How to Choose a Great Wireless Printer

Wireless printers can cut down on clutter in a home or office, and they're a great, easy way to print from several computers, smart phones or other devices. However, many buyers make the mistake of picking the first wireless printer they see or the most futuristic-looking product on the shelf. Here are a few tips for finding a great wireless printer, regardless of what you're looking to print.

Types of Connectivity. Most wireless printers interact with computers via WiFi or Bluetooth. While there are certain buyers who need Bluetooth functionality--for instance, business people who want to print quickly from Bluetooth PDAs--WiFi is the way to go. Almost every home and business has a WiFi router, and they're usually very easy to set up. You'll simply have to enter your router's password and install some software (included with the printer) to the computers that will use it.

Quality. Some buyers will care more about quality than others, but there's no reason to buy an wireless printer if it's not good at printing. Dpi (dots per inch) is still used to judge print quality, but things can get a little confusing here, because there are two main types of printing: inkjet and dye sublimation. Dye sublimation printers often have a lower dpi, but can produce better quality than inkjet due to the way that pages are printed.

300dpi dye sublimation printers and 4800 dpi inkjet printers will produce similar quality prints. It's best to visit your local electronic store to look at the difference between inkjet and dye sublimation units and to see how dpi factors into things.

With that being said, 200 dpi dye sublimation or around 3000 dpi inkjet will be great for most buyers, although you can get by with a lower quality depending on how you're using the printer. Look for photo quality printers if you're going to be using glossy paper for photos, art or other high-resolution projects. Some buyers may also want to look at page print speed, particularly if the wireless printer is going to be used in an office.

Brand. If you're not too tech-savvy and you already own a printer that you're comfortable with, it may be a good idea to look for the same brand of printer when you make the switch to wireless. You'll be more familiar with your new printer's user interface, which should make it easier to set up and use.


Ink Costs. It's tempting to look for those cheapest possible wireless printer, especially if you're not planning on using the device for anything other than the occasional black-and-white print. However, always look at ink costs, as printer manufacturers will often sell wireless printers below cost while marking up the price of ink cartridges. Check out ink prices online before you buy and assume that you'll be buying at least two to four cartridges per year--the best value isn't always the cheapest printer out there, and by doing some quick math you'll save a lot of money in the long run.


Read online user reviews and try to avoid buying your new wireless printer from an electronics store. You'll almost always get a better deal by shopping online and by looking at other shoppers' opinions, you'll be able to make a better decision. Modern wireless printers are fabulous, easy-to-use products, but a little early research will make your purchase much easier.