📄Tips for Buying a Second Printer: What to Look for?
🖋️ Article Content:
Are you thinking about adding a second printer to your home or office setup? Whether you're expanding your workspace, separating color from black-and-white printing, or simply looking for a backup device, buying a second printer requires a different mindset than choosing your first one.
Here are essential tips to help you choose the right second printer that fits your needs and budget:
✅ 1. Define the Purpose of the Second Printer
Ask yourself: What will I use this printer for?
If your first printer handles most tasks, the second one should complement it — maybe for photo printing, mobile printing, or handling higher volumes of black-and-white documents.
🖨️ 2. Consider the Printer Type (Laser vs. Inkjet)
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Inkjet printers are best for color photos and general use.
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Laser printers are ideal for sharp black-and-white documents and lower running costs.
If your first printer is inkjet, consider a laser printer for document printing — or vice versa.
📶 3. Check Connectivity Options
Make sure the second printer supports your preferred connection type:
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USB for a direct and private connection.
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Wi-Fi or Ethernet for easy network access and shared use.
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Mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or apps) if you print from phones or tablets.
💵 4. Budget for Ink or Toner Costs
Don’t just focus on the printer price — look at the total cost of ownership. Check:
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Page yield of cartridges
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Availability of compatible or refillable options
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Cost per page
Your second printer should save time or money — not add hidden expenses.
🧩 5. Look for Compact Design
Space matters, especially if the second printer is going into a home office or a smaller room. Consider:
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All-in-one compact models
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Vertical or front-feed paper trays
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Wall-mountable options if needed
⚙️ 6. Check Driver Compatibility
If you’re using multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), verify that the printer has proper driver support — especially for older or budget models.
🗃️ 7. Paper Handling & Duty Cycle
Evaluate how much printing the second device will handle:
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Does it need an ADF (automatic document feeder)?
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Should it support duplex printing?
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What's the monthly duty cycle?
Choose a model that can handle your expected workload comfortably.
🧠Final Thoughts:
A second printer can be a valuable tool — if chosen wisely. Focus on how it complements your main printer, and prioritize performance, cost-efficiency, and ease of use. Don’t forget to compare models and read user reviews before buying.
Also Read:Wireless Printers vs. Wired Printers: What You Need to Know?
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