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 digitize negatives and slides.
For serious amateur photographers and pros on a tight budget, here's a list of great photo scanners to digitize negatives and slides.
Best All-in-One Printers
When you've got a small home office, an all-in-one printer, also known as a multifunction printer (MFP), is a great buy. All-in-one printers can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. All-in-one printers are also reasonably priced. Here are some of the best all-in-one printers I've tested.
When you've got a small home office, an all-in-one printer, also known as a multifunction printer (MFP), is a great buy. All-in-one printers can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. All-in-one printers are also reasonably priced. Here are some of the best all-in-one printers I've tested.
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 you'll find 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 you'll find some of the best wireless printers I've tried.
Epson Artisan 810 All-in-One
The Epson Artisan 810 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 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.
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.
Canon Pixma MP490
For under a hundred bucks, the Canon Pixma MP490 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 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.
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.
Best Printers and Scanners
With the holiday season coming soon, here are some Best Printer and Scanner Buys for the gadgeteer in the family. Why not treat someone to a cool, useful, and inexpensive gift? Printers and scanners make great gifts!
With the holiday season coming soon, here are some Best Printer and Scanner Buys for the gadgeteer in the family. Why not treat someone to a cool, useful, and inexpensive gift? Printers and scanners make great gifts!
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.
Canon Pixma MP560 All-in-One
Canon sets the bar pretty high for its printers, and in a few ways this one--the Pixma MP560--fell short. For a low-end printer it includes wireless, which is a real benefit; but I didn't get great results printing text. Ink bled into the paper, making prints less than crisp. Photos on the other hand looked just fine. But if your printing needs are more towards sharp, clear documents, you're not going to be pleased with the MP 560.
Canon sets the bar pretty high for its printers, and in a few ways this one--the Pixma MP560--fell short. For a low-end printer it includes wireless, which is a real benefit; but I didn't get great results printing text. Ink bled into the paper, making prints less than crisp. Photos on the other hand looked just fine. But if your printing needs are more towards sharp, clear documents, you're not going to be pleased with the MP 560.
Epson V500 Photo Scanner
The Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner does a great job at scanning photos and negatives.
The Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner does a great job at scanning photos and negatives.
HP 6500 Printer
HP touts the HP 6500 All-in-One printer as "economical and eco-conscious," because it uses more energy than laser printers. Even better is that it's extremely inexpensive.
HP touts the HP 6500 All-in-One printer as "economical and eco-conscious," because it uses more energy than laser printers. Even better is that it's extremely inexpensive.
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.
Top Printers Under \$100
If you've got limited cash to burn but need an excellent printer, there's help for you here. This list of the best printers I've tested that are under (or almost under) $100 will give you some great options, even when money is tight.
If you've got limited cash to burn but need an excellent printer, there's help for you here. This list of the best printers I've tested that are under (or almost under) $100 will give you some great options, even when money is tight.
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.
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.
Kodak ESP 3250 All-in-One
The Kodak ESP 3250 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 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.
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.
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.
Epson NX515
The Epson Stylus NX515 is a very fast all-in-one printer. It comes with WiFi networking built in and can do pretty much everything that much bigger and more expensive all-in-one printers can do--but it does them without taking much space, or too much cash. Photos have excellent color depth and print quickly. For the price--just over $100--the NX515 is a best bet.
The Epson Stylus NX515 is a very fast all-in-one printer. It comes with WiFi networking built in and can do pretty much everything that much bigger and more expensive all-in-one printers can do--but it does them without taking much space, or too much cash. Photos have excellent color depth and print quickly. For the price--just over $100--the NX515 is a best bet.
Epson WorkForce 610 Printer
The Epson Workforce 610 offers a lot of printer for not much over $100. It has fast print speeds, with text and graphics looking good and photos with sharp colors. Built-in wireless helps make it appropriate for home and small businesses. The tiltable touchscreen is cluttered and there were some issues getting wireless to work. Bottom line: You can't go far wrong here, but with so many printers in Epson's various lines, you can probably find a better deal (Artisan 810, anybody?).
The Epson Workforce 610 offers a lot of printer for not much over $100. It has fast print speeds, with text and graphics looking good and photos with sharp colors. Built-in wireless helps make it appropriate for home and small businesses. The tiltable touchscreen is cluttered and there were some issues getting wireless to work. Bottom line: You can't go far wrong here, but with so many printers in Epson's various lines, you can probably find a better deal (Artisan 810, anybody?).
