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 here about the basic types of printers and their pros and cons.

Printer options: Personal laser | Workgroup laser | Inkjet | 
Multifunction/all in one | Photo/snapshot | Portable

Personal laser

Samsung CLP-300 Though the technology has been around for years (HP introduced its first LaserJet in 1984), laser printers are still going strong because they combine fast print speeds, sharp output, and a low cost per page. Like copiers, laser printers use a photographic drum to attract electrically charged toner and transfer it to paper, where the image is fused using a heated roller. The vast majority of laser printers are monochrome (black and white), and they are best-suited for printing text and simple graphics. They start around US$190 (S$299). Until recently color laser printers were too expensive for individuals or small businesses, but there are now several models for less than US$1,000 (S$1,690), and these could soon become viable alternatives to color inkjets.

Key features Interface: USB and parallel Resolution: 600x600 dots per inch (dpi) Rated speed: 10 to 20 pages per minute (ppm) Memory: Up to 16MB Paper capacity: 150 to 250 sheets standard input tray Back to top

Workgroup laser

HP Color LaserJet 2600n As the name implies, workgroup laser printers are designed for small offices or small teams within larger companies. The basic technology is the same, but these are more than beefed-up personal lasers with features tailored specifically for multiple users. First, they support printing over networks either standard or as an option. Second, they offer more-advanced handling capabilities, including larger input and output trays, and some models have features such as duplex (double-sided) printing, sorting, and stapling. Finally, they have faster processors and more memory so that they can manage multiple jobs and print faster. Like personal lasers, the vast majority of workgroup lasers are monochrome--designed for printing text and simple graphics--and they start at around US$400 (S$699).

Key features Interface: USB, parallel, and RJ-45 (Ethernet) Resolution: 600x600 or 1,200x1,200 dots per inch (dpi) Rated speed: More than 20 pages per minute (ppm) Memory: 16MB or more Paper capacity: 250 sheets or more standard input tray Back to top

Inkjet

Epson Stylus Photo R2400 Inkjet printers have come a long way in the last 10 years. Today's versatile inkjets can produce both crisp text and rich photo prints. Most manufacturers offer both general-purpose and photo inkjet printers, which shouldn't be confused with snapshot or photo printers designed for only 4 x 6 or smaller prints. Inkjets print an image by applying a precisely controlled stream of tiny ink droplets from one or more cartridges to coated paper. Each manufacturer uses slightly different techniques, and the size of the droplets and the way they are applied to the paper determine the image quality. Unfortunately, the process is relatively slow compared to that of laser printing--and the ink cartridges and the special papers can be costly--so inkjets are best suited for home users and small businesses with light printing needs. Inkjet printers range in price from less than US$65 (S$100) to as much as US$800 (S$1,350), depending on features, image quality, and paper-handling capabilities.

Key features Interface: USB, parallel, FireWire (some networkable models) Resolution: Varies widely by manufacturer and model Rated speed: 5 to 20 pages per minute (ppm) Memory: Measured in KB, not MB Paper capacity: 100 sheets or more standard input tray Back to top

Multifunction/all in one

Canon PIXMA MP530 Multifunction printers (MFPs) or all-in-ones (AIOs) are the Swiss Army knives of printers. They combine copier, scanner, printer, and, in some models, fax capabilities in one unit, making them perfect for home offices and small businesses. MFPs are available with either laser or inkjet printing (both described above) to suit different needs and budgets. The best models include flatbed scanners and auto document feeders for walk-up scanning, faxing, and copying of multipage documents. MFPs start at around US$100 (S$169).

Key features Interface: USB Resolution: Depends on printer technology Rated speed: Depends on printer technology Memory: 16MB Paper capacity: 100 sheets or more standard input tray Back to top

Photo/snapshot

Sony DPP-FP55 Some inkjet printers are optimized for printing high-quality photos, but if you own a digital camera and spend a lot of time printing snapshots, you may want a second printer specifically for that purpose. Some snapshot printers use inkjet technology, described above, but most rely on dye-sublimation, which transfers color dye in a continuous tone from a ribbon onto the paper in a series of passes, followed by a protective clear coating. The print quality is comparable to that of professional photofinishing. Another big advantage: they can print directly from compatible digital cameras, and most models also accept storage cards such as CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard, or Memory Stick. But photo printers are generally limited to 4 x 6 or smaller snapshots; they can't handle standard 8.5 x 11 sheets, which is why they are suitable as second printers only. They typically cost at least US$100 (S$155).

Key features Interface: Direct from compatible cameras and storage cards, USB Resolution: 300x300 dots per inch (dpi) for dye-sublimation Rated speed: About 1 minute per snapshot Memory: Measured in KB, not MB Paper capacity: Cartridges hold a handful of sheets at a time Back to top

Portable

Epson PictureMate PM250 These pint-size printers are designed for life on the road. They weigh anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds (900g to 2.2kg) and are just large enough to squeeze through a standard 8.5-inch-wide sheet of paper. Portable printers use the color-inkjet-printing technology described above. The print speeds and the image quality are hardly top-notch, and you'll pay a premium for these travel partners, but if you really need to print on the go, they fit the bill. They typically cost US$130 (S$199) or more.

Key features Interface: USB Resolution: Varies by manufacturer Rated speed: Less than 10 pages per minute (ppm) Memory: Minimal Paper capacity: Anywhere from a few sheets at a time to 50 sheets standard input Back to top