A small printer is a portable device that works on the same principle as that of an inkjet or laser printer. It has small dimensions, measuring around 6 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 10 inches tall. The dimensions can vary as per brand and manufacturer. This device is easy to use and set up, which makes it an ideal buy for your home office space. The compact size, lightweight design, and connectivity features are the primary reason behind its increasing popularity.
Buying a small printer is not that easy. It requires considerable time, effort, and research. To make your shopping experience hassle-free, we have crafted an informative guide, below. Check it out.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Small Printer
Wired vs. Wireless
A small printer is available in wired as well as wireless technology. The wireless connectivity is good for portable handling and keeps you away from the clutter of wires and cables. This device can be connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Some models also feature a Wi-Fi direct option that connects with local computers and smartphones easily.
Wireless connectivity is undoubtedly a convenient way of connecting your printers, but it can be slow too. There are always some chances of network interference, network error, or a lag in connection. A wired connection requires cables and wires, but it often delivers fast and accurate results.
Quality
The quality of the printer is denoted in Dpi terms. Dpi is dots per inch that a printer forms to create a good-resolution print. In simple words, a high dpi number will mean a higher print resolution. Inkjet printers usually have a dpi ranging from 300 to 720, while laser printers have better resolution capabilities with 600 to 2,400 dpi.
Inkjet printers can print colorful and high-quality photographs. Laser printers are ideal for printing detailed and precise text. Check the dpi of your chosen model before you purchase it. Choosing between laser and inkjet printers can be tough. Read our blog to know if a laser printer is better than an inkjet printer.
Speed
The printing speed matters in deciding the right model. Laser printers like Brother Compact have good printing speed and can print from 20 to 100 pages per minute depending upon the model and print size. The inkjet printer can print about 16 pages per minute. Check the tray space of the printer you want to purchase as well since a larger tray will result in less frequent reloading, but it may result in increased printer size.
Maintenance Cost
Maintenance cost mainly includes ink or toner replacement costs. The maintenance cost can be more with a laser printer, but the per-page cost for printing is comparatively less. This is because a laser printer can print up to 7000 pages in one toner, while an inkjet small printer can give only 135 to 1,000 pages. The reviews of Brother Compact Monochrome show that this model can easily print around 2000 pages in one toner. Whatever model you select, make sure you check the maintenance cost, running cost, and overall cost that you may have to face in the long run. Read our blog to know about common printer problems and their easy fixes.
Connectivity
Other than a wired and wireless connection, you should check some other connectivity features too. Some models can connect with smart home systems and audio control devices like Alexa. This offers better convenience and ease of use. They also have separate SD card ports to support external storage access. It allows you to print your photos directly from your SD card.
Portability
The main idea behind a small printer device is portability. You should look for models like Canon® SELPHY™ CP1300 that are easy to carry and have lightweight designs. You can check for exact dimensions in the product description section. The model you buy should not weigh more than 5 or 6 pounds.
What Smart Features Do a Small Printer Have?
A small printer can have a lot of advanced features depending on the brand and type. Some models can connect to built-in apps for providing convenient and wireless usage. The LED display with a touch control feature lets you give quick and accurate commands. You can also track and monitor ink levels in various small printer models.
How Long Does a Small Printer Last?
A small printer device can easily last around 3 to 5 years, but with proper care and maintenance, the overall lifespan can be increased. Most models come with a limited warranty of 1 year, but the premium models can include an extended warranty of up to 3 years.
What Is The Best Small Printer For Home Use?
The HP DeskJet 3755 is the best small printer for home use. It has a compact and lightweight design with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-direct wireless connectivity features. This printer comes with a sheet output tray that can hold up to 25 sheets at a time. The input tray can contain up to 60 sheets. It measures 15.86 x 6.97 x 5.55 inches in size and weighs just 5.13 lb.
The Canon Pixma TR150 Wireless Mobile Printer has also got excellent reviews for convenient home usage. It comes with wireless capabilities and can print directly from your smart devices or phones. This model features a 1.44-inch OLED display and an optional battery.
Conclusion
A small printer is a compact, yet useful device for your regular home-office tasks. This printer fits in your compact workspace and quickly delivers high-quality prints. The operation is mostly smooth and quiet. It is good to know all about inkjet printers before choosing any model. We recommend you buy models that are from trusted and reputed brands.
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