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.
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.
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.
Samsung CLX-6200
The Samsung CLX-6200FX all-in-one color laser printer offers everything a small office needs to be productive.
The Samsung CLX-6200FX all-in-one color laser printer offers everything a small office needs to be productive.
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.
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.
HP Officejet 8500 All-in-One
Slow set-up time aside, the HP Officejet Pro 8500 is an all-in-one with a host of features such as wireless, one-button scanning options, fax, and copier that will make any home or small office more efficient at a price that's more than reasonable.
Slow set-up time aside, the HP Officejet Pro 8500 is an all-in-one with a host of features such as wireless, one-button scanning options, fax, and copier that will make any home or small office more efficient at a price that's more than reasonable.
Epson Artisan 800 Printer
The Epson Artisan 800 is a fantastic all-in-one printer that works across a network (or via USB). Images, documents, photos, all looked great thanks to the Claria ink cartridges. Too bad it doesn't come with a duplexer.
The Epson Artisan 800 is a fantastic all-in-one printer that works across a network (or via USB). Images, documents, photos, all looked great thanks to the Claria ink cartridges. Too bad it doesn't come with a duplexer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choosing the Right Printer
Which printer is the right one for you? Inkjet? Laser? All in one? The answer depends on how you intend to use it. The first step is figuring out what you need.
Which printer is the right one for you? Inkjet? Laser? All in one? The answer depends on how you intend to use it. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brother HL-5370 Laser Printer
Easy set up and built-in conveniences such as duplexing and networking are the only things that distinguish this fast printer from the pack.
Easy set up and built-in conveniences such as duplexing and networking are the only things that distinguish this fast printer from the pack.
Canon Pixma MP610
The Canon Pixma MP610 all-in-one printer does a fine job at photo scanning and printing, though it left a little to be desired.
The Canon Pixma MP610 all-in-one printer does a fine job at photo scanning and printing, though it left a little to be desired.
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.
iP4600 Photo Printer
The iP4600 Photo Inkjet Printer is big for a photo printer but does great work.
The iP4600 Photo Inkjet Printer is big for a photo printer but does great work.
Samsung ML-2851
This Samsung printer is a monochrome laser printer that can be connected to over a wired network. The ML-2851 is made for small businesses and is a good entry-level monochrome laser printer.
This Samsung printer is a monochrome laser printer that can be connected to over a wired network. The ML-2851 is made for small businesses and is a good entry-level monochrome laser printer.
ScanSnap S1500 Scanner
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 is a lightning-fast document scanner with only a few issues with OCR.
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 is a lightning-fast document scanner with only a few issues with OCR.
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.
HP 8500
The HP 8500 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 is a professional-level printer that, like the HP 6500, offers energy savings and, claims HP, a lower cost per page than laser printers.
Polaroid PoGo
The PoGo 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 PoGo 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.
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.
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.
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.
USB Connectors
Printers and scanners usually connect to computers with a USB connector.
Printers and scanners usually connect to computers with a USB connector.
Selphy CP790 Photo Printer
The Canon Selphy CP790 offers excellent print quality in a really fun form factor--a big green bucket.
The Canon Selphy CP790 offers excellent print quality in a really fun form factor--a big green bucket.
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.
Brother PT-2430 Label Maker
The P-touch PT-2430 adds a few small but important conveniences to the lower-end versions of the P-touch line, such as an included AC cord and automatic trimming of the labels. These may not sound so important, but if you plan on making a lot of labels, they'll save a ton of time. And if you do use it a lot, I think it's worth the extra $30 or so (street price is around $79) to get this unit rather than the 1230.
The P-touch PT-2430 adds a few small but important conveniences to the lower-end versions of the P-touch line, such as an included AC cord and automatic trimming of the labels. These may not sound so important, but if you plan on making a lot of labels, they'll save a ton of time. And if you do use it a lot, I think it's worth the extra $30 or so (street price is around $79) to get this unit rather than the 1230.
Samsung ML-1630W Laser Printer
The Samsung ML-1630w Monochrome Laser Printer is a networkable printer that is fast, quiet, and quite good looking. But it didn't seem like a lot of printer for the money.
