How to buy a Network Printer

[ck98]

Ok, very basic I know, but I'm shopping for a printer and I need to make sure it is network ready. Depending on the site, it is hard to tell if one is or not. I see things like: USB, HP Jetdirect, Fast Ethernet Embedded Print Server, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX, HP Fast Ethernet print server, Parallel, Internal Print Server.

What is the difference between all of these? THANK YOU!

[ptjeff1]

All of these mean it should have an ethernet network connection:

HP Jetdirect, Fast Ethernet Embedded Print Server, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX, HP Fast Ethernet print server, Internal Print Server

USB is USB connection
Parallel is parallel connection

[cs_steve]

If you describe what you're looking for (home use, small business use, large business use, color or monochrome, fax, etc.) we can probably recommend a network model that would be a good fit ...

[ck98]

Even better! I am looking for an inexpensive black/white laserjet that will be a network printer, but primarily used by only two people. The monthly quantity doesn't need to be massive as they s/b using a different printer for big jobs. I have found some that are multi function for the same price or cheaper. They must be on special or something. i am not opposed to a multi function although they won't be using the fax mode, but a copier w/b a bonus but I'm not going to pay for the bells and whistles... if it comes out that i can for cheaper, great, otherwise just a b/w laserjet that is network ready!

Thanks for your help!

[cs_steve]

I would steer away from the multi-function if they don't need it...toners are going to be more expensive, and they do not have a reliable reputation...

I always recommend refurbished models ... toners are available for a lot cheaper than the new models, and literally "they aren't making 'em like they used to" -- the latest printer models from HP are cheaper China-made stuff... and maintenance parts are super expensive ...

Two printers I recommend highly: the LaserJet 4000N --- I have nothing but good to say about this model, we use several of them in our office, the toners are available cheap, maintenance is super easy ...
http://www.printertechs.com/printer/refurbished-hp-laserjet-4000N.php

The other is the 2300N, a smaller printer but fast pages per minute and still fairly easy to maintain ...
http://www.printertechs.com/printer/refurbished-hp-laserjet-2300.php

[ck98]

Thank you everyone! This is very helpful!

[kashifpk]

Buying a network printer is definitely a good choice. I have HP LaserJet 1320n in office which is a very good printer. Though it is a black printer but its performance and speed is very amazing.

[Coupon master]

Thank you , that was of great help to me.