Printing an assignment, preparing business documents or making photo prints at home calls for different equipment. Some printers are built for sharp text and frequent use, while others put more focus on colour and image quality.
Whether you need a digital printer, a scanner or a machine that handles both, start with what you'll use most often. Print volume, available space and ongoing ink or toner costs can make a bigger difference than the initial price.
Inkjet or Laser: Which Works Better for You?
The main difference comes down to what you print and how often.
Inkjet printers handle colour documents and photographs well, making them popular for home use, study and creative projects. Some models also use refillable ink tanks to keep running costs down.
Laser printers are well suited to frequent document printing. They produce crisp text, often print faster and can offer a lower cost per page for busy home offices and small businesses.
Do You Need an All-in-One Printer?
An all-in-one printer combines printing, scanning and copying in one machine. Some office models also include faxing, which can still be useful for certain businesses.
If you only print documents, a single-function printer may be simpler and more affordable. A separate scanner makes more sense when you're digitising large batches of paperwork, photographs or film.
Printing Photos at Home
Standard document printing and photo printing have different demands. Dedicated photo printers offer better colour control and support for specialist media, while compact instant printers make small prints directly from a phone.
Your choice of paper also affects the result. Glossy finishes bring out colour and contrast, while matte and textured papers give photographs a softer appearance.
Choosing a Scanner for Your Work
Not every scanner is designed for the same material.
- Flatbed scanners: Suitable for photographs, artwork and delicate documents.
- Document scanners: Built to handle multiple pages quickly, often with automatic feeders.
- Film scanners: Designed to digitise negatives and slides with finer detail.
Browse scanners for options suited to your originals.
Connectivity and Ongoing Costs
Wi-Fi makes printing from multiple devices convenient, while Ethernet suits shared office setups. USB provides a direct connection, and mobile printing support lets you send files from a phone or tablet.
Before buying, compare ink or toner yields against your expected print volume. High-capacity cartridges and refillable tanks can reduce costs if you print regularly. You can find replacement ink and other consumables at digiDirect.
Find Your Printing Setup at digiDirect
digiDirect stocks printing and scanning equipment from established brands, with options for home, creative and business use. You can also pick up compatible ink, toner and paper alongside your machine.
Shop Australian stock with applicable warranty coverage, digiDirect's Price Match Guarantee and Click & Collect options depending on availability.
FAQs
What is the best printer for home use?
For everyday home printing, an all-in-one inkjet with Wi-Fi, scanning and copying is a useful starting point. If you print frequently, consider a refillable ink tank model to reduce running costs. Households that mainly print text documents may prefer a compact monochrome laser printer.
Is it cheaper to buy my own printer?
You can’t put a price on convenience. A home printer provides long-term value, as it can be used repeatedly for various purposes over an extended period. It becomes a reliable tool for your printing needs, offering convenience and flexibility whenever required. Having a printer at home offers the convenience of printing whenever you need without relying on external sources. You can print documents, forms, photos, or other materials instantly, on your own time.
What is the best small home printer?
A compact wireless inkjet suits occasional colour printing when desk space is limited. Check its dimensions, paper capacity and whether it includes a scanner, as smaller models vary considerably. If you mainly print black and white documents, a small monochrome laser printer may be a better fit.
What should I consider when shopping for a printer?
To help you make an informed decision, here are several factors to consider:
- Assess your printing requirements
- Choose between an inkjet printer or laser printer
- Evaluate the print quality offered by the printer
- Consider the printing speed of the printer
- Check for any available connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet
- Assess the paper handling capabilities
- Consider the ongoing costs of consumables like ink or toner cartridges
Do I need a printer with wireless connectivity?
Having a printer with wireless capabilities offers several advantages, such as the convenience of printing from multiple devices without the need for cables or physical connections. It allows you to easily print from laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other wireless-enabled devices within the range of your Wi-Fi network. Additionally, wireless connectivity enables mobile printing, allowing you to print directly from your mobile devices on the go.
What features should I look for in a printer for my home office?
When selecting a printer for your home office, consider key features such as print speed for enhanced productivity, print quality for professional-looking output, versatile paper handling for various document types and sizes, connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Ethernet for seamless device integration, all-in-one functionality for scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, and cost-effective consumables to manage long-term printing costs. Additionally, look for energy-efficient models and consider the reputation and customer support offered by the manufacturer. These features will help you find a printer that meets your specific home office needs, boosts efficiency, and delivers high-quality prints.
