Choices, Choices, Choices: Paper for Your Every Need

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your printer, you may think it's as easy as 1-2-3: inkjet vs. laser vs. multi-purpose paper. But is it?

Today, using low-cost, high-performance inkjet or laser printers and desktop publishing software, you can produce documents that rival commercial printers. But many people make the mistake of using inexpensive copy paper to print important documents and presentations. They may think they're saving on costs, but in reality, they may be paying more at the end.

Using inexpensive, low-quality copy paper in your laser or inkjet printer for anything but simple, small-output jobs can cause paper jams, mis-feeds and bunching. This holds up your printing job, wastes ink, toner and paper, and can damage your printer, not to mention producing low-quality output.

To make a positive and lasting impression, you should choose your paper carefully and ensure it fits your particular project and printer specifications. Selecting the right paper for your document or presentation can help convey the image you desire. You must determine your document's objective and who will be viewing it. Will it contain color or images, and how many copies are needed?

Inkjet paper is specifically designed with a quick-drying surface to help prevent blurring and smearing, and keeps ink on the top of the sheet for brighter colors and sharper images. It typically features 24-28lb. paper weight with brightness ranges from 89-99. Inkjet paper is commonly used for executive reports, analyses, charts, graphs, announcements and invoices.

Laser paper is specifically designed with a smooth surface and heavier weight for sharp, crisp images and text. It offers jam-free performance with 24-32lb. paper weight and brightness ranges from 92-98. Laser paper has whiteness ranges from 102-116-the higher brightness produces better readability and resolution.

Printing paper can be used in both laser and inkjet machines. It is specially formulated to work in both machines and is perfect for all your printing needs.

Multi-purpose paper is specifically formulated for outstanding performance in virtually every make and model of office machine! It's ideal for inkjet and laser printers, copiers, plain-paper fax machines and multifunction machines. Multi-purpose paper is dependable and consistent with a smoother and brighter finish than most copy papers for sharper colors and crisper text. It has 20-24lb. paper weight with 92-98 brightness ranges.

Using the right paper ensures accuracy, reliability and performance, as well as high-quality output. Your budget will not suffer either due to poor paper selection.

Information from desktoppub.about.com, hp.com, quill.com

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