What is the Best Printer for College Students?
As a college student, balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and social life can be challenging enough without the added stress of finding the right printer. Whether you need to print assignments, lecture notes, or study materials, having a reliable printer is essential. This article will explore the best printers for college students, highlighting key features, pros and cons, and providing a comparison table to help you make an informed decision.
Why Do College Students Need a Printer?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s discuss why having a printer is crucial for college students:
- Convenience: Printing documents at home saves time and effort compared to using campus facilities.
- Cost-Effective: Frequent trips to the campus printing center can add up, especially when you need to print lengthy projects.
- Quality Control: You can choose the type of paper and settings for your prints, ensuring high-quality output.
- Flexibility: A personal printer allows you to print at your convenience, day or night.
- Inkjet Printers: Ideal for students who need to print high-quality images and color documents. They are generally less expensive upfront but can have higher ink costs.
- Laser Printers: Best for students who primarily print text documents. They are faster and more cost-efficient for large volumes but have a higher initial price.
- Look for printers that offer high resolution (measured in DPI) for clear text and images. Aim for at least 600 x 600 DPI for text documents.
- Measured in pages per minute (PPM), faster printers can save you time, especially during busy periods like finals week.
- Wireless Printing: Allows you to print from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone without being tethered to the printer.
- USB and Ethernet: These are useful for direct connections and can be more reliable in some instances.
- College dorms can be small, so consider a compact printer that fits in your space without compromising on functionality.
- Research the cost of replacement cartridges to avoid unexpected expenses. Some printers have high-yield cartridges that can reduce overall printing costs.
- Printers that also scan, copy, and fax can be incredibly useful for students needing more than just printing capabilities.
- Type: Inkjet
- Print Quality: Up to 4800 x 1200 DPI
- Print Speed: 7.5 PPM (black), 5.5 PPM (color)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Cost of Ink: Moderate
- Price: $69.99
- Affordable initial cost
- Compact design
- Wireless printing capabilities
- Includes HP Instant Ink subscription for savings on ink
- Slower print speed compared to laser printers
- Ink can be costly over time
- Type: Laser
- Print Quality: Up to 2400 x 600 DPI
- Print Speed: 32 PPM
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Cost of Toner: Low
- Price: $119.99
- Fast print speed
- High-quality text output
- Low cost per page
- Compact design
- Limited to black and white printing
- No scanning or copying features
- Type: Inkjet
- Print Quality: Up to 4800 x 1200 DPI
- Print Speed: 15 PPM (black), 10 PPM (color)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Cost of Ink: Moderate
- Price: $179.99
- Multifunction capabilities (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Excellent photo printing quality
- Large touchscreen interface
- Automatic document feeder
- Higher upfront cost
- Ink can be expensive for heavy users
- Type: Inkjet
- Print Quality: Up to 4800 x 1200 DPI
- Print Speed: 10 PPM (black), 5 PPM (color)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Cost of Ink: Very low (refillable tanks)
- Price: $199.99
- Extremely low cost per page due to refillable ink tanks
- High print quality
- Multifunction capabilities
- Eco-friendly option
- Slower print speeds
- Initial investment is higher than traditional inkjet printers
- Type: Laser
- Print Quality: Up to 1200 x 1200 DPI
- Print Speed: 21 PPM
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Cost of Toner: Moderate
- Price: $99.99
- Fast print speed
- Compact and portable
- Good print quality
- Limited to monochrome printing
- No multifunction features
Key Features to Consider in a College Printer
When searching for the best printer, consider the following features:
1. Type of Printer
2. Print Quality
3. Print Speed
4. Connectivity Options
5. Size and Portability
6. Cost of Replacement Ink/Toner
7. Multifunction Features
Top Printers for College Students
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best printers for college students in 2023:
1. HP DeskJet 2755e
Pros:
Cons:
2. Brother HL-L2350DW
Pros:
Cons:
3. Canon PIXMA TR8620
Pros:
Cons:
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2720
Pros:
Cons:
5. Samsung Xpress M2020W
Pros:
Cons:
Comparison Table of Top Printers
| Printer Model | Type | Print Quality (DPI) | Print Speed (PPM) | Multifunction | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2755e | Inkjet | 4800 x 1200 | 7.5 (black) / 5.5 (color) | Yes | $69.99 |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | Laser | 2400 x 600 | 32 | No | $119.99 |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620 | Inkjet | 4800 x 1200 | 15 (black) / 10 (color) | Yes | $179.99 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2720 | Inkjet | 4800 x 1200 | 10 (black) / 5 (color) | Yes | $199.99 |
| Samsung Xpress M2020W | Laser | 1200 x 1200 | 21 | No | $99.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a color printer for college?
While color printers are useful for printing presentations and graphics, if you’re primarily printing text documents, a black-and-white laser printer may be more cost-effective.
2. Are all-in-one printers worth it?
Yes, all-in-one printers can be beneficial for students who need to scan and copy documents in addition to printing. They save space and provide multiple functionalities in one device.
3. How can I save on ink costs?
Consider printers with high-yield cartridges or models with refillable ink tanks like the Epson EcoTank. Additionally, using draft mode for less important prints can save ink.
4. What is the best printer for dorm rooms?
Compact models like the HP DeskJet 2755e or the Brother HL-L2350DW are great choices for dorm rooms due to their size and functionality.
5. Should I buy a new printer or a refurbished one?
While refurbished printers can save you money, ensure they come with a warranty and are from a reputable seller. New printers often come with updated technology and better support.
Conclusion
Choosing the best printer for college students depends on your specific needs, budget, and printing habits. Whether you prioritize print quality, speed, or multifunction capabilities, there’s a printer out there that will meet your requirements. By considering the factors outlined in this article and reviewing the top options, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well throughout your academic journey. Happy printing!
