|
|
We rate printers on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The printers we review can generally be divided into three classes: inkjet, photo inkjet, and laser. Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance within a specific product class. For example, performance counts for less on a review of a photo inkjet printer than it does for one of a laser. The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. Any product achieving an overall score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award, though this doesn't necessarily mean it will receive one.
A product review remains live on our site as long as the product is sold; however, our editors continuously evaluate reviews and may update them as the category evolves. Any updates to a product review, its rating, or an Editors' Choice designation are always clearly denoted. The rating criteria, with the weightings by class: |
|
Design We rate the out-of-box experience as well as ease of use on an ongoing basis. Specific features we look for include a setup poster, comprehensive printed and electronic documentation, software installation wizards, and connection cables. We also evaluate the physical design of the printer, including its dimensions, shape, and quality of construction. The printer should be of manageable size with all its paper trays fully extended, and the design should make it easy to load paper, clear jams, or replace ink/toner cartridges. We also look for a sensible front-panel layout with clearly labeled buttons and menus that let you easily view or change various print options.
The features--and their quality--vary widely, depending on the class and price of a printer. Key features we look at include the number of connection ports, support for multiple operating systems, the amount of RAM, the maximum resolution, and the sophistication of the driver software. Overall, we prefer a printer that provides a competitive mix of features for its price.
We gauge the overall performance of the printer. This rating includes the results of real-world speed tests that measure performance on text documents, graphics documents, and color photographs, depending on the class of printer. The cost of consumables is also a key consideration.
We also measure the overall text and graphics quality of the printer. The rating includes the quality of printed text documents, graphics documents, and color photographs, depending on the class of printer. To evaluate output quality, we use a jury comprising editors, who rank output samples on a scale of poor, fair, good, or excellent as compared to those of other printers.
|
|
10.0 (Perfect): This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be. 9.0 to 9.9 (Spectacular): A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. 8.0 to 8.9 (Excellent): A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important. 7.0 to 7.9 (Very good): While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of. 6.0 to 6.9 (Good): This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout. 5.0 to 5.9 (Average): A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable. 4.0 to 4.9 (Mediocre): Products in this range are below average. They fall the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws. 3.0 to 3.9 (Poor): You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand. 2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible): A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths. 1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal): A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity. |
