If you are looking for, an ink jet, monochrome laser, or a color laser printer, you will find the information here that you need to buy a new printer.
Different printers do different jobs. We will go over them feature by feature. When buying a new printer most people try to balance price, speed, and print quality. Ink jet printers and digital cameras are changing the way we print pictures. Ink jet printers have become one of the best options for turning a digital image into a photograph. The price is right and you can now get a high quality photo from home.
Monochrome laser printers have text quality so good and uniform that the output samples are almost indistinguishable. Features are the main selling point. Because of the extra paper trays and more memory, laser printers can print more efficiently. Also, they come with more capable drivers and easier remote management. Color lasers are dropping in price and because of this more users can afford adding color to their workplace documents. So far the least expensive color laser we have seen is around $1000.
Print Quality:
All color laser and monochrome laser printers print razor sharp text. Color lasers can print color charts and two-dimensional graphics pretty well but they don't match what an ink jet printer can do with a photograph. Ink jet photos are beautiful but most of them will produce somewhat fuzzy and jagged font test, it just cannot reproduce the fine line detail of line art or graphics.
Resolution:
To determine print quality and speed is not by looking at the resolution specifics, instead just print out a sample and see for yourself. This is because most any inkjet on the market can print a beautiful 8 x 10 photo, that is how good the modern printers have become. Fairly modest resolutions for laser printers suffice for printing sharp text and simple graphics.
Cost Per Page:
The cost of ink has the biggest impact on overall cost over time. Generally you will pay $21 to $38 for a three-color cartridge and $12 to $34 for a separate black cartridge. Most of the time the cheaper the cartridge, the less ink you get; usually 300 to 800 pages per cartridge.
Monochrome and color laser cartridges cost around 2 to 4 cents per page for black text. The color laser has separate toner cartridges for each color and these can cost up $250 each, but black is cheaper. Even though this sounds really expensive the per page cost is cheaper than ink jet because the yield is much higher which ranges from 6000 to 12,000 pages per cartridge.
Features:
Ink jet printers all offer pretty much the same features; a paper tray that holds 50-150 sheets or 10 envelops. They have minimal buffer memory and no networking option. But there are a few manufacturers that offer a business oriented ink jet with higher capacities, larger paper trays, wireless networking and extra memory.
Lasers printers are made more for businesses with their features. Monochrome laser holds up to 600 sheets of paper and color up to 1200. You can even get optional trays that hold up to 5000 sheets of paper. Corporate lasers usually include at the least, 8MB of RAM and can be expanded to get up to five times that amount for queuing multiple print jobs at one time.
Photo Printing:
Several quality in jet printers include features like a dedicated USB port for connection your digital camera directly to your printer. Built in media card slots that where you can plug in a storage card and hit a button for instant prints and an LCD menu for selecting your prints. With either of these two options you do not need a computer. You will get beautiful photos with these printers. Don't rule out general-purpose ink jet printers, because they can serve very well as photo printer also. If you change your setting to 'best' or 'photo' mode and use the premium photo paper these inexpensive (around only $100.) printers can give you high quality photos.
Bonnie Archer
Computer Accessories
A1-computers
Friday, February 25, 2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Buying a Personal Computer (PC)
For so many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable jungle filled with mysterious words. Here is a guide to help you understand the personal computer and to give you the information needed to make a shopping decision you can live with so you can enjoy your PC for years to come.
A few short years ago the average 'cheaper' personal computer cost was about $1500. - $2000. And this price did not necessarily include the power to edit videos, pictures, or play games. For that you would have had to spend more on upgrades. Now things such as video editing are standard on the newest personal computers. PC’s have become less expensive than ever before and they come with more capabilities than ever.
The personal computer you purchase will depend upon what it will be used for. Will you be surfing the Internet and email, working in spreadsheets, playing video games? Who is using the PC and what are there interests? More than likely you will have to accommodate a combination of these or maybe even all of them.
Most personal computers today offer very similar capabilities so your real decision will be based upon specialties. For instance if you are mainly interested in gaming than you will be sure to spend more for a good 3D graphics card. If you want to make music
you will need a good sound card. If you work all day on your computer or use it for photo editing you will want to invest in a better monitor. Also, make sure your PC has enough memory to quickly work the tasks you have planed.
To sum it up; for the best value for your dollar spend your money on the personal computer components that will best suit your needs.
Bonnie Archer
Desktop PC
A1-computers
A few short years ago the average 'cheaper' personal computer cost was about $1500. - $2000. And this price did not necessarily include the power to edit videos, pictures, or play games. For that you would have had to spend more on upgrades. Now things such as video editing are standard on the newest personal computers. PC’s have become less expensive than ever before and they come with more capabilities than ever.
