Buying a printer sounds simple until you see the options: inkjet or laser, single-function or all-in-one, ink cartridges or refillable tanks. The right choice has less to do with the brand on the box and more to do with how you print day to day.
This guide gives you a repeatable framework. Work through each step in order and you will arrive at a shortlist that fits your home or office without overpaying for features you will never use.
Start with how much you print
Print volume is the single most important factor, because it drives both the technology and the running cost that make sense for you. Be honest about a typical month rather than your busiest week.
- Light (under 50 pages/month): a compact inkjet or all-in-one is plenty.
- Moderate (50–300 pages/month): an ink tank inkjet or entry laser keeps cost per page low.
- Heavy (300+ pages/month): a laser or business inkjet built for higher duty cycles.
Match the technology to your documents
What you print matters as much as how much. Crisp black text and the occasional spreadsheet point toward a laser. Color photos, school projects, and vivid graphics favor an inkjet.
If you need a bit of everything, a color laser or a modern ink tank printer offers a strong middle ground without forcing a compromise.
Decide which functions you need
- Print only: smallest footprint and lowest price.
- All-in-one (print, scan, copy): the most popular choice for homes and home offices.
- Fax or ADF: useful for offices that handle contracts and multi-page documents.
Confirm connectivity and running cost
Almost every modern printer offers Wi-Fi, but check for AirPrint, Mopria, or a mobile app if you print from phones and tablets. Wired Ethernet is worth having in a busy office.
Finally, look past the sticker price to cost per page. A cheap printer with expensive cartridges often costs far more over two years than a pricier model with affordable supplies.
Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
Once you have chosen your printer, getting it up and running requires the right software. Most modern printers include a setup wizard that guides you through connecting to Wi-Fi and installing the necessary drivers. For HP printers, the HP Smart app simplifies the process — it detects your new printer automatically and walks through every step from network connection to test page.
For the most reliable experience, always download printer drivers and software from the manufacturer's official website rather than third-party sources. This ensures you get the latest version, which includes security patches and compatibility updates for current operating systems.
HP Printer Driver & Software Downloads
Potter Print is an independent printer retailer. We do not provide printer driver downloads, technical support, or remote setup services. For official HP printer drivers, HP printer software, firmware updates, and setup utilities, please visit HP's official support page.
Visit HP Software & Driver DownloadsKey Takeaways
- Estimate your real monthly volume before anything else — it drives every other decision.
- Laser suits text-heavy printing; inkjet and ink tank suit color and photos.
- An all-in-one covers most households; add an ADF only if you scan multi-page documents.
- Compare cost per page, not just the purchase price.
Conclusion
Choosing a printer becomes easy once you anchor every decision to how you actually print. Estimate your volume, match the technology to your documents, pick only the functions you need, and compare running costs — then buy with confidence.