
What are the appropriate settings to use when you want photo prints to look their best? ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles provide devices such as printers, scanners, and monitors with a consistent color profile. You can download them from various manufacturers if you're serious about making prints look their best. If you're not sure whether you need to use color profiles, then that's a good bet that you don't really need to use them at all, which you should appreciate, since they can be very complex to understand.
What are the appropriate settings to use when you want photo prints to look their best? ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles provide devices such as printers, scanners, and monitors with a consistent color profile. You can download them from various manufacturers if you're serious about making prints look their best. If you're not sure whether you need to use color profiles, then that's a good bet that you don't really need to use them at all, which you should appreciate, since they can be very complex to understand.
Brother MFC-6890 All-in-One
The Brother MFC-6490cdw is a color inkjet all-in-one wireless printer that is big and beefy but adds a lot of value to an office. Some slow over-the-network print speeds may take a few points away from it, but overall it's a best bet.
The Brother MFC-6490cdw is a color inkjet all-in-one wireless printer that is big and beefy but adds a lot of value to an office. Some slow over-the-network print speeds may take a few points away from it, but overall it's a best bet.
Printing 3-D Cuff Links
Looking for a cool gift for Father's Day, a birthday, or just something cool for yourself? Why not create a customized gift? Shapeways allows you to print your own cool-looking cuff links. I printed a pair with my initials on them and they came out looking great--now I can't wait to wear them!
Looking for a cool gift for Father's Day, a birthday, or just something cool for yourself? Why not create a customized gift? Shapeways allows you to print your own cool-looking cuff links. I printed a pair with my initials on them and they came out looking great--now I can't wait to wear them!
Lexmark OfficeEdge Pro4000 Printer
The Lexmark OfficeEdge Pro4000 all-in-one color inkjet printer is a very fast printer that provides excellent prints, graphics, and photos. Fast scanning and a host of shortcuts make it a good option for small offices that need high-quality results.
The Lexmark OfficeEdge Pro4000 all-in-one color inkjet printer is a very fast printer that provides excellent prints, graphics, and photos. Fast scanning and a host of shortcuts make it a good option for small offices that need high-quality results.
HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer
Road warriors will find a dependable friend in the HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer, which offers long-lived battery power and easy to set up Bluetooth printing. It's not the smallest mobile printer I've seen, but it does print in color and gives remarkably good results considering its size.
Road warriors will find a dependable friend in the HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer, which offers long-lived battery power and easy to set up Bluetooth printing. It's not the smallest mobile printer I've seen, but it does print in color and gives remarkably good results considering its size.
CanoScan 9000F Flatbed Scanner
It's big, and the buttons are a bit cryptic, but the CanoScan 9000F does a fine job scanning documents, photos, and magazine images. Optical character recognition was spotty at lower resolutions, but seemed to improve at higher resolution; however, the end product of OCR scans comes out in Notepad, which isn't the most useful program ever. The scanner comes with an excellent set of software including Adobe Photoshop elements, which helps defray some of the $250 cost. Color scans looked great.
It's big, and the buttons are a bit cryptic, but the CanoScan 9000F does a fine job scanning documents, photos, and magazine images. Optical character recognition was spotty at lower resolutions, but seemed to improve at higher resolution; however, the end product of OCR scans comes out in Notepad, which isn't the most useful program ever. The scanner comes with an excellent set of software including Adobe Photoshop elements, which helps defray some of the $250 cost. Color scans looked great.
HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf Printer
For a bare-bones laser printer--no wireless, no automatic duplexing--the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf is fairly
For a bare-bones laser printer--no wireless, no automatic duplexing--the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf is fairly
Brother 790CW
The Brother MFC-790 all-in-one wireless printer is an affordable multifunction printer that will work best for home and small-office users.
The Brother MFC-790 all-in-one wireless printer is an affordable multifunction printer that will work best for home and small-office users.
HP LaserJet Pro M451dn Laser Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color Laser Jet Printer offers speeds of up to 21 pages per minute. Wired networking is built in and wireless networking is available on some models as is duplex printing (on the M451dw and M451dn models only; the M451nw model has manual duplexing). HP's ePrint service works with this printer, allowing users to print by sending the printer an email. The printer offers a heavy-duty monthly printing cycle of up to 40,000 pages.
The HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color Laser Jet Printer offers speeds of up to 21 pages per minute. Wired networking is built in and wireless networking is available on some models as is duplex printing (on the M451dw and M451dn models only; the M451nw model has manual duplexing). HP's ePrint service works with this printer, allowing users to print by sending the printer an email. The printer offers a heavy-duty monthly printing cycle of up to 40,000 pages.
