Color printer tips

Know your paper – Laser printers print fairly consistently on multiple types of paper, while inkjet quality changes quite a bit due to the varying absorption of the liquid ink on different papers. However, inkjets generally do a better job on glossy and photo papers, as well as thick card stocks that many laser printers can’t handle.

Lasers have the extras – Paper handling features such as duplexing, stapling, and the like are rarely available on inkjets. Color laser printers are your best bet if you expect to run complicated jobs and need these types of options.

Who needs color? – Printing in color uses expensive color consumables. For most users, printing in color is rarely important – and it’s often just a by-product of wanting to print a web page or other document that contains incidental color. Many business color printers can be set up so only some users can print in color, preventing accidental color use and helping you keep your costs down.

Mix and match – For many offices, a combination of printers is the best option. One central laser printer can handle the bulk of the black and white printing, while departments that require color – marketing, or graphic design – get a smaller color laser for their use.

Buy used? – To save money, consider a refurbished color laser printer. Refurbished laser printers are printers that often sell for less than the price of toner for a new printer, and were previously used and often sent back for repair. Once the repair is made, the printers go through a refurbishing process and are offered for sale. But remember to check the prices of supplies and maintenance kits -- these can make a used printer much less of a bargain.