The Samsung ML-1630w Monochrome Laser Printer is a networkable printer that is fast, quiet, and quite good looking. But it didn't seem like a lot of printer for the money.
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.
Epson NX415 Printer
The Epson Stylus NX415 is near the high end of the Epson Stylus NX family. For less than $100 it offers a large color LCD (Epson says it's the largest at this price) as well as multiple media-card slots.
The Epson Stylus NX415 is near the high end of the Epson Stylus NX family. For less than $100 it offers a large color LCD (Epson says it's the largest at this price) as well as multiple media-card slots.
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 do it.
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 do it.
Brother PT-1280 Label Maker
The new Brother PT-1280 P-touch Electronic Labeling System is no little toy; it's a seriously useful piece of office (or home) automation. It's not big (you could probably get four of them into a shoe box) but it has a large, easy-to-use keyboard and a 15-character LCD display. The printer can create vertical or horizontal labels on four sizes of tape, using dozens of symbols and in nine different type styles (bold, shadow, italic, and so on).
The new Brother PT-1280 P-touch Electronic Labeling System is no little toy; it's a seriously useful piece of office (or home) automation. It's not big (you could probably get four of them into a shoe box) but it has a large, easy-to-use keyboard and a 15-character LCD display. The printer can create vertical or horizontal labels on four sizes of tape, using dozens of symbols and in nine different type styles (bold, shadow, italic, and so on).
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.
Epson WorkForce 310
The Epson WorkForce 310 offers great quality photos and near-laser-quality text printing.
The Epson WorkForce 310 offers great quality photos and near-laser-quality text printing.
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.
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.
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.
Lexmark X204n
The Lexmark X204n is a monochrome laser printer that sells for well under $300. It's also networkable, fast, and has a fairly small footprint for a laser printer.
The Lexmark X204n is a monochrome laser printer that sells for well under $300. It's also networkable, fast, and has a fairly small footprint for a laser printer.
Printers / Scanners - GuideReviews
An index of GuideReviews for the Printers / Scanners guide site.
An index of GuideReviews for the Printers / Scanners guide site.
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.
HP H470 Mobile Printer
The HP Officejet H470 could be really convenient if you need a nearly full-size printer that can run off a battery and connect wirelessly or via Bluetooth. But since I'm having trouble identifying when precisely you'd need that combination, and since the printer is slow, expensive, and seems error prone, I'd spend the same amount of money that doesn't offer battery power and a nifty vinyl case but gives faster, better prints.
The HP Officejet H470 could be really convenient if you need a nearly full-size printer that can run off a battery and connect wirelessly or via Bluetooth. But since I'm having trouble identifying when precisely you'd need that combination, and since the printer is slow, expensive, and seems error prone, I'd spend the same amount of money that doesn't offer battery power and a nifty vinyl case but gives faster, better prints.
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.
Canon Selphy CP760
The Canon Selphy CP760 Compact Photo Printer uses dye-sublimation ink to print postcard-sized prints.
The Canon Selphy CP760 Compact Photo Printer uses dye-sublimation ink to print postcard-sized prints.
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.
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.
DocuPen Portable Scanner
A review of the DocuPen Portable Scanner, a handheld scanner that works quickly and easily.
A review of the DocuPen Portable Scanner, a handheld scanner that works quickly and easily.
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.
Canon Pixma ix7000 Printer
It's not just large (and it is); the Canon Pixma iX7000 is a large-format printer, meaning it can easily handle paper up to 13 x 19 inches. With its jutting cassette, it will require a table of its own. I wish it included wireless connectivity, given that its size may force you to keep it in a corner; but in terms of quality, photo output is excellent, while colored graphics look better if you use good paper.
It's not just large (and it is); the Canon Pixma iX7000 is a large-format printer, meaning it can easily handle paper up to 13 x 19 inches. With its jutting cassette, it will require a table of its own. I wish it included wireless connectivity, given that its size may force you to keep it in a corner; but in terms of quality, photo output is excellent, while colored graphics look better if you use good paper.
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.
Epson Perfection 30 Scanner
The Epson Perfection 30 scanner is a very fast, environmentally friendly scanner. Its zero warm-up time is a nice benefit as well. A minimalist unit yet stocked with all the features that scanners need (scan to e-mail and PDF, for example), it's a good buy--and it's well under a hundred bucks.
