How to Buy a Printer, All-in-One or Scanner: Laser, Inkjet, Ink Tank
Count the cost of printing, not just the device price
The most common mistake is choosing a printer by the lowest price and then spending more on supplies than the device cost. So first answer two questions: what will you print (text, photos, colour charts) and how many pages a month. The technology depends on that.
Laser, inkjet or ink tank
A laser printer is fast and its toner doesn't dry out, so it is ideal for black-and-white documents and occasional printing. Colour lasers cost more but are steady in an office. Inkjet gives better colours and photos, but the ink can dry up if you print rarely. Models with ink tanks (such as the Epson L series) have a low cost per page and suit large volumes of colour printing. For labels and receipts there are thermal printers, and for photos, dedicated photo printers.
All-in-ones and scanners
An all-in-one combines printing, scanning and copying. For an office, an automatic document feeder (ADF), double-sided printing and network connection (Wi-Fi, LAN) are useful. If you need A3, that is a separate class of devices. For a scanner, look at resolution and speed, and whether it scans both sides. For digitising an archive, a sheet-fed scanner is handier, and for books and one-off documents, a flatbed.
What to put in your request
- device type: printer, all-in-one, scanner, plotter, label or photo printer;
- print technology: laser, inkjet, ink tank, thermal;
- colour or black-and-white;
- print volume: pages per month;
- features: Wi-Fi, LAN, duplex, ADF, A3, photo printing;
- brand and model: for example Epson L3250;
- new or used: for used, the page counter;
- delivery and budget.
Example: “I'm looking for a colour ink tank all-in-one for home printing and scanning, about 500 pages a month, with Wi-Fi, for example an Epson L3250, new with a warranty. Courier delivery to Mumbai, budget up to ₹15,000.”
How to compare offers
Ask what yield the starter cartridges or ink have, what is in the box (cables, ink, disc) and whether there's an official warranty. For used devices, be sure to ask for the page counter and the condition of the drum. Check whether the printer is locked to “original” supplies. It affects your future costs.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You describe the task in a request on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers reply in the chat with price, what's included and delivery. They see their place among the others and often improve their terms. The best-value offer is shown first, with reviews of the seller next to each. Your phone number is hidden, and it is free for buyers. More on the “How it works” page.
Don't forget cartridges and printing supplies.
