Printer & Scanner Buying Guide
Choosing the right printer or scanner can feel overwhelming with so many options. This guide helps you understand the key factors and find the perfect HP product for your specific needs.
Step 1: Determine Your Primary Use
- Home & Student — Light printing (under 200 pages/month). Documents, homework, occasional photos. Consider a home printer like DeskJet or ENVY.
- Home Office — Moderate printing (200–500 pages/month). Documents, presentations, invoices. Consider an OfficeJet or entry-level LaserJet.
- Small Business — High-volume printing (500–2000 pages/month). Need speed, reliability, and low per-page cost. Consider a LaserJet or office printer.
- Enterprise — Very high volume (2000+ pages/month). Need managed printing, security features, and fleet management. Contact us for enterprise solutions.
Step 2: Inkjet vs. Laser
| Feature | Inkjet | LaserJet |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Photos, color documents | Text documents, high volume |
| Speed | 5–25 ppm | 19–40+ ppm |
| Cost per page | Higher (unless Smart Tank) | Lower |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Photo quality | Excellent | Good |
Step 3: Do You Need an All-in-One?
If you need to scan, copy, or fax in addition to printing, consider an MFP all-in-one printer. These save space and money compared to buying separate devices. Most MFP models include automatic document feeders for batch scanning.
Step 4: Consider a Scanner
For high-volume document scanning, a dedicated HP scanner outperforms the built-in scanner in an MFP. Features like duplex scanning, 60+ ppm speeds, and network connectivity make standalone scanners ideal for offices that digitize large volumes of documents.
Step 5: Check Connectivity
Most HP printers offer Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity. Consider what you need: Wi-Fi for wireless printing from phones and laptops, Ethernet for shared office environments, USB for a direct single-computer connection.
Need Help Deciding?
Still unsure? Our team is happy to help. Visit our Contact page or call 469-666-8377 for personalized recommendations. You can also browse our complete product catalog and use the filters to narrow down your options.
RV Print Factory LLC, 3701 E Plano Pkwy, STE 100, Plano, TX 75074.