Panasonic KX-MB1500 Laser Printer
The Panasonic KX-MB1500 is a monochrome laser printer that offers scan and copy functions (a slightly more expensive version is available that offers a fax as well). The printer is very compact and made for small and home offices. It doesn't offer many extras but it is very inexpensive.
The Panasonic KX-MB1500 is a monochrome laser printer that offers scan and copy functions (a slightly more expensive version is available that offers a fax as well). The printer is very compact and made for small and home offices. It doesn't offer many extras but it is very inexpensive.
HP LaserJet P2055d Printer
The HP LaserJet P2055d doesn't do more than print in black and white; but it does that exceedingly fast and with excellent output. While it doesn't come as cheaply as some other laser and LED printers, speed and quality counts for a lot--particularly for home and small businesses. Still, if your needs go beyond monochrome printing, there are other good choices in this price range.
The HP LaserJet P2055d doesn't do more than print in black and white; but it does that exceedingly fast and with excellent output. While it doesn't come as cheaply as some other laser and LED printers, speed and quality counts for a lot--particularly for home and small businesses. Still, if your needs go beyond monochrome printing, there are other good choices in this price range.
A 600 dpi scan from an HP OfficeJet 4500
This is a 600 dpi scan done using an HP OfficeJet 4500 all-in-one printer. It closely resembles the original photograph in color and sharpness.
This is a 600 dpi scan done using an HP OfficeJet 4500 all-in-one printer. It closely resembles the original photograph in color and sharpness.
Epson LabelWorks LW-400 Label Maker
The Epson LabelWorks LW-400 is a portable, handheld label maker that offers 14 font types and 10 font styles. Many styles of labels are accommodated, from 6 mm to 18 mm, and including reflective, glow in the dark, iron-on, and barcode labels.
The Epson LabelWorks LW-400 is a portable, handheld label maker that offers 14 font types and 10 font styles. Many styles of labels are accommodated, from 6 mm to 18 mm, and including reflective, glow in the dark, iron-on, and barcode labels.
HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw
The HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw Color Multifunction Laser Printer is a slow and steady color multifunction laser printer whose results are impressive, if not speedy. It gets up to 12 pages per minute (black) at its top speed, but normal speeds will get you somewhere around seven. Its handy and large touchscreen and wireless / wired networking are pros for offices, but its lack of an automatic duplexer make it less than perfect for office environments.
The HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw Color Multifunction Laser Printer is a slow and steady color multifunction laser printer whose results are impressive, if not speedy. It gets up to 12 pages per minute (black) at its top speed, but normal speeds will get you somewhere around seven. Its handy and large touchscreen and wireless / wired networking are pros for offices, but its lack of an automatic duplexer make it less than perfect for office environments.
Home / Small-Office Printers
Printers for small and home offices need to be a bit more heavy-duty than other printers. They also need a lot of extras, such as automatic document feeders, extra paper trays, duplex printing, and the ability to be networked on wired or wireless networks. Here are some printers I've tried that can get the job done.
Printers for small and home offices need to be a bit more heavy-duty than other printers. They also need a lot of extras, such as automatic document feeders, extra paper trays, duplex printing, and the ability to be networked on wired or wireless networks. Here are some printers I've tried that can get the job done.
All-in-One Printers
All-in-one printers, also known as multifunction printers (MFPs), are handy if you have a small office or frequently need to fax, copy, and scan. All in one printers are almost the same price as single-function printers.
All-in-one printers, also known as multifunction printers (MFPs), are handy if you have a small office or frequently need to fax, copy, and scan. All in one printers are almost the same price as single-function printers.
Brother MFC-J6710DW All-in-One
The Brother MFC-J6710DW all-in-one inkjet printer is built for heavy use in small offices, and its main advantage is that it can work with paper sizes as large as 11x17. Those who need that kind of functionality will find this a great buy. Small offices will also find Brother's optional high-yield ink cartridges a helpful option. The printer has built-in duplexing capability and wireless or wired networking and comes with a three-year limited warranty.
The Brother MFC-J6710DW all-in-one inkjet printer is built for heavy use in small offices, and its main advantage is that it can work with paper sizes as large as 11x17. Those who need that kind of functionality will find this a great buy. Small offices will also find Brother's optional high-yield ink cartridges a helpful option. The printer has built-in duplexing capability and wireless or wired networking and comes with a three-year limited warranty.
HP Officejet 8500A All-in-One
The HP Officejet Pro 8500A is a wireless all-in-one printer that features a touchscreen, a duplexer, and customizable apps that can be downloaded from HP. A unique e-mail address means you can print to it from anywhere.
