The printer is still a popular gadget to have around the home and office, but gone are the days of messy cables. With a wireless printer, you can print documents remotely and easily.
The printer is still a popular gadget to have around the home and office, but gone are the days of messy cables. With a wireless printer, you can print documents remotely and easily.
HOW IT WORKS
Now, you no longer have to physically connect a computer, laptop or mobile device in order to print a document. You can set it up anywhere in your home and even connect multiple gadgets to it through a Wi-Fi network. There are two types of printers – laser and inkjet. The former uses a toner cartridge filled with fine powder, and a heated fuser, while the latter uses liquid ink stored in cartridges. With laser technology, you get fast, highquality printouts that are superior to those from inkjet printers.
Colour laser printers are bulky and, generally, too pricey for home and small office use. More affordable are monochrome laser printers, but most popular with the average consumer are inkjet printers.
ASK BEFORE YOU BUY
Most printers come with copier, fax and scan functions – ask yourself if you really need them, or if a basic printer will do. Also, are you more likely to print images or text files? If you don’t intend to print in colour, you may want to consider a monochrome laser printer over an inkjet printer. If you have Apple devices, look for models that support Air Print, for added convenience.
Epson Workforce WF-3521, $398
The Workforce WF-3521 is a reliable, multifunctional printer that can handle heavy-duty printing. Its paper handling and print speed are impressive, compared to other similar inkjet printers in the price range. There is also support for mobile printing, cloud printing and Apple Air Print. It even has a function that lets you print out both sides of an ID card onto a single sheet of paper easily.
Canon Selphy CP1200, $199
The Selphy CP1200 is a portable photo printer that uses an advanced dye-sublimation print technology. It can produce 54 prints on a single battery charge. You can print via the onboard SD-card slot, through Wi-Fi, a Pictbridge connection and Apple’s Air Print directly from an iPhone.
Text Patrick Chng
