Look them over carefully or you might be without any printer for some period of time. Prioritize these considerations and base your decision on Inkjet or Laser depending on your needs and wants. HERE for a really good Y2K cartoon. Following are definitions of common printing terms, acronyms often used and an explanation of different types of printers and machines. The color model used for printing.
Black ink is required for quality printing.
A machine that is only capable of printing. Primarily used for color, these printers heat a ribbon containing dye and diffuse the dye to the paper. The measurement of printer speed based on printing graphics, which takes considerably longer to print than text. A picture, photo or otherwise complex art form that is usually in color. A replaceable unit that holds ink and the print nozzles for ink jet printers.