The printer categories given on the preceding pages are
the major market segments where healthy competition exists.
Most other printer needs are so unusual that the printer
is special ordered, made in limited quantities, has fewer
features, and does not work as well. Examples of other categories
of printers include high-speed, 24-pin, wide-carriage dot
matrixes; very high-speed (but not as high as laser), 18-pin,
dot-matrix impact printers; raised-ink cartridges printers; portable
printers; plotters, and color printers.
If you purchase your printer locally, the chances are that
you may call the vendor if a problem arises, and damage
during shipment is unlikely. Remember that some printers
weigh over 80 lbs. But most importantly, printers sold from
the local store can be tested before purchase. The demonstrations
at the local store should build your confidence in the printer.
Printers have always been the hardest PC system component
to purchase by mail order. Versions and models change so
frequently that the models advertised are often sold out
and have been replaced by newer models, which the magazines
have not reviewed. PC clones and Mac accessories are stable
enough that they can be purchased through catalogs with
confidence. But, printers change so frequently that the
stores never try to keep a large inventory.
You can purchase some of the lower end dot-matrix printers
through mail order. They are light enough to be shipped
without much chance of damage. The heavier printers should
not be purchased by mail order. If your destination is a
remote area, insist on the original shipping cartons. New
printers come in boxes supported by solid foam pieces that
cushion the printer from the cardboard on all sides. If
the printer does not fit snugly into the box, send the printer
back. This condition means that the printer box was opened,
and the printer has been used. Look to see whether the box
serial numbers and model numbers match your printer. If
the printer was shipped with styrofoam beans as the cushion,
send the printer back. The beans are good for shipping software
and other light products, but not heavy printers. Printers
need the solid foam cushions.
In addition, try to purchase computer equipment using credit
cards. Many credit card companies offer refunds if your
purchase is lost, stolen, or damaged. They also will not
pay the company if you make a respectable corn- plaint.
In fact, some credit card companies will negotiate the resolution
of your problems if any should occur.
To locate good mail-order companies, look through issues
of computer magazines. The better mail-order companies have
been in business for over a year and have been running full-page
ads in most computer magazines. Probably all mail-order
companies advertise in Computer Shopper, a magazine sold
in some supermarkets. To locate local companies selling
printers, look in the newspaper. In most towns, all the
computer vendors advertise in the a special supplement that
comes out weekly.
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In the links below you will find pages that lists other
sites offering office computers, printers and scanners |
Ink
& Toner, Shredders | Ink
& Toner, Shredders ( ink toners additional 1) | Ink
& Toner, Shredders (additional 2) | Computers
| Computers-1
| Computers-2
| Printers,
Scanners | Printers,
Scanners (additionals) | Printers,
Scanners (additionals 2) | More in the Learning
Center