The personal computer you purchase will depend upon what it will be used for. Will you be surfing the Internet and email, working in spreadsheets, playing video games? Who is using the PC and what are there interests? More than likely you will have to accommodate a combination of these or maybe even all of them.
Most personal computers today offer very similar capabilities so your real decision will be based upon specialties. For instance if you are mainly interested in gaming than you will be sure to spend more for a good 3D graphics card. If you want to make music
To sum it up; for the best value for your dollar spend your money on the personal computer components that will best suit your needs.
Bonnie Archer
Desktop PC
A1-computers
Monday, February 21, 2005
Decide On A PC Monitor Before You Buy Your New Computer Equipment
Before you buy your new computer equipment you will want to decide on a PC monitor. After all you will be staring at it for the next few years! You will need to decide on the image quality, resolution, size, and type (CRT-LCD).
Your new PC monitor should have enough screen space for what you will be doing. The viewable size is about an inch smaller that the advertised tube size on CRTs. The best size for most people is 17-19 inch. Either of these sizes should be plenty for most computer equipment needs. An LCD screen is the full size it says so it really takes up a lot less space than the CRT, inch for inch.
Is an LCD PC monitor for you?
For most computer users a 17 inch LCD is the optimal desktop pc monitor. A 15 inch is cheaper but will seem quite small if your current computer equipment as a 17 inch CRT. 17 inch will be most comfortable in size and price. The price is much higher when you get to an 18 to 19 inch PC monitor.
Maybe a CRT PC monitor is for you?
The 19 inch flat screen is great, the price is about the same as a conventional but the picture quality is much greater. Also, it will take up much less desk space then the conventional PC monitor.
Important Note From PCworld Magazine:
When you are finished using your current computer equipment never, ever send your old PC monitor to the dump. Recycle it instead. It's not only good for the environment, but it's also a legal requirement in some states that will not accept PC monitors in regular municipal landfills. CRTs contain four to six pounds of lead plus other toxic materials that leach into the soil and water if not properly disposed. Check with the vendor or your local government to find recyclers in your area that can handle CRTs.
Bonnie Archer
Desktop PCs
A1-computers.net : Computer Equipment
Your new PC monitor should have enough screen space for what you will be doing. The viewable size is about an inch smaller that the advertised tube size on CRTs. The best size for most people is 17-19 inch. Either of these sizes should be plenty for most computer equipment needs. An LCD screen is the full size it says so it really takes up a lot less space than the CRT, inch for inch.
Would A LCD or CRT PC Monitor Fit Your Style of Computer Equipment?
Is an LCD PC monitor for you?
For most computer users a 17 inch LCD is the optimal desktop pc monitor. A 15 inch is cheaper but will seem quite small if your current computer equipment as a 17 inch CRT. 17 inch will be most comfortable in size and price. The price is much higher when you get to an 18 to 19 inch PC monitor.
Maybe a CRT PC monitor is for you?
The 19 inch flat screen is great, the price is about the same as a conventional but the picture quality is much greater. Also, it will take up much less desk space then the conventional PC monitor.
Important Note From PCworld Magazine:
When you are finished using your current computer equipment never, ever send your old PC monitor to the dump. Recycle it instead. It's not only good for the environment, but it's also a legal requirement in some states that will not accept PC monitors in regular municipal landfills. CRTs contain four to six pounds of lead plus other toxic materials that leach into the soil and water if not properly disposed. Check with the vendor or your local government to find recyclers in your area that can handle CRTs.
Bonnie Archer
Friday, February 18, 2005
What To Look For When buying a Desktop PC
Make an informed decision before buying your new computer: There are so many factors to consider when deciding on a desktop pc, the bewildering amount of choices can seem overwhelming. But this guide will help you compare desktop computer equipment, and help you to examine and sift through many of the basic items that go along with your computer system. If it be a computer sale, new computer, used computer, a whole computer system or an accessory, this quick guide will help you to get the most for your money. With today's computers almost any of them will adequately handle what most people want a pc for; word processing, basic office, internet surfing and email. Which you can easily get for $1000. or less!
But if you are into digital videos, photo editing or manage a large database you will need more than the basic Desktop PC. It should cost you around $1500. to $2000., and should keep you happy for a few years.
(CPU) Processors
There is always a lot of change in the computer market, but no matter what the upgrades there is always two basic choices to be made when purchasing a Desktop PC:
1) brand 2) speed For a desktop pc that handles standard office and Internet tasks any processor will work.
