We’re always looking for the next best thing, especially when it comes to technology. If you’re thinking about getting a Chromebook printer, it’s important that you do your homework first. When it comes to Chromebook printers, there are a lot of opinions out there. If you’re having trouble figuring out where you stand regarding your printing needs, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know.
They Come in All Shapes
Because your Chromebook is light and compact, it only makes sense to print on an appliance that shares the same qualities. When it comes to Chromebook printers, there are various shapes and sizes, all compatible with Google Cloud Print, and each with a different set of features. If you happen to mostly use your device on the road, compact and portable printers can satisfy all your printing needs on the go. While some all-in-one products are a tad heavy because of the added functions, if you have no use for scanning or faxing, you can take your light portable printer anywhere. As for the regular-sized desktop products, many now come fully-capable of integrating with Google Cloud Print.
Cloud-Ready vs Traditional
When buying a printer for your device, you’ll stumble upon two types. Cloud-ready and traditional printers. As the name suggests, a cloud-ready printer connects easily to the cloud. While a traditional printer will require setting up through a computer or a laptop, cloud-ready means that the appliance readily accepts files sent via the internet. Meaning, you can not only print with your Chromebook but also with your smartphone and any other device with a working internet connection. Another benefit of cloud technology is that it eliminates a lot of the problems that we often face with traditional printing technology, like, software updates or faulty/unavailable printing drivers.
Print Speed Varies
Not all appliances print at the same speed. This is a crucial factor if you’re someone who values speed, will be sharing their Chromebook printer with other users, or is heavily dependent on printing. According to this article at BillLentis.com, the speed is measured by the number of pages printed per minute, and for a Chromebook, 20 pages/minute is quite acceptable. If you’re interested in using your printer for high-volume printing, you’ll want a speed closer to 40 pages/minute, but for regular and administrative use, 20 pages a minute should work just fine.
USB-Connection Matters
If you’re going to be using the internet, why would you ever need to connect to your printer via a USB? Well, the internet breaks down sometimes, doesn’t it? It’s always a good idea to have back-up, especially if you’re on the road and unable to get online. Chromebooks support external drives, meaning, they have USB ports. With a compatible cable that connects your device to the printer, you can print whatever you want without depending on the cloud. Using the cloud is better, easier, and faster, but having a USB-connection as a backup is always a good idea.
Cheap isn’t Always Better
During your selection process, you’ll come upon products the prices of which will surprise you. Here, it’s important that you reign in your excitement. Often cheap prices are due to the lack of certain features. Some appliances, for example, aren’t capable of printing in colors, only black and white. Others simply provide a sub-par print quality. To avoid investing in a printer that doesn’t fit your needs, make sure you buy based on specifications rather than price. If you’re looking for good print quality, 300 dpi (dots per inch) is enough, but if excellence is what you’re pursuing, 600 dpi and anything more than that will give you what you need.
Are they Necessary?
How important is it to purchase a Chromebook printer, you may be wondering. It all depends on how much you’re going to use it and why. If you print only on occasion, you’d be much better off spending your money on a better purchase. On the other hand, if you’re a freelancer whose work involves printing a lot of receipts, especially on the go, or if you’re doing your studies, the purchase will save you a lot of time, money, and effort. Business-owners, too, will benefit greatly from cloud and wireless printing when it comes to maintenance costs, speed, and efficiency.
That being said, keep in mind that only you know what’s best for you. We can tell you all the factors you should take into account, and we can give you all the information out there, but ultimately, your needs and wants will dictate your decision. That’s why it’s essential that you take a minute to figure out what you want out of your printer and what you’re going to be using it for. That way, you won’t end up having to buy an upgrade only a year later, or even worse, go to a copy center anyway because the appliance you have at home turned out to be incompatible with your Chromebook.
