Recent advances in technology have radically transformed both the way people do business and the places from where that business gets done. In an increasingly mobile world, fuelled by rapid advances in technology – from smaller computers and tablet PCs to internet connectivity in any corner of the world, people need ways to do their traditional work in a non-traditional setting. One of the latest accommodations for an increasingly mobile world is the compact, mobile printer.

Able to be used both in an office and on-the-go, compact printers give office workers the ability to print from behind their desk – in the office or at home – as well as on the road. Compact printers come in the traditional laser and inkjet varieties, as well as all-in-one models.

Compact Laser Printers

1. Samsung ML-1510
Samsung’s latest entry into the competitive compact printer market is its ML-1510 laser printer. Measuring just over 12 inches wide, this laser printer packs a powerful punch. It handles all standard printer media types: from regular and legal-sized paper to envelopes, transparencies, labels, and cards. The ML-1510 prints up to 14 pages per minute, and can be monitored with two LCD screens and a very simple set of controls on the outside of the device.

2. HP LaserJet CP2025n
Hewlett-Packard has always had an exception line of printers and their compact models follow strongly in this tradition. The LaserJet CP2025n prints more pages per minute than the Samsung model, clocking in at 21 pages per minute. And it handles all standard media types as well. The printer comes with external controls and an LCD screen, as well as an exceptional set of drivers and a CD tutorial for users new to HP printing products.

3. Dell 1320c
A bit larger than the competing Samsung and HP models, the Dell 1320c handles all standard media types and cranks out 16 pages per minute for text printing. The printer is a great value, coming it just under $230, but can be a but cumbersome to use – it includes only two external buttons: “continue” and “cancel.” Other functions are controlled via the printer’s drivers, which might not be for everyone.

Compact Inkjet Printers

1. HP OfficeJet H470wbt
HP’s inkjet series of compact printers are even more astounding than their laser counterparts. The OfficeJet H470wbt is small enough to stow away while on a business trip or working outside the office, and can be plugged into any electrical outlet or – get ready for this one – any cigarette lighter adapter in your car. It prints 22 pages per minute and has a 50-sheet paper tray.

2. HP OfficeJet H470
Another strong contender from Hewlett-Packard is its OfficeJet H470 that also produces 22 pages per minute, as well as coming with a cigarette lighter power cord and battery. But this model adds both Bluetooth and wireless networking, for ultimate portability and connectivity with your laptop, netbook or tablet PC.

3. Canon PIXMA iP100
Depending on your line of business, a photo printer can be absolutely essential. This is an area where Canon has traditionally excelled and its PIXMA iP100 photo printer is no exception. Black and white photos print 20 pages per minute, while color prints 14 per minute. Users can print directly from cameras and cell phones, eliminating the need for time-wasting cables.

All-in-One Printers

1. Lexmark S605
This printer/scanner/copier model from Lexmark comes with a 4.3″ LCD touchscreen, built in WiFi with wireless networking support, and prints 16 pages per minute. It features impeccable print quality and can be used completely independently of a PC, using the built-in LCD screen. Potential buyers should be prepared for a potential learning curve when using the touchscreen; however, once learned, it becomes one of the biggest selling-points for this Lexmark model.

2. Brother HL-3070CW
Brother is a particularly strong printing brand among corporate and enterprise workers, and their HL-3070CW is a strong contender in the compact all-in-one printing space. This model comes with the standard printer/copier/fax as well as USB 2.0 technology and WiFi connectivity for wireless printing. An impressive 250-sheet paper tray is included and prints are produced at about 30 pages per minute.

3. HP OfficeJet 4500
HP’s all-in-one OfficeJet 4500 model prints truly amazing photographs, as well as stunning textual documents at a rate of 14 seconds per page. Unlike the Brother and Lexmark models, the OfficeJet comes with a fax built-in; wireless networking is also included. One potential disappointment, for some users, may be this printer’s lack of memory card slots.

Conclusion

Overall, the market for compact printers is competitive and growing every day. In increasingly busy, compact home and small offices, the ability to save space and increase printing capacity is much-needed. And in a world built on mobility, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity are a must. Cigarette adapters for some models can turn the backset of a vehicle into a mobile office. And, overall, an investment in a compact printer is an investment in increased productivity without the inconvenience of less space. That’s where each of these models truly excels: getting more done with less.

James Adams is a tech analyst and writer at CartridgeSave.co.uk where he reports on the latest releases on Canon supplies for inkjet and laser printers.

Tags | Business, Hardware, Office, printers