Need more power? Then the Intel Pentium4 or the AMD Athlon XP (great for graphics and photos which use a lot of memory space) are for you. If you buy one or two levels from the top you will only lose about five percent per tier performance but you can save a couple hundred dollars!
(RAM) Memory
Memory is very important because optimum running of your desktop pc is dependent on enough RAM. The minimum amount should be 256MB, for better performance you should get 512MB. If you can afford more get it, its worth it because you can keep more applications open and it will handle memory hogs like Photoshop and music applications!
All current systems use DDR memory, the most common would be PC3200, and budget may still be using the older PC2100 or PC2700 DDR. To allow for future upgrades of memory you should buy as few DIMMs as possible.
Also, your motherboard determines the kind of RAM your computer system will use. You can't substitute DDR SDRAM for RDRAM or PC133 SDRAM. The price difference is
minuet and sometimes not at all. Tests show DDR provides a boost over PC133, so DDR is the best buy.
Monitors
Look for a monitor that is at least 17" with a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels. A Desktop PC with a 19-inch monitor gives you 20 % more screen area. If you can spend $300-$450 you might want to get a 15" LCD because it has the same viewable area as the 17" CRT and takes up much less space.
Hard Drives (storage)
Most hard drives sold today will provide more than enough storage. Most basic Desktop PCs come with 40GB or larger, which is plenty for most tasks. But for working with graphics, video, music, or large databases 80GB should be the minimum you settle for. 7200-rpm drives give better performance. But for the best performance get a computer with 8MB of cache.
Warranty and Tech Support
A one-year warranty on most Desktop PCs is enough because most problems seem to happen in the first year. If you want you can get a two to three year warranty for around $150. to $200. If you buy a Dell you can get priority call routing to tech support for a year for only $39.
Desktop PC
But if you are into digital videos, photo editing or manage a large database you will need more than the basic Desktop PC. It should cost you around $1500. to $2000., and should keep you happy for a few years.
(CPU) Processors
There is always a lot of change in the computer market, but no matter what the upgrades there is always two basic choices to be made when purchasing a Desktop PC:
1) brand 2) speed For a desktop pc that handles standard office and Internet tasks any processor will work.
Need more power? Then the Intel Pentium4 or the AMD Athlon XP (great for graphics and photos which use a lot of memory space) are for you. If you buy one or two levels from the top you will only lose about five percent per tier performance but you can save a couple hundred dollars!
(RAM) Memory
Memory is very important because optimum running of your desktop pc is dependent on enough RAM. The minimum amount should be 256MB, for better performance you should get 512MB. If you can afford more get it, its worth it because you can keep more applications open and it will handle memory hogs like Photoshop and music applications!
All current systems use DDR memory, the most common would be PC3200, and budget may still be using the older PC2100 or PC2700 DDR. To allow for future upgrades of memory you should buy as few DIMMs as possible.
Also, your motherboard determines the kind of RAM your computer system will use. You can't substitute DDR SDRAM for RDRAM or PC133 SDRAM. The price difference is
minuet and sometimes not at all. Tests show DDR provides a boost over PC133, so DDR is the best buy.
Monitors
Look for a monitor that is at least 17" with a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels. A Desktop PC with a 19-inch monitor gives you 20 % more screen area. If you can spend $300-$450 you might want to get a 15" LCD because it has the same viewable area as the 17" CRT and takes up much less space.
Hard Drives (storage)
Most hard drives sold today will provide more than enough storage. Most basic Desktop PCs come with 40GB or larger, which is plenty for most tasks. But for working with graphics, video, music, or large databases 80GB should be the minimum you settle for. 7200-rpm drives give better performance. But for the best performance get a computer with 8MB of cache.
Warranty and Tech Support
A one-year warranty on most Desktop PCs is enough because most problems seem to happen in the first year. If you want you can get a two to three year warranty for around $150. to $200. If you buy a Dell you can get priority call routing to tech support for a year for only $39.
Friday, February 11, 2005
What Is A Refurbished Computer?
Why buy 'new' computer equipment when you can get the same refurbished computer at up to 80% savings and there is no difference in the quality or warranty? Statistics show that people who have already bought a factory refurbished computer will never buy 'new' computer again! Manufacturers are so sure about there refurbished computer equipment that they offer the original warranties.
Exactly what is considered factory refurbished computer equipment?
A lot of things can be labeled factory refurbished. So frivolous are some that it's silly enough to make you laugh! Consumer laws prevent manufacturers from selling anything considered factory refurbished as new, so the second consumer gets the best deal and its just like a new computer!
