Inkjet printer buying guide
04.07.11
Choosing a printer can be tricky, as there are so many different types on the market. You not only have to choose between different technologies, such as inkjet and laser, but also between printers with different levels of functionality. For example, some models are designed only for printing black and white text and graphics, while others can be used to produce top-quality photos.
If you're a home user who needs a range of features, including the ability to print colour graphics and photos, an inkjet printer is probably the best option. Inkjet printers are generally cheap to purchase, but the running costs can be quite high, so they're best for people who print a few pages every month, rather than someone who needs to print hundreds of pages per week. If you fall into the latter category, look for a laser printer instead.
Inkjet technology
Inkjet printers work by propelling a small, but tightly controlled, stream of ink droplets from black and colour cartridges onto paper. This process generally makes inkjet printers a good deal slower than laser printers. Different manufacturers approach the technology from slightly different directions, but the end results are usually pretty similar.
Source: CNET UK