TechnOrganizing: Ready, Set, Print And So Much More

Running a household these days without technology is like running uphill in heels. Its unnecessary and begs the question: why are you doing that? There are so many devices, apps, accessories and programs out there that can make your home management a snap.  You can save time by using technology efficiently giving you more time for what is important in your home. If you are used to doing things the old fashioned way or are way over due for a techno make over, then it can be a bit daunting to navigate the rapidly changing technology industry. A good place to start is with your printer.  A printer that can multitask is so important. It is the hub of organization. We use ours to print labels and lists, coupons, photos, scan and archive important docs, fax, get creative and so much more. I'll be giving you many ways to maximize your printer in future posts.  For now, I have a good checklist to think about when comparing models.

1. Wireless Technology - With all the new handheld devices, smart phones, and tablets floating around the house you need a printer that can tie all of these together.  Wireless technology will allow you to click an print from most all of your devices from any room in the house. 

2. Scanner - Most people make the mistake of overlooking this option.  Its so important in a well organized home. You can use it to make copies in hard copy form. However, it also will scan photos and documents right to your computer or device. This is great for archiving. and saving valuable space in your file cabinet. Its a great way to preserve old photos that are pre-digital era, and even creating an album of kids artwork and mementos.  Its great for record keeping too. I am diligent about keeping a copy of almost everything, especially important correspondence that goes out snail mail, receipts, etc.

3. Skip the Fax - Another benefit of having a scanner is that it can allow you to fax something that you have in hard copy form. You don't need this option on your printer if you already have it on your computer. I recently had to send some original documents back to my investment firm. Using my scanner, I uploaded the hard copies up to my computer and used its "fax from computer program" on my PC to send it. Most newer PCs and Macs have this capability so unless you have a specific need for a fax feature on your printer, I would skip this feature. 

4.  Ink - This is a head spinner. Walk into any office supply chain and they have walls of ink cartridges. They range in price from kinda cheap to you're kidding me! So make sure you research the cost of replacement cartridges when comparing units.

5. Compatibility - The key to any relationship. Your gadgets need to like each other. Make sure you check the specs on your printer to ensure that it plays nicely with your PC or Mac. If you are using iOS™ or a program like iCloud™ (Apple® talk) there are some newer printers built to work easily with iPads™ and iPhones™. 

Its more affordable than you might think to find one that performs well. Here is a example of a worthy product that meets these guidelines. I have always been partial to HP® printers and have had really good success with them at home and in professional settings. Its wireless, has print/scan/copy features, and the ink is reasonable at $9.99 to $26.00 (for combo packs). This unit also has HP® ePrint technology, which in short, allows you to print from anywhere with an internet connected printer. Found this one at Office Max®. 

Don't be intimidated. At first glance it may seem like picking out the options on your new car is easier than navigating the bells and whistles on these gadgets. Stay focused and streamline your specific needs. A little research and comparison shopping will get you ready to print in no time.