Ever since the covid19 outbreak and the impacts of lockdown restrictions left most of the world’s workforce operating remotely from home, many employees were tasked with creating a functional and practical home office. And while this task may not have initially seemed all that tricky, many employees soon realized that there’s so much more to a productive work environment than a desk, chair, and a laptop or PC.
Beyond the essentials and the design specifics of your office, you will need a few extras to ensure your home office is as functional and productive as possible. That means you might need to invest in additional storage, assess the stability of your internet connection, and it’s highly probable that you need extra equipment, such as a printer.
And when selecting the right printer for your needs, there are a few details that you should consider before settling on just any ordinary printer.
All-In-One Printers
More often than not, the best choice is all-in-one printers that will print, scan, copy, and even fax. The newer models of these printers are space-saving, which makes them ideal for home offices. And even though they are slightly more expensive than regular printer/scanner devices, the extra functions and compact element means you won’t need more devices that take up unnecessary space.
Your Budget
When determining a budget for your office equipment, you should remember that all your office essentials are generally tax-deductible. And this means that you won’t have to be as frugal. You should purchase quality equipment that will withstand the test of time and ensure you can carry out all your work responsibilities from home.
Laser vs. Inkjet
Laser printers were previously only really suitable for offices, as they were large and bulky and exceptionally pricey. However, this has changed over time, and you can now find compact laser printers that won’t consume all your workspace.
Laser printers are more cost-effective for ink usage, so you’ll be able to print more faster, and you won’t be replacing ink cartridges often, regardless of how much you print. However, the laser option is slightly more costly.
On the other hand, inkjet printers were the go-to choice for home offices for several years due to their compact size and minimal functions. However, you will end up spending more in the long run on ink, even though the purchase price is lower.
Paper Types
Some of the more compact printers can only print A4 and smaller-sized papers. And these are a good choice if you won’t ever need to print anything more extensive. However, if you require something that can print larger-sized papers, you will need to consider this when shopping around, as several printers can print more extensive papers without a problem.
Leasing
If you simply don’t have enough available funds to invest in a printer that meets all your needs, you can consider the option of leasing your office equipment.
This is an excellent choice if you need a printer that can do more than the standard options. And some of the perks of leasing include maintenance included in the rental premium.
Choosing the right printer can be a bit overwhelming. However, by making a list of everything you need from your printer device, you’ll be able to narrow down your printer options and find the most suitable device.
