Max. resolution
The maximum resolution of the image to be printed. It is usually indicated by two numbers denoting the number of dpi (DPI) horizontally and vertical:
600x600, 1200x600,
1200x1200,
2400x600,
2400x1200,
4800x600,
4800x1200,
4800x2400,
5760x1440,
9600x600,
9600x2400. The detail of the image depends on this parameter - the higher the resolution, the more fine details the printer is able to convey and the better their image will be. High print resolution is important, first of all, when working with graphic material; low resolution is sufficient for high-quality text display. So
Cartridge model
The types of cartridges (both black and white and colour) used in the printer. Some printer models are able to work with "non-native" cartridges, but this feature usually refers to undocumented features, and the manufacturer's warranty covers only specific types of cartridges. So use "non-native" models with caution.
Cloud print
Cloud print service supported by the printer. Specified only if the device is capable of working with cloud services directly without connecting to a PC.
The general principle of such printing is that documents sent for printing are stored on a server on the Internet. Thus, the availability of the printer is not limited to the local network — you can send documents for printing from anywhere in the world where there is access to the World Wide Web. In addition,
cloud-based printers make it easy to share with others.
Screen
The type of screen provided in the design of the printer. This parameter is indicated by two points — colour (monochrome or
colour display), as well as the absence or
presence of a touch screen(if only colour is indicated, then the screen is not touch).
Chroma determines the features of the image on the display. Monochrome (black and white) screens allow you to display a lot of different information, and are inexpensive. On the other hand, such a display is poorly suited for viewing drawings and photographs sent for printing — for such purposes it is better to use more expensive, but more functional colour screens.
As for touch displays, they provide additional convenience in management and expand its capabilities. Various controls can be displayed on such a screen — sliders, lists, text menus, etc.; operating them with touches on the display is easier than using traditional control panels with hardware buttons. On the other hand, the presence of a sensor affects the cost of the display, and it makes sense to use this feature mainly in advanced printers with an abundance of additional functions.
Voice assistant
Printer support for one or more
voice assistants. The most popular voice assistants among printers today are:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Microsoft Cortana
We emphasize that this is usually not about the voice assistant built into the printer itself, but about improved compatibility with external devices where such an assistant is installed — so to use this function, you will also need an appropriate device. However, the ability to give voice commands to the printer significantly expands the control options, making it more convenient and intuitive; but the specific functionality and features of different voice control systems may be different. For example, Amazon Alexa is available both through special control devices (like Echo smart speakers) and through mobile applications for Android and iOS; Google Assistant is part of the Android OS and Google Home smart home systems; and Cortana is designed primarily for use with Windows PCs and smartphones, although it is also available as an Android application. The set of supported languages can also be different (in particular, English is almost always available, but Russian support should be specified separately).
RAM
The amount of internal memory installed in the printer.
The main purpose of such memory is to store tasks sent for printing. This gives various additional features: printing when the computer is turned off, continuing to work after troubleshooting, pausing the process and resuming at will, etc. The more memory, the wider these printer capabilities (in particular, large volumes allow you to store more tasks ).
Note that we are talking about the built-in memory; if the printer also has a hard drive (see below), its capacity is specified separately.
Clock Speed
The clock speed of the processor installed in the printer. Theoretically, a higher clock speed improves performance and, accordingly, the actual speed of operation. However, in fact, these indicators depend on so many additional factors that the processor frequency is a purely reference parameter, and when choosing, it is worth focus on more “close to life” characteristics — print speed, first sheet output time, etc.
Output tray
The number of sheets of paper that the output tray can hold — the tray where the finished media is delivered. Usually, this amount is specified for standard office paper with a density of 80 g/m²; if you use thicker sheets, the actual capacity of the tray will be less (conversely, thinner sheets may fit more).
Noise level
Approximate noise level generated by the printer during normal operation. The decibels in which the noise level is expressed is a non-linear value, so it is easiest to evaluate this indicator using comparative tables. The
quietest printers give out about 35 dB — this is the volume of a conversation in a whisper, such noise will not stand out even in a quiet library reading room. A volume of 40 dB approximately corresponds to a conversation at an average volume, according to sanitary standards, this is the upper limit of permissible constant noise in residential premises during the day. For offices, the border is slightly higher — 55 – 60 dB, this is the volume of a conversation in raised tones. And the most powerful and heavy models give out up to 70 dB — this is comparable to a noisy city street; if such a printer is planned to be used frequently, it is advisable to install it in a separate room.
In general, lower noise levels make the device more comfortable to use, but may affect performance and/or price.
