Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Inkjet or laser?: Inkjet printers are more modestly priced than a laser printer—but the ink cartridges tend to get finished quickly. Some companies, such as HP, have a monthly “Instant Ink” service, where it counts the number of pages that you print, and orders and delivers a new set of cartridges when you reach a certain quota. There are printers that require only two cartridges (black and color), while some will have a set of 4 color cartridges. That might yield unwanted results, if you use up one color before the others!

A laser printer is recommended if you do a lot of printing, since just the introductory cartridge that you receive when buying a laser printer can typically print at least 500 pages—and replacement toner cartridges can print over 1000! Lexmark makes affordable laser printers, for as little as $178 for a monochrome laser printer.

• All-in-one printer option: You also will be able to select between an all-in-one printer, which also faxes, scans, and photocopies, or just a printer. The all-in-one option will save space, since one device does it all.

• • Connecting your printer to a Macbook: Once you’re sure that a particular printer has the AirPrint option, you’ll find detailed information about how to enable AirPrint in your printer’s manual. But, in general, you have a few options for setting it up on your MacBook device:

1. 1. 1. 1. Via the printer’s touchscreen: Many printers have a touchscreen, and will allow you to enter in the WiFi network name. That will hook up your AirPrint printer to your WiFi network—and your Mac will be able to identify the printer subsequently. However, not every printer has a touchscreen.

         2. Via a USB connection: Another easy option is to hook up your MacBook with a printer USB cable, for the initial setup (the cable is provided with the printer). The printer will typically have an installation disc for Mac. After you install the printer software on your Mac, it will be able to identify the WiFi network and the AirPrint printer from now on, even without the USB cable.

• • Connecting your printer for iOS devices: If you’re printing from an iOS device, such as a iPad or iPhone, it’s quite simple to hook up to an AirPrint printer.

1. 1. 1. You select the application from which you wish to print, and tap the “Share” icon (an arrow turning to the left).

      2. You then select “Print”, or click on the Print icon.

      3. The device will prompt you to select a printer. Your device will detect an AirPrint device in the area.

      4. Select how many copies you want to print, and click “Print”.

Brother is a household name among manufacturers of printers and fax machines. It was founded in 1908 as the Yasui Sewing Machine Company in Nagoya, Japan, and continually upgraded their products alongside technological advances. They make all-in-one printers, which combine faxing, scanning, and photocopying along with printing.

Canon was originally founded in 1934 as a manufacturer of optical equipment and cameras. More recently, they make a wide selection of laser and inkjet printers, copiers, scanners, and all-in-one units. Their Pixma series of professional inkjet printers includes over 170 models!

HP was founded by Bill Hewlett and David Packard in 1939 as makers of electronic test equipment. In 2015, the company split into two divisions, where Hewlett-Packard focused on business computing solutions, and HP focused on laptop computers and printers, including 3D printers.

Lexmark, based in Lexington, Kentucky, was founded in 1991 as makers of printers and imaging products. They primarily focus on color and monochrome laser printers for large and small businesses, having stopped making inkjet printers in 2015.