The HP Officejet Pro 8500A is a wireless all-in-one printer that features a touchscreen, a duplexer, and customizable apps that can be downloaded from HP. A unique e-mail address means you can print to it from anywhere.
Passing Parameters
Functions can process different variables each time when you call them using parameters.
Functions can process different variables each time when you call them using parameters.
Samsung SCX-4623 Laser Printer
The Samsung SCX-4623FW is a wireless monochrome laser printer aimed at small businesses, home offices, and consumers who have a compelling need for a black-and-white printer. It's got WiFi built in and offers a scanner, copier, and fax as well as an automatic document feeder. Manual duplexing, at least to me, is a drawback in a $250 laser printer (though I've seen it as cheap as $157); but the print quality is uniformly excellent.
The Samsung SCX-4623FW is a wireless monochrome laser printer aimed at small businesses, home offices, and consumers who have a compelling need for a black-and-white printer. It's got WiFi built in and offers a scanner, copier, and fax as well as an automatic document feeder. Manual duplexing, at least to me, is a drawback in a $250 laser printer (though I've seen it as cheap as $157); but the print quality is uniformly excellent.
Back to School Deals 2011
Now that it's back to school time, you may be looking for a good deal on a printer or scanner. It's not always easy to compare everything out there, so I've done some of the heavy lifting for you. Here's a list of some of the best printers and document and photo scanners I've tried.
Now that it's back to school time, you may be looking for a good deal on a printer or scanner. It's not always easy to compare everything out there, so I've done some of the heavy lifting for you. Here's a list of some of the best printers and document and photo scanners I've tried.
HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275
The HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 is an all-in-one (minus the fax) laser printer that offers a special platform that allows the scanning of 3-D objects; scans can be sent directly to online accounts such as GoogleDocs or Box.net, making it a convenience for those need to upload photos for online auctions or other online sites.
The HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 is an all-in-one (minus the fax) laser printer that offers a special platform that allows the scanning of 3-D objects; scans can be sent directly to online accounts such as GoogleDocs or Box.net, making it a convenience for those need to upload photos for online auctions or other online sites.
300 dpi Scan from ScanMyPhotos.com
This is the 300 dpi scan done using the ScanMyPhotos.com service. You can see that some sharpness is lost and the colors are off.
This is the 300 dpi scan done using the ScanMyPhotos.com service. You can see that some sharpness is lost and the colors are off.
Brother PT-1230 Label Maker
The P-touch PT-1230 PC is a handy and compact label printer that works with a PC. It has a limited range of functions, but for a label printer, it did everything I needed it to do--print labels in a variety of sizes and fonts. I appreciate that it didn't require administrative privileges to get it working, and I'm sure many home users will feel the same way. For basic labeling purposes, the PT-1230 is a great choice.
The P-touch PT-1230 PC is a handy and compact label printer that works with a PC. It has a limited range of functions, but for a label printer, it did everything I needed it to do--print labels in a variety of sizes and fonts. I appreciate that it didn't require administrative privileges to get it working, and I'm sure many home users will feel the same way. For basic labeling purposes, the PT-1230 is a great choice.
Why Printer Ink Is Expensive
Printer ink isn't cheap, and if you compare prices by volume, you may find it's more expensive than almost any other liquid (including human blood). But that comparison may be misleading, since printer ink has to be almost magical in its ability to be a stable liquid for a long time, then be raised to 300 degrees Celsius and shot out of a microscopically small nozzle at 30 miles an hour and still hit the page as a perfect round dot. So you may want to spend extra to buy new inkjet cartridges.
Printer ink isn't cheap, and if you compare prices by volume, you may find it's more expensive than almost any other liquid (including human blood). But that comparison may be misleading, since printer ink has to be almost magical in its ability to be a stable liquid for a long time, then be raised to 300 degrees Celsius and shot out of a microscopically small nozzle at 30 miles an hour and still hit the page as a perfect round dot. So you may want to spend extra to buy new inkjet cartridges.
Samsung CLP-315 Laser Printer
The Samsung CLP-315 Color Laser Printer is not that fast, but it's quiet, good looking, and quite cheap. I found it a good deal for the money.
The Samsung CLP-315 Color Laser Printer is not that fast, but it's quiet, good looking, and quite cheap. I found it a good deal for the money.
Brother MFC-7840W Printer
The Brother MFC-7840W all-in-one printer is a monochrome laser printer that features a fax, scanner, copier, and wired/wireless networking.
The Brother MFC-7840W all-in-one printer is a monochrome laser printer that features a fax, scanner, copier, and wired/wireless networking.
ScanSnap S510 Scanner
This review of the Fujitsu ScanSnap S510 Scanner found it to be a hardworking little scanner that did a great job.
