How to Buy a Laser Printer

Laser printers provide better quality than ink-jet printers, but are more expensive. Keep in mind print quality, speed, reliability and price when deciding which printer to buy.
	Steps:
1.	Decide what types of documents you will be printing (text, graphics, odd paper sizes, etc.).
2.	Make a list of specific features you need, such as the ability to handle large files, the ability to print on various media (labels, envelopes) with-out jamming, a size to fit a particular desk space, two or more paper trays, and compatibility with specific software.
3.	Compare the print quality of different printers. Compare the resolution, or dpi (dots per inch). Use a magnifying glass if print quality is critical.
4.	Compare speed specifications. Although you probably won't get the rated speed at home, the ratings are useful for comparing printers.
5.	Learn how much RAM the printers have, and whether it's expandable.
6.	Realize that the printer's paper path needs to be no sharper than 90 degrees to consistently handle envelopes, labels, transparencies or card stock. If you plan to use special media often, avoid printers with 180- degree U-turn paper paths.
7.	Compare prices of consumable items such as toner cartridges and replacement drums.
8.	Compare warranties and service contracts.
	Tips:
	Look for at least 600-by-600 dpi (dots per inch) resolution.
	If you want to print PostScript fonts or PostScript graphics, you'll need a PostScript printer. Many, but not all, laser printers can handle PostScript; most ink-jet printers can't.
	Printer RAM will affect the printer's speed and ability to handle large files. If the printer includes many built-in fonts, that may also
	improve speed.
	You may need to purchase the printer cable separately.

Printing Tips

Expand Your Printer's Allowable Printing Area

Printing the "unprintable"... (no, not forbidden text ;-)

Most printers have an "unprintable" border area for each page printed. Check your printer's manual for its minimum settings and make sure they match the settings listed in Windows under "Unprintable Area."

Click Start > Settings > Printers to open the printer's dialog box. Select your printer, choose File/Properties, then click the Paper tab. If the settings are too high, lower them to increase the printable area. ** Don't lower them past what your printer manual calls for. Experiment to get the printable area you want.

How To Print Only the Part You Need

Here's a tip to help you save on ink and paper...

Want a printed copy of only part of the information on a web page and don't want to copy the entire page or multiple pages? There are a couple of options:

1) Highlight the part of message desired, then copy and paste to a blank email and print it without sending the message. Cancel the email and you have a copy of the desired information.

2) If you are using Internet Explorer: From the web page you are on, highlight the text you want to print. Click on File/Print. In the print dialog window, under "Print range" click on "Selection" and then click the "OK" button at the bottom. Only the text you have highlighted will print.

Paper Orientation -- aka How To Print Sideways or "Legally"

Many printers will allow you to change the paper size or layout for printing.

If you wish to change it for all printing jobs, do the following:

1. Click Start > Settings > Printers.
2. Right-click the icon for the printer you are using, and then click Properties.
3. Click the Paper tab and make your desired changes. You can change this setting again.

To change these settings for just one document, click the File menu in the program you are using, then click Page Setup or Print Setup and make your desired changes. This will affect only the current print job.

Should You Use the Print Spooler, and If So, When?

Here's another way to improve your printing speed:

Windows defaults to spooling print jobs. The Print Spooler is a background program that writes data to temporary files in your C:\Windows\Temp directory. Although this lets you perform other tasks while you print, it does slow printing. On most printers, you can turn off the spooler by going to Start > Settings > Printers. Right-click on the icon of the printer you're using. Click Properties and select the Details tab. Click on the Spool Settings button at the bottom of the dialog box. Select the Print Directly to Printer option. This will tie up your application until the printer has all the data, but your print job should finish more quickly. Printing directly to the printer will also come in handy if your print spooler crashes and you need to print before you reboot your PC.

Print Documents Faster the Second Time Around! (Win 2000/XP only)

Windows 98 and ME deletes your print jobs from the printer spool as soon as they print. So the following won't work for those systems. A little-known and handy setting found only in Windows 2000 and XP allows you to keep your print documents for later and print them faster. For Win 2000, turn on the option in your printer's Properties dialog box. Go to Start > Settings > Printers. In XP, open Control Panel, click on Printers and Other Hardware, and select View Installed Printers. Right-click your printer and select Properties. Click the Advanced tab, check Keep Printed Documents and click OK. To create a shortcut to the printer spool: In the Printers or Printers and Faxes window, either right-click the printer icon and send the shortcut to your desktop or drag & drop the icon to your desktop or your Start menu. To reprint a document, just launch the printer shortcut, right-click the document file and select Restart.

Save Each Favorite Printer Setting by Tricking Your Computer

If you frequently use different printer settings when using your printer, such as black & white drafts versus color documents, you've no doubt found out it is a real hassle to change these settings each time you print. Why not trick Windows into thinking you have two different printers? "Install" the same printer twice, then set the Properties for each to match your most commonly used settings. From then on, the only setting change you'll have to make is selecting the printer you want to use.

