3 Things to Consider When Buying a New Printer for Your Homeschool

Printers are a handy tool to have in your homeschool, but selecting the one that best suits your family’s needs can be overwhelming when there are so many options from which to choose. To help you make the best decision, we consulted PC Magazine and created a list of three things to consider before making your purchase.

1. How will you use it?
As with most things in life, different types of printers are designed to serve different purposes. Before you begin looking at the options, decide how you intend to use the printer you purchase. Will it serve primarily to print text-based documents, such as hard copies of essays, academic records, and college applications? Does your family like to snap lots of photos and print copies at home? Do you have a need to print things quickly, in large quantities, or on legal-size documents? Knowing how you plan to use the device before you start shopping will help you narrow your search in an efficient manner.

2. Inkjet vs. Laser: What’s the difference?
Stereotypically, laser printers belong in an office. While their ability to print photos has improved in recent years, the strength of a laser printer lies in its ability to print high quality text at fast speeds and in large quantities. In contrast, inkjet printers are more commonly found in homes and are known for their ability to print quality photos. That being said, many new inkjets are multifunction printers (MFPs) with lasers that print text that is sufficient for at-home use. MFPs often include other capabilities, such as copying, scanning, and faxing.

3. Set your budget and consult product reviews.
Lastly, it’s always important to set a budget before you start shopping. While laser printers tend to cost more than inkjets, both types have models available for less than $100. Once you know how much money you have to work with, explore online reviews to find the product that best suits your family.