This review of the Fujitsu ScanSnap S510 Scanner found it to be a hardworking little scanner that did a great job.
Selphy CP790 Photo Printer
The Canon Selphy CP790 digital photo printer offers excellent print quality in a really fun form factor--a big green bucket.
The Canon Selphy CP790 digital photo printer offers excellent print quality in a really fun form factor--a big green bucket.
Epson Workforce 845 Inkjet Printer
The Epson WorkForce 845 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer comes loaded with lots of extras that make it useful for a small office as well as for home users. It's rather large and, except at draft speeds, fairly slow. End results look very good, even if they do take a long time to come out.
The Epson WorkForce 845 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer comes loaded with lots of extras that make it useful for a small office as well as for home users. It's rather large and, except at draft speeds, fairly slow. End results look very good, even if they do take a long time to come out.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100 is a portable document scanner that runs off of a single USB cable. It's quite fast and accurate in addition to being small, and it will automatically deskew scans so you don't need to worry about feeding paper in exactly at the correct angle. Included software allows the ScanSnap Manager to do optical character recognition on documents as well as business cards from around the world.
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100 is a portable document scanner that runs off of a single USB cable. It's quite fast and accurate in addition to being small, and it will automatically deskew scans so you don't need to worry about feeding paper in exactly at the correct angle. Included software allows the ScanSnap Manager to do optical character recognition on documents as well as business cards from around the world.
USB Connectors
Printers and scanners usually connect to computers with a USB connector.
Printers and scanners usually connect to computers with a USB connector.
Kodak ESP 5
The Kodak ESP 5 all-in-one printer is a low-cost multifunction printer that has excellent print quality but is not the most convenient all-in-one out there for this price.
The Kodak ESP 5 all-in-one printer is a low-cost multifunction printer that has excellent print quality but is not the most convenient all-in-one out there for this price.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300 is a portable document scanner that won't take up any desktop real estate. It can be powered via USB so it's handy to take on the road. I found it to be fast and very accurate; business cards from around the world posed no problem to this little scanner. Definitely a good buy.
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300 is a portable document scanner that won't take up any desktop real estate. It can be powered via USB so it's handy to take on the road. I found it to be fast and very accurate; business cards from around the world posed no problem to this little scanner. Definitely a good buy.
Brother HL-3070CW LED Printer
Brother's HL-3070CW is a very good deal--for about $250 it can compete easily with color laser printers. (An LED printer uses LEDs rather than a single laser as a light source.) I found it fast, relatively easy to set up (though wireless could've been a tad simpler), and the output (color and black) excellent. Replacement toner isn't cheap (around $70 per cartridge), but the black cartridges are estimated for 2,200 pages and the color ones for about 1,400 pages, so they should last a long time.
Brother's HL-3070CW is a very good deal--for about $250 it can compete easily with color laser printers. (An LED printer uses LEDs rather than a single laser as a light source.) I found it fast, relatively easy to set up (though wireless could've been a tad simpler), and the output (color and black) excellent. Replacement toner isn't cheap (around $70 per cartridge), but the black cartridges are estimated for 2,200 pages and the color ones for about 1,400 pages, so they should last a long time.
HP Photosmart 7510 Color Printer
The HP Photosmart 7510 All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer offers some fun and useful extras via its large touchscreen (such as access to a number of Web apps that allow printing of coupons, games, tickets, and so on, without needing to resort to the computer).
The HP Photosmart 7510 All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer offers some fun and useful extras via its large touchscreen (such as access to a number of Web apps that allow printing of coupons, games, tickets, and so on, without needing to resort to the computer).
Xerox Phaser 6010 LED Printer
The Xerox Phaser 6010 is a color LED printer for small workgroups and offices. It's smaller than some other Xerox Phasers I've reviewed, and the small footprint makes it a decent choice for offices that don't have a lot of extra room. There's no wireless but there is built-in Ethernet networking. Duplexing is manual but available. At around $299 it's a bit more than Phaser laser printers, but the small size is a big improvement.
The Xerox Phaser 6010 is a color LED printer for small workgroups and offices. It's smaller than some other Xerox Phasers I've reviewed, and the small footprint makes it a decent choice for offices that don't have a lot of extra room. There's no wireless but there is built-in Ethernet networking. Duplexing is manual but available. At around $299 it's a bit more than Phaser laser printers, but the small size is a big improvement.
Wireless Networking
Wireless networking your printer or scanner may sound difficult, but newer machines are making it easier to do. Here's some advice from networking experts on how to set up your wireless printer.
Wireless networking your printer or scanner may sound difficult, but newer machines are making it easier to do. Here's some advice from networking experts on how to set up your wireless printer.