Here's how:

To install a second version of your printer, select Start > Settings > Printers and click Add Printer. Be sure to give this "other" printer an appropriate name, such as "ColorPrinter". When the installation is complete, you'll see two different printer icons in the Printers window, and you can adjust their properties accordingly. Then just right-click on the printer icons and create a shortcut to your desktop. **You can also drag and drop documents to be printed onto the shortcut for instant printing!

One Simple Trick To Print Faster AND Cheaper!

Speed up your printer's output and save money! You can trick an inkjet into speeding up, and save a few bucks in the process: Turn off the color. Yep, it's that simple. See, unless color is crucial for your document, you're wasting ink and slowing down the printer if you output in color.

Don't believe us? Test it... Print a color page, then print it again in grayscale. To do this, go to Start > Settings > Printers and right-click on the printer's icon. Go to Properties and find the tab that lets you change from color to grayscale. Now, print the page again. The file I tested took more than 2 minutes to print in color; the grayscale version took only 35 seconds. When you do need color, simply change the settings back.

Cool Tricks for Printing Web Pages (and more!)

Most people know how easy it is to print out a Web page while visiting a site. But Internet Explorer makes it even easier by allowing you to print out the Web pages in your Favorites menu without even visiting the site itself! Just right-click the page from the Favorites menu and select Print from the pop-up menu. Internet Explorer will send the Web page directly to your printer.

If a site uses frames (where sections of the page scroll independently of each other), you can quickly print a single frame. In Internet Explorer, just right-click inside the frame, then select Print.

Save Paper In MS Word 2000

If you want to create a reference copy of a long document, why not print several pages on a single sheet of paper? Here's how: Open the document in Word 2000 and select File > Print, just as you normally do. When the Print dialog box appears, drop down the Pages Per Sheet in the bottom right corner, choose 4 pages, then click OK. Your document will print with four pages on each sheet.

No fax machine? Use Windows XP to send and recieve faxes!

Not everyone has a dedicated fax machine in their home or office. Windows XP includes a fax service that provides you with complete faxing capabilities. Using your computer, you can send, receive, track, and monitor faxes.

The Fax service is NOT installed with XP by default. If you want to use this feature, you have to install it. The process is pretty simple. To install the fax component:

- Click Start and click Control Panel.
- Double click the Add or Remove Programs applet.
- Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
- From the list of Windows Components, click Fax Services.
- Click Next. If prompted, insert the XP CD.
- Click Finish.
- Click Close.

Once you have the Fax service installed, you MUST configure it before you can start using it. To configure the Fax service:

- Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, and click the Fax Console. (this launches the Fax Configuration Wizard). Click Next.

- Type in the information that you want to appear on the fax cover page. Click Next.

- Select the modem that you want to use for faxing. Click Next.

- Enable Send is selected by default. Select Enable Receive if you want to receive faxes as well. Click Next.

- In the TSID box, type in the Transmitting Subscriber Identification. Click Next.

- In the CSID box, type in the Called Subscriber Identification. Click Next.

Select the Print it on option if you want received faxes to be automatically printed. Select the printer where the faxes will be printed. Click Next. Review the summary and click Finish.

HP LaserJet 1020 USB

HP LaserJet 1020 USB

HP LaserJet 1020 USB Laser Printer
Expect a lot from so little. With FastRes 1200 dpi-effective print quality and the reliable HP LaserJet print cartridge, the HP LaserJet 1020 produces crisp, clean text for your business documents. The printer also includes HP Resolution Enhancement technology (REt), a suite of proprietary image enhancement technologies. Working with the image-writing systems in the print cartridge, FastRes 1200 and HP REt ensure continuous, professional-quality printing.

Print high quality at low cost. The host-based print driver is designed to quickly translate application output into high-quality raster print images. This driver handles print jobs using your PC’s processor and memory rather than the printer’s, which lets you print more complex jobs without the cost of additional printer memory.

Conserve space. The compact design saves valuable workspace for the efficiency-minded micro and small business user: suitable for a desk, shelf, or other small, convenient spot.

Increase office efficiency. The printer boasts print speeds of up to 15 pages per minute (ppm) letter, and thanks to Instant-on Technology, the printer delivers a first page out in less than 10 seconds.

Enjoy media flexibility. A 150-sheet input tray, a single-sheet priority input slot for specialty paper, and a 100-sheet output bin provide the flexibility to print the documents you need. The printer supports plain paper up to legal size, as well as envelopes, transparencies, card stock, postcards, and labels.

Just plug it in. Convenient, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity helps you quickly set up the printer. With support for Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP 32 bit, the printer fits right into your existing environment.

Easily access and replace supplies. Precisely designed together with the printer, the HP LaserJet print cartridge is simple to use, featuring Ultraprecise toner and the imaging drum in one unit. Print cartridge installation and replacement is quick and convenient and just one cartridge makes supplies management easy.

