Buying Guide for the Best All In One Printers Under 100
Choosing an all-in-one printer can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available. An all-in-one printer is a versatile device that combines printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing capabilities into one machine. When selecting the best all-in-one printer for your needs, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the right fit for your requirements. Here are some important specs to look at and how to navigate them.Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI). The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed the printouts will be. For general home use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. If you plan to print high-quality photos or detailed graphics, look for a printer with a higher DPI, such as 1200 x 1200 or more. Consider your primary use: for text documents, a lower DPI is fine, but for photos and graphics, aim for a higher DPI.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). This spec indicates how quickly the printer can produce pages. For occasional home use, a speed of 10-15 PPM for black and white prints and 5-10 PPM for color prints is adequate. If you need to print large volumes frequently, look for a printer with higher PPM values. Assess your typical printing volume to determine the speed that will keep you productive without unnecessary waiting.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. USB connections are reliable for direct connections to a single computer. Wi-Fi allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, which is convenient for a household with multiple users. Bluetooth is useful for quick, short-range connections. Choose based on your preferred method of connecting and the devices you use most often.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper the printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of the paper tray. For standard home use, a printer that handles letter and legal-sized paper with a tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually sufficient. If you need to print on different media types like envelopes, labels, or photo paper, ensure the printer supports these formats. Consider your typical printing tasks to choose a printer with the appropriate paper handling capabilities.
Scanner ResolutionScanner resolution is also measured in DPI and affects the quality of scanned images and documents. For general document scanning, a resolution of 600 x 1200 DPI is adequate. If you need to scan photos or detailed images, look for a higher resolution, such as 1200 x 2400 DPI or more. Think about what you will be scanning most often to determine the necessary scanner resolution.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing allows the printer to print on both sides of the paper automatically. This feature can save paper and is convenient for creating professional-looking documents. If you frequently print double-sided documents, look for a printer with automatic duplexing. For occasional use, manual duplexing (where you flip the paper yourself) might be sufficient.
Ink/Toner Cost and YieldThe cost and yield of ink or toner cartridges can significantly impact the overall cost of owning a printer. Yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print before needing replacement. High-yield cartridges may have a higher upfront cost but can be more economical in the long run. Research the cost and yield of replacement cartridges for the printers you are considering to ensure they fit within your budget and usage patterns.