Kodak ESP 3250 Color Printer
The Kodak ESP 3250 color printer is a good value--at just over $100, it won't break the bank, and neither will Kodak's low-cost ink refills. The ESP 3250 puts out great looking photos and decent-enough prints from documents, and while it's not super fast, it's not pokey, either. If you need a lot of extras--an automatic document feeder, a big LCD, or multiple paper feeds--look somewhere else. But for a three-in-one that performs well, this is a very good choice.
The Kodak ESP 3250 color printer is a good value--at just over $100, it won't break the bank, and neither will Kodak's low-cost ink refills. The ESP 3250 puts out great looking photos and decent-enough prints from documents, and while it's not super fast, it's not pokey, either. If you need a lot of extras--an automatic document feeder, a big LCD, or multiple paper feeds--look somewhere else. But for a three-in-one that performs well, this is a very good choice.
Canon MX860 Inkjet Printer
You'll pay twice as much for this Canon Pixma all-in-one as for the Pixma MX330 I recently reviewed. What do you get for the extra dough? A lot. Wireless / wired network printing. A built-in duplexer. Up to 9600 x 2400 dpi color printing. Truly outstanding colors. Is it worth it? While the cost of replacing five tanks can be huge, the quality is so good that I'd pay the extra money, since I tend to print a lot.
You'll pay twice as much for this Canon Pixma all-in-one as for the Pixma MX330 I recently reviewed. What do you get for the extra dough? A lot. Wireless / wired network printing. A built-in duplexer. Up to 9600 x 2400 dpi color printing. Truly outstanding colors. Is it worth it? While the cost of replacing five tanks can be huge, the quality is so good that I'd pay the extra money, since I tend to print a lot.
HP Officejet J4680 Printer
The HP Officejet J4680 is a compact all-in-one printer that is networkable across a wired or wireless network. It prints quickly and photos look great. It's a bit thirsty for ink, so you'll want the high-yield cartridges.
The HP Officejet J4680 is a compact all-in-one printer that is networkable across a wired or wireless network. It prints quickly and photos look great. It's a bit thirsty for ink, so you'll want the high-yield cartridges.
Sony DPP-FP97 Photo Printer
Gorgeous prints and lots of on-board editing options on this Sony photo printer are its strongest points.
Gorgeous prints and lots of on-board editing options on this Sony photo printer are its strongest points.
HP Photosmart eStation
It's a multifunction printer. It's got a detachable seven-inch wireless tablet. And it's got the great printing quality associated with HP. What is it? The HP Photosmart eStation. It gets the printing part great; whether the detachable tablet is for you is still to be decided. After all, when you're printing, typically you're near your computer anyway, right? But still, if you feel an overwhelming urge to surf Yahoo! while you print, this is your baby.
It's a multifunction printer. It's got a detachable seven-inch wireless tablet. And it's got the great printing quality associated with HP. What is it? The HP Photosmart eStation. It gets the printing part great; whether the detachable tablet is for you is still to be decided. After all, when you're printing, typically you're near your computer anyway, right? But still, if you feel an overwhelming urge to surf Yahoo! while you print, this is your baby.
Brother DSMobile 700D Portable Scanner
Manufacturer's Site Though it's more expensive than similar portable scanners such as the Doxie , the
Manufacturer's Site Though it's more expensive than similar portable scanners such as the Doxie , the
Clean the Printer / Scanner
Wipe the platen glass with a clean, white, lint-free cloth moistened with water.
Wipe the platen glass with a clean, white, lint-free cloth moistened with water.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers 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.
Inkjet printers 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.
Photosmart A646 Photo Printer
The HP Photosmart A646 photo printer is a handy, compact printer that is easy to set up to print from Bluetooth. Its large touchscreen makes viewing and printing pictures easy, and it takes advantage of that large touchscreen by offering editing and effects for photos. Colors were very good and printed photos looked great. Best of all, it's quite inexpensive from some online retailers.
The HP Photosmart A646 photo printer is a handy, compact printer that is easy to set up to print from Bluetooth. Its large touchscreen makes viewing and printing pictures easy, and it takes advantage of that large touchscreen by offering editing and effects for photos. Colors were very good and printed photos looked great. Best of all, it's quite inexpensive from some online retailers.
Kodak ESP 7250 All-in-One
The Kodak ESP 7250 comes at a reasonable price, has built-in wireless and optional Bluetooth, and creates very good prints. It is not the fastest of printers, however, and, like the cheaper 5250, can take a while to warm up; and an automatic document feeder would be welcome. But the wireless was easy to set up and I like the separate tray for photos.