The Epson Perfection 30 scanner is a very fast, environmentally friendly scanner. Its zero warm-up time is a nice benefit as well. A minimalist unit yet stocked with all the features that scanners need (scan to e-mail and PDF, for example), it's a good buy--and it's well under a hundred bucks.
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.
Lexmark X466 Laser Printer
It doesn't come cheap, but with a huge, customizable touchscreen that helps simplify repetitive printing, scanning, and copying tasks, this 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, this networkable monochrome laser printer may well help to define the future of office printing.
Epson NX515 Printer
The Epson Stylus NX515 is the at the high end of the Epson Stylus NX family. It's more expensive than the others but is fast (Epson calls it "the fastest printer in its class") and offers easy-to-set-up Wi-Fi (wireless) printing.
The Epson Stylus NX515 is the at the high end of the Epson Stylus NX family. It's more expensive than the others but is fast (Epson calls it "the fastest printer in its class") and offers easy-to-set-up Wi-Fi (wireless) printing.
Plustek PS282 Scanner
The Plustek SmartOffice PS282 is a handy and compact scanner that zips quickly through jobs and folds up so it doesn't take up a lot of space. It doesn't come cheap, so at over $300 it competes with Fujitsu's ScanSnap line which comes with the full version of Adobe Acrobat, a great program to have, though the Plustek does come with its own suite of OCR and image-editing software. Bottom line? The ScanSnap S1500 is more expensive but I think it's the better buy.
The Plustek SmartOffice PS282 is a handy and compact scanner that zips quickly through jobs and folds up so it doesn't take up a lot of space. It doesn't come cheap, so at over $300 it competes with Fujitsu's ScanSnap line which comes with the full version of Adobe Acrobat, a great program to have, though the Plustek does come with its own suite of OCR and image-editing software. Bottom line? The ScanSnap S1500 is more expensive but I think it's the better buy.
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.
Printstik PS905 Printer
The Printstik PS905 is indeed very portable, and can print via Bluetooth, which may make it convenient for those on the go who absolutely can't wait to print something out. But it's not cheap, and the low quality of the prints is probably not worth the convenience to anybody but the most hard-core road warrior.
The Printstik PS905 is indeed very portable, and can print via Bluetooth, which may make it convenient for those on the go who absolutely can't wait to print something out. But it's not cheap, and the low quality of the prints is probably not worth the convenience to anybody but the most hard-core road warrior.
HP LaserJet CP2025dn Profile
This is a product profile of the HP color laser printer, HP Color Laserjet CP2025dn.
This is a product profile of the HP color laser printer, HP Color Laserjet CP2025dn.
Back to School Deals
It's easy to save money when you look for a good back-to-school deal on a printer or scanner, because there are a lot of great machines to choose from. Here's a list of some of the best I've tried.
It's easy to save money when you look for a good back-to-school deal on a printer or scanner, because there are a lot of great machines to choose from. Here's a list of some of the best I've tried.
Selphy ES40 Photo Printer
The Canon Selphy ES40 is small and compact, fun and easy to use, and it prints some amazing photos. It doesn't offer a whole lot of options, and you can only print 4x6 photos--but if that's what you're looking for, you can't beat this Selphy.
The Canon Selphy ES40 is small and compact, fun and easy to use, and it prints some amazing photos. It doesn't offer a whole lot of options, and you can only print 4x6 photos--but if that's what you're looking for, you can't beat this Selphy.
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.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S300
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S300 is an excellent duplex scanner that won't take up any room on your desk.
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S300 is an excellent duplex scanner that won't take up any room on your desk.
The IF Statement
The Javascript if statement.How to code and use it.
The Javascript if statement.How to code and use it.
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.
Clean the Printer / Scanner
If the platen glass or document cover of your printer/scanner are dirty or smudged, your scan and print jobs aren’t going to look good. Cleaning these elements is easy with nothing more than cloth and water. Don’t use paper towels or tissues (they can leave fine threads behind), and never use chemical cleaners.
If the platen glass or document cover of your printer/scanner are dirty or smudged, your scan and print jobs aren’t going to look good. Cleaning these elements is easy with nothing more than cloth and water. Don’t use paper towels or tissues (they can leave fine threads behind), and never use chemical cleaners.
Epson WorkForce 600
The Epson WorkForce 600 All-in-One Printer is a great resource for "micro-businesses" though its ink tanks seem to empty fairly fast.