For example, most major retail stores offer a 30 day money back guarantee on their computer equipment and some consumers take advantage of this. So when the new computer is returned, the manufacturer inspects the product and repackages it like new. But it can't be sold as new now so you get a great price with the original warranty, now its considerd a refurbished computer. Other reasons may be the box was damaged in shipment and so it was returned, a slight defect, the defective part is replaced by the manufacturer, tested and then repackaged just like new. Maybe a minor cosmetic blemish on the casing that was corrected. Demonstration units are also considerd factory refurbished computers. They are also inspected, tested and repackaged. The box was simply opened or brand new items that have been overstocked are also labeled factory refurbished.
Its hard to tell the history of each and every refurbished computer item but what ever the reason for the refurbished label you can be sure that the computer equipment has been inspected and serviced by the manufacturer then tested and repackaged to meet original product specifications, just like a new computer. And like I said before, all computer equipment merchandise is warranted by the original manufacturer unless otherwise specified.
Why buy a refurbished computer?
Well, to save MONEY! Why not get the best value while getting the exact same computer equipment? Also, you get the original manufacturers warranty and get a much, much lower price on your new computer.
Now with refurbished computer equipment you can afford that item which has been just out of your reach because it cost too much. And you will get the same performance! Actually refurbished items have a much lower defect rate than new ones. Only one in ten units that come back for repair is usually a factory refurb! That is because they are closely tested before they are sold. The only difference you may notice is a little label on the outside of the box or simply a brown box. So think hard before your purchase, are you shopping smart?
Bonnie Archer
Refurbished Computers
Exactly what is considered factory refurbished computer equipment?
A lot of things can be labeled factory refurbished. So frivolous are some that it's silly enough to make you laugh! Consumer laws prevent manufacturers from selling anything considered factory refurbished as new, so the second consumer gets the best deal and its just like a new computer!
For example, most major retail stores offer a 30 day money back guarantee on their computer equipment and some consumers take advantage of this. So when the new computer is returned, the manufacturer inspects the product and repackages it like new. But it can't be sold as new now so you get a great price with the original warranty, now its considerd a refurbished computer. Other reasons may be the box was damaged in shipment and so it was returned, a slight defect, the defective part is replaced by the manufacturer, tested and then repackaged just like new. Maybe a minor cosmetic blemish on the casing that was corrected. Demonstration units are also considerd factory refurbished computers. They are also inspected, tested and repackaged. The box was simply opened or brand new items that have been overstocked are also labeled factory refurbished.
Its hard to tell the history of each and every refurbished computer item but what ever the reason for the refurbished label you can be sure that the computer equipment has been inspected and serviced by the manufacturer then tested and repackaged to meet original product specifications, just like a new computer. And like I said before, all computer equipment merchandise is warranted by the original manufacturer unless otherwise specified.
Why buy a refurbished computer?
Well, to save MONEY! Why not get the best value while getting the exact same computer equipment? Also, you get the original manufacturers warranty and get a much, much lower price on your new computer.
Now with refurbished computer equipment you can afford that item which has been just out of your reach because it cost too much. And you will get the same performance! Actually refurbished items have a much lower defect rate than new ones. Only one in ten units that come back for repair is usually a factory refurb! That is because they are closely tested before they are sold. The only difference you may notice is a little label on the outside of the box or simply a brown box. So think hard before your purchase, are you shopping smart?
Bonnie Archer
Refurbished Computers
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Digital Cameras Are A Fun And Convenient Computer Accessory
Digital cameras are one of the most fun computer accessories - wouldn't you like to send some pictures to some friends and family by e-mail? A digital camera is the easiest way to do that. Also, it is the easiest way to get pictures onto your computer. You can also print them from your computer equipment, most modern printers print great quality photos. The best part is that you can see the pictures instantly on the camera's LCD screen with the review feature, or load them onto your computer.
Digital cameras make it so easy to get great pictures because you can see how they turned out and re-take it if necessary. No waiting for film to be developed either, just load onto your computer with the software program that comes with the digital camera, and print. There are lots of different sizes, prices, and brands to choose from. So have some fun -- get a digital camera today! One of the greatest computer accessories you will want and love to use.
B. Archer
A1-Computers - Digital Cameras
Digital cameras make it so easy to get great pictures because you can see how they turned out and re-take it if necessary. No waiting for film to be developed either, just load onto your computer with the software program that comes with the digital camera, and print. There are lots of different sizes, prices, and brands to choose from. So have some fun -- get a digital camera today! One of the greatest computer accessories you will want and love to use.
B. Archer
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