The Kodak ESP 7250 comes at a reasonable price, has built-in wireless and optional Bluetooth, and creates very good prints. It is not the fastest of printers, however, and, like the cheaper 5250, can take a while to warm up; and an automatic document feeder would be welcome. But the wireless was easy to set up and I like the separate tray for photos.
Apple vs Kodak
One way to get your photos organized is to take the best ones and make a book. That's easy now, since companies like Apple and Kodak offer cheap and easy-to-use services. These photo books are easy to customize and make great gifts as well. I thought that Apple's books were a bit nicer looking but they require you to have a Mac; Kodak offers more choices on size and prices are reasonable. Here's how some of the big players stack up.
One way to get your photos organized is to take the best ones and make a book. That's easy now, since companies like Apple and Kodak offer cheap and easy-to-use services. These photo books are easy to customize and make great gifts as well. I thought that Apple's books were a bit nicer looking but they require you to have a Mac; Kodak offers more choices on size and prices are reasonable. Here's how some of the big players stack up.
Brother HL-4570CDW Laser Printer
The Brother HL-4570CDW is a color laser printer aimed at businesses and workgroups. It boasts business-friendly features such as fast printing, built-in wireless, and automatic duplex printing. It also offers some consumer-friendly features such as a USB port on the front of the machine, and an app that will let you print directly from an Android smartphone.
The Brother HL-4570CDW is a color laser printer aimed at businesses and workgroups. It boasts business-friendly features such as fast printing, built-in wireless, and automatic duplex printing. It also offers some consumer-friendly features such as a USB port on the front of the machine, and an app that will let you print directly from an Android smartphone.
Canon MX7600 All-in-One
The Canon Pixma MX7600 all-in-one printer includes a new clear-ink technology that helps create better color and monochrome prints. It's a large printer but it does its job well.
The Canon Pixma MX7600 all-in-one printer includes a new clear-ink technology that helps create better color and monochrome prints. It's a large printer but it does its job well.
Photosmart A626
The HP Photosmart A626 printer is lightweight and portable, though its colors aren't perfect.
The HP Photosmart A626 printer is lightweight and portable, though its colors aren't perfect.
Clean Inside the Pixma
When the inside of your Pixma printer gets dirty, it can smudge the paper. Here's an easy way to get
When the inside of your Pixma printer gets dirty, it can smudge the paper. Here's an easy way to get
Samsung CLX-6200
The Samsung CLX-6200FX color laser printer offers everything a small office needs to be productive.
The Samsung CLX-6200FX color laser printer offers everything a small office needs to be productive.
Brother PT-2730 Label Maker
The Brother PT-2730 Electronic Labeling System is a portable label maker that can work independently or be connected to a PC for advanced functionality (such as working directly from Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook). The machine can work on batteries or with the (included) AC power cord. Users can choose from eight fonts, 17 frames, and a wide array of type styles and symbols. It comes with an automatic tape cutter built in, and a library of more than 50 pre-formatted labels.
The Brother PT-2730 Electronic Labeling System is a portable label maker that can work independently or be connected to a PC for advanced functionality (such as working directly from Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook). The machine can work on batteries or with the (included) AC power cord. Users can choose from eight fonts, 17 frames, and a wide array of type styles and symbols. It comes with an automatic tape cutter built in, and a library of more than 50 pre-formatted labels.
Brother MFC-9320CW All-in-One
Brother's MFC-9320CW is an affordable color LED printer (under $500) that offers a good deal of value for home or small-business users. (An LED printer uses an array of LEDs rather than a single laser as a light source, so it has fewer moving parts but may also have slightly lower resolution than a laser printer.) Though it lacks a useful LCD screen, is slightly slower than other laser printers, and has a cluttered onboard interface, it still performs admirably.
Brother's MFC-9320CW is an affordable color LED printer (under $500) that offers a good deal of value for home or small-business users. (An LED printer uses an array of LEDs rather than a single laser as a light source, so it has fewer moving parts but may also have slightly lower resolution than a laser printer.) Though it lacks a useful LCD screen, is slightly slower than other laser printers, and has a cluttered onboard interface, it still performs admirably.
Canon Pixma MP530
The Canon Pixma MP530 is a multifunction printer that is a dependable workhorse for home offices.
The Canon Pixma MP530 is a multifunction printer that is a dependable workhorse for home offices.
Print Your Own Mother's Day Cards
Sure, you could spend some time wandering around the store, hoping to find just the right card for Mom when Mother's Day rolls around. Or you could make things a lot simpler by printing your own card, and customizing it yourself. Here's a list of customizable and printable Mother's Day cards.
