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If you're deciding on what printer to buy, here's a little cheat sheet to finding your perfect match.

What kind of printer is best for me?
Printers come in all shapes and sizes from tiny travel companions to workgroup workhorses. The many specifications for resolution and speed can be misleading. Here's a cheat sheet to the perfect printer to match your personality.


What are my options?
 Most buyers start with a general notion of the type of printer they'll need. The reason is that different printing technologies are suited for different printing needs and budgets. Find out more about the basic types of printers and their pros and cons.


How do I sort out the specs?
 The cardinal rule of purchasing a printer is, whenever possible, print before you pay. There's no surefire way to tell exactly how text and images will appear unless you eyeball print samples. Fortunately, many retail stores let you print demonstration pages to get a feel for the output quality. Here are some things to watch for, courtesy of the experts at CNET Labs.


How do I judge print quality?
 The prices of personal printers look pretty enticing, especially those sub-S$200 (US$127.24) models. But keep in mind that the purchase price is just the start: The care and feeding of a printer can quickly exceed the original cost. Before pulling out your credit card, be sure to compare the costs of consumables.


What will it really cost me?
 The prices of personal printers look pretty enticing, especially those sub-US$200 models. But keep in mind that the purchase price is just the start: The care and feeding of a printer can quickly exceed the original cost. Before pulling out your credit card, be sure to compare the costs of consumables.

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