Reduce costs with the HP LaserJet printing system. Secure real time savings and boost productivity to lower overall printing costs. The whole printing system—printer, HP LaserJet Q2612A Black Print Cartridges with Ultraprecise technology, and HP papers—is precisely engineered for optimal quality and reliability. Every HP LaserJet print cartridge must meet strict quality standards to deliver reliable results.

Take advantage of HP’s legendary dependability. Rely on this low-maintenance printer to deliver top-level business documents day in and day out. A robust 5,000-page monthly duty cycle supports the printing needs of even the busiest user.

Specifications
	Print Method	Laser
	First Page Output Time	10 seconds
	Resolution	600 x 600 DPI
	Maximum Duty Cycle	5,000 Pages Per Month
	Print Speed	Up to 15 PPM
	Connectivity	USB 2.0
	Standard Paper Input	150 Sheets
	Duplex Printing	Manual
	Paper Sizes Supported	Post Card (4" x 6") 10 Envelope (4.125" x 9.5" or 105mm x 241mm) Executive (7.25" x 10.5" or 184mm x 267mm) Legal Letter Monarch

Features

• Easy set-up and usage with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity Easy access and replacement of HP LaserJet print cartridge with Smart Printing technology
• Compact design suited for desktops and bookshelves
• First page out in under 10 seconds with Instant-on Technology
• Fast print speed of up to 15 ppm/14 ppm (letter/A4)
• Robust monthly duty cycle of 5,000 pages
• Print more pages with HP LaserJet 1020 printer that is shipped with standard full HP LaserJet print cartridge
• Host-based print driver allows for high-quality complex print jobs
• FastRes 1200 and HP Resolution Enhancement technology (REt) ensures continuous professionalquality print-outs

HP Laserjet 1022n

HP Laserjet 1022n

HP Laserjet 1022n 1200x1200 19ppm Printer
A very affordable, compact, and reliable laser printer with the quality to enhance your professional image.

The HP LaserJet 1022 series printer provides the high-quality laser output you have come to expect from the industry leader. High-resolution, 1200 dpi laser imaging and an advanced toner formulation ensure great print quality for your business documents.

HP’s smooth Ultraprecise toner particles produce true HP LaserJet print quality—clear, sharp text characters, smooth grayscales, and deep blacks. Consistent toner particle size enables accurate placement and control while maximizing efficient toner use. With genuine HP toner, you get the most out of your print cartridge and your HP printer.

Expect professional quality with 1200 dpi. With the reliable HP LaserJet print cartridge and 1200 dots per inch (dpi) print resolution, the printer produces crisp, clean output for all of your business documents. HP Resolution Enhancement technology (REt), working with the Ultraprecise toner formula and HP image writing systems in the cartridge, ensures reliable quality with sharp text and clear lines.

Experience quick processing. The printer has 8 MB RAM and a 266 MHz processor to deliver consistent, documents quickly and efficiently. Enjoy a wide range of operating systems. The printer accommodates your office environment, supporting Mac OS 10.2 and later and Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP 32 bit operating systems.

Save space. The compact design conserves valuable workspace for the efficiency-minded micro and small business user: suitable for a desk, shelf, or other small, convenient spot. Opt for network flexibility. Convenient Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity helps you quickly set up the printer for direct connections. 10/100 Fast Ethernet connectivity delivers quick network printing, and 802.11b/g wireless capabilities2 give you wireless freedom.

Specifications
	Print Method	Laser
	Resolution	1200 x 1200 dpi
	Maximum Duty Cycle	8,000 Prints Per Month
	Print Speed	Up to 19 PPM
	Connectivity	Ethernet USB 2.0
	Standard Paper Input	250 Sheets
	Optional Paper Output	150 Sheets
	Duplex Printing	Manual
	Paper Sizes Supported	Post Card (4" x 6") 10 Envelope (4.125" x 9.5" or 105mm x 241mm) Executive (7.25" x 10.5" or 184mm x 267mm) Legal Letter

Features

• Don’t wait around. The HP LaserJet 1022 series printer achieves print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) letter, and delivers the first page in less than 8 seconds thanks to Instant-on Technology––so your print job is finished before many printers have even begun.
• Print high quality at low cost. The host-based print driver is designed to quickly translate application output into high-quality raster print images. This driver handles print jobs using your PC’s processor and memory rather than the printer’s, which lets you print more complex jobs without the cost of additional printer memory.
• Think long term. Depend on this low-maintenance printer to deliver top-level business documents day in and day out. A robust 8,000-page monthly duty cycle supports your busy workteam.
• Get the best printing system. The HP LaserJet printing system secures real time savings and boosts productivity to lower overall printing costs. The whole printing system—the printer, HP LaserJet Q2612A Black Print Cartridge with Ultraprecise technology, and HP paper—is precisely engineered for optimal quality and reliability. Every HP LaserJet print cartridge must meet strict quality standards to deliver reliable results.
• Gain media flexibility. A 250-sheet input tray, a 10-sheet priority input tray, and a 150-sheet output bin will easily handle your business printing needs. The printer supports plain paper up to legal size, as well envelopes, transparencies, card stock, postcards, vellum, rough paper, and labels.