Sure, you could spend some time wandering around the store, hoping to find just the right card for Mom when Mother's Day rolls around. Or you could make things a lot simpler by printing your own card, and customizing it yourself. Here's a list of customizable and printable Mother's Day cards.
Brother MFC-495CW All-in-One
The Brother MFC-495CW is a decent color all-in-one printer that I've seen online for around $100, making it a great value. It's not particularly fast, especially across a wireless network, and the small LCD is only marginally helpful; but print quality--especially photos--was top notch.
The Brother MFC-495CW is a decent color all-in-one printer that I've seen online for around $100, making it a great value. It's not particularly fast, especially across a wireless network, and the small LCD is only marginally helpful; but print quality--especially photos--was top notch.
Xerox Phaser 6140
The Xerox Phaser 6140 is a color laser printer aimed at small and home offices. While it's bigger and more expensive than consumer-oriented color laser printers, it does have a robust duty cycle and does its work quickly; even better, it prints out great-looking color graphics.
The Xerox Phaser 6140 is a color laser printer aimed at small and home offices. While it's bigger and more expensive than consumer-oriented color laser printers, it does have a robust duty cycle and does its work quickly; even better, it prints out great-looking color graphics.
Epson Workforce Pro WP-4540 All-in-One Printer
The Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4540 offers a lot of features for busy offices, in particular an extra paper tray that beefs the printer's paper capacity to 580 sheets--that's more than a ream of paper. Built-in wireless and duplex printing add to the printer's value, as does a fax.
The Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4540 offers a lot of features for busy offices, in particular an extra paper tray that beefs the printer's paper capacity to 580 sheets--that's more than a ream of paper. Built-in wireless and duplex printing add to the printer's value, as does a fax.
Canon Pixma MP490
For under a hundred bucks, the Canon Pixma MP490 all in one printer is a decent buy. Like many other printers in this price range, it lacks some advanced features such as an automatic document feeder, an automatic duplexer, and wireless support. Of course you'll pay more for those features--so before you buy, decide just how important those advanced features are going to be.
For under a hundred bucks, the Canon Pixma MP490 all in one printer is a decent buy. Like many other printers in this price range, it lacks some advanced features such as an automatic document feeder, an automatic duplexer, and wireless support. Of course you'll pay more for those features--so before you buy, decide just how important those advanced features are going to be.
Epson V600 Photo Scanner
The Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner offers all the tools and capabilities that photo buffs of every level could want in a photo scanner, including a built-in transparency unit and the ability to scan slides, negatives, and medium-format film. I appreciate that it came with Adobe Photoshop Elements, which helps defray the somewhat high cost of the machine. Paper instructions would make it a bit easier to set up, but this is a fine scanner for photos, film, and documents.
The Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner offers all the tools and capabilities that photo buffs of every level could want in a photo scanner, including a built-in transparency unit and the ability to scan slides, negatives, and medium-format film. I appreciate that it came with Adobe Photoshop Elements, which helps defray the somewhat high cost of the machine. Paper instructions would make it a bit easier to set up, but this is a fine scanner for photos, film, and documents.
Canon Pixma MX882 Printer
The Canon Pixma MX882 is a worthy upgrade to the Pixma line. While it offers many of the same features as the MX860, it's much faster and almost the same price. The printer has built-in wireless and an automatic duplexer, and an extended keypad that helps keep the printer's face from being overly busy (though it's still pretty full). Speeds were excellent and quality was everything I expected from a Canon printer.
The Canon Pixma MX882 is a worthy upgrade to the Pixma line. While it offers many of the same features as the MX860, it's much faster and almost the same price. The printer has built-in wireless and an automatic duplexer, and an extended keypad that helps keep the printer's face from being overly busy (though it's still pretty full). Speeds were excellent and quality was everything I expected from a Canon printer.
HP 6380 All-in-One
The HP Photosmart C6380 does a great job with photos and is adequate for all other print jobs.
The HP Photosmart C6380 does a great job with photos and is adequate for all other print jobs.
Brother MFC-6490
The Brother MFC-6490CW All-in-One Printer is is made for a small office and offers plenty of handy office features, including wireless.
The Brother MFC-6490CW All-in-One Printer is is made for a small office and offers plenty of handy office features, including wireless.
The IF Statement
The Javascript if statement.How to code and use it.
The Javascript if statement.How to code and use it.
Best Buys from 2011
With lots of printers tested in 2011, there were a handful that were just better than the rest. Here you'll find a list of the top printers and scanners I tested. And a note--some of these actually were tested before 2011, but were so good that they just keep making it to the list!
With lots of printers tested in 2011, there were a handful that were just better than the rest. Here you'll find a list of the top printers and scanners I tested. And a note--some of these actually were tested before 2011, but were so good that they just keep making it to the list!