The Epson WorkForce 600 All-in-One Printer is a great resource for "micro-businesses" though its ink tanks seem to empty fairly fast.
PictBridge
PictBridge allows you to connect your digital camera directly to your printer.
PictBridge allows you to connect your digital camera directly to your printer.
Phaser 3250
The Xerox Phaser 3250 Laser Printer only does one thing--print in monochrome--but it does it exceptionally well.
The Xerox Phaser 3250 Laser Printer only does one thing--print in monochrome--but it does it exceptionally well.
Samsung SCX-4500 Laser Printer
The Samsung SCX-4500 Monochrome Laser Printer is a cool-looking printer that is fast and extremely quiet. But it's missing a few conveniences.
The Samsung SCX-4500 Monochrome Laser Printer is a cool-looking printer that is fast and extremely quiet. But it's missing a few conveniences.
Finding the Best Deals
You can find great deals on printers and scanners online and in brick-and-mortar shops. I'll help you find the best deals
You can find great deals on printers and scanners online and in brick-and-mortar shops. I'll help you find the best deals
Alphabetic and Numeric Validations
Validating that a field is alphabetic or numeric.
Validating that a field is alphabetic or numeric.
Extended Warranties
When you buy a new printer or scanner, the salesperson will try to convince you to buy an extended warranty. It's not worth the money.
When you buy a new printer or scanner, the salesperson will try to convince you to buy an extended warranty. It's not worth the money.
KeyScan Scanner
The KeyScan Integrated Document Scanner is a convenient scanner built into a keyboard.
The KeyScan Integrated Document Scanner is a convenient scanner built into a keyboard.
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.
Installing New Ink Tanks
Turn your printer on, and lift the cover. Make sure you're not just lifting the top cover that provides access to the glass copy plate. Lift from below the control panel.
Turn your printer on, and lift the cover. Make sure you're not just lifting the top cover that provides access to the glass copy plate. Lift from below the control panel.
Epson Photo RX680
The Epson Stylus Photo RX680 isn't the multifunction you need to keep your office running, but it does a great job with photo printing and other tasks.
The Epson Stylus Photo RX680 isn't the multifunction you need to keep your office running, but it does a great job with photo printing and other tasks.
Variable Scope
Determining the scope of variables. In what part of the program does a given variable exist.
Determining the scope of variables. In what part of the program does a given variable exist.
Mandatory Fields
Validating that something other than blanks is entered into a mandatory form field.
Validating that something other than blanks is entered into a mandatory form field.
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.
Printers / Scanners - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Printers / Scanners guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Printers / Scanners guide site.
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.
Printers / Scanners - Articles
An index of articles for the Printers / Scanners guide site.
An index of articles for the Printers / Scanners guide site.
Clean Inside the Pixma
There are a few reasons why the Pixma's print jobs don’t look their best. If you’re seeing stripes, it could be due to clogged printheads, which are easy to <a href="/od/howto/ht/cleanprintheads.htm" unclog</a>. But if you find smudges on the back of the paper, the inside of the printer may be dirty. This is how you can easily clean the inside of your Pixma.
There are a few reasons why the Pixma's print jobs don’t look their best. If you’re seeing stripes, it could be due to clogged printheads, which are easy to <a href="/od/howto/ht/cleanprintheads.htm" unclog</a>. But if you find smudges on the back of the paper, the inside of the printer may be dirty. This is how you can easily clean the inside of your Pixma.
Dell Wasabi Photo Printer
The Dell Wasabi is an ultra-mobile printer for instant photo printing that works with inkless ZINK printing paper. It allows instant prints via Bluetooth-enabled phones, digital cameras, and mobile PCs, and prints on 2x3 sticky-backed paper.
The Dell Wasabi is an ultra-mobile printer for instant photo printing that works with inkless ZINK printing paper. It allows instant prints via Bluetooth-enabled phones, digital cameras, and mobile PCs, and prints on 2x3 sticky-backed paper.
Recycle Inkjet Cartridges
When your inkjet cartridges run out, don't throw them away. The US Post Office offers free mailers to send them to a recycler.
When your inkjet cartridges run out, don't throw them away. The US Post Office offers free mailers to send them to a recycler.
Functions
Creating functions in Javascript.
Creating functions in Javascript.