Samsung CLP-775ND Laser Printer
Small and home-based businesses with some extra cash to spend up front on a high-end color laser printer won't be disappointed by the Samsung CLP-775ND color laser printer, which promises--and delivers--very fast print speeds. Despite some set-up issues that caused some initial paper jams, this printer delivers speed and quality enough to make any business look big, and business features such as secure printing add additional value.
Small and home-based businesses with some extra cash to spend up front on a high-end color laser printer won't be disappointed by the Samsung CLP-775ND color laser printer, which promises--and delivers--very fast print speeds. Despite some set-up issues that caused some initial paper jams, this printer delivers speed and quality enough to make any business look big, and business features such as secure printing add additional value.
Epson NX400
The Epson Stylus NX400 all-in-one offers a low price and decent printing features.
The Epson Stylus NX400 all-in-one offers a low price and decent printing features.
Unjam Paper Jams
Paper jams can happen for a number of reasons. The most common reasons are that the paper tray is overloaded or the edge of the paper is curled or folded. Paper typically jams between the sheet feeder and the output tray, or inside the machine. Here are step-by-step directions to clearing up both kinds of paper jams.
Paper jams can happen for a number of reasons. The most common reasons are that the paper tray is overloaded or the edge of the paper is curled or folded. Paper typically jams between the sheet feeder and the output tray, or inside the machine. Here are step-by-step directions to clearing up both kinds of paper jams.
Epson Artisan 835 All-in-One
The Epson Artisan 835 color printer is the next level above the Artisan 810. Like the 810, it prints quickly with good results; photos in particular come out excellent. It features built-in wireless, an automatic duplexer, and has a great, large (7.8-inch), tiltable touchscreen that makes it very easy to use. With six ink cartridges to replace, its cost of ownership will likely be high. Still, the results are excellent.
The Epson Artisan 835 color printer is the next level above the Artisan 810. Like the 810, it prints quickly with good results; photos in particular come out excellent. It features built-in wireless, an automatic duplexer, and has a great, large (7.8-inch), tiltable touchscreen that makes it very easy to use. With six ink cartridges to replace, its cost of ownership will likely be high. Still, the results are excellent.
Epson Workforce 30 Printer
The Epson Workforce 30 is limited in functionality--you won't get a fax or scanner or copier in this almost-full-size unit--but it what it does, it does very well. In particular, photos look fantastic, in large measure thanks to the DuraBrite ink that Epson uses, but you won't sacrifice basic black-and-white quality either. For well under a hundred bucks, this is a pretty good deal.
The Epson Workforce 30 is limited in functionality--you won't get a fax or scanner or copier in this almost-full-size unit--but it what it does, it does very well. In particular, photos look fantastic, in large measure thanks to the DuraBrite ink that Epson uses, but you won't sacrifice basic black-and-white quality either. For well under a hundred bucks, this is a pretty good deal.
Lexmark Interact
The Lexmark S605 Interact is a decent three-in-one printer that offers some great benefits, in particular a large and intelligently designed touchscreen, and a host of customizable applications that make it simple to tailor the printer, scanner, and copier functions to your exact needs. Those options, rather than the speed or quality of the printer (which are completely acceptable), are what make this new printer an exciting and compelling best buy.
The Lexmark S605 Interact is a decent three-in-one printer that offers some great benefits, in particular a large and intelligently designed touchscreen, and a host of customizable applications that make it simple to tailor the printer, scanner, and copier functions to your exact needs. Those options, rather than the speed or quality of the printer (which are completely acceptable), are what make this new printer an exciting and compelling best buy.
Canon MX330 All-in-One Printer
An outstanding, low-end all-in-one printer from Canon--what else needs to be said? For about $100, you get all the features you could want, plus the quality and dependability of Canon.
An outstanding, low-end all-in-one printer from Canon--what else needs to be said? For about $100, you get all the features you could want, plus the quality and dependability of Canon.
Doxie Portable Scanner
Doxie is a portable scanner that's great for scanning documents; it works pretty well scanning photographs as well. It was easy to set up and it's quite easy to use (one touch of a button is really the only choice offered). There's little to guide paper as it's being loaded, so there's a risk of a scan being slightly askew, but the quick pace of this portable scanner more than makes up for any minor issues.
Doxie is a portable scanner that's great for scanning documents; it works pretty well scanning photographs as well. It was easy to set up and it's quite easy to use (one touch of a button is really the only choice offered). There's little to guide paper as it's being loaded, so there's a risk of a scan being slightly askew, but the quick pace of this portable scanner more than makes up for any minor issues.