Where do I put the printer?

Where do I put the printer? The new printer needs a place: one where it does not bother you, is easily accessible and works perfectly. It's sometimes not so easy to do it all together - after all, there's a lot more to consider than the question of where the device looks best.

Laser or inkjet? The technology often decides the location.

The first answer to the question of where to go is often a counter question: laser or inkjet? Not a few users fear the fine dust pollution by toner powder, and not without reason: The cartridges of the laser printer spray a fine mist that does not always end up 100% on the paper and is not necessarily healthy. Although the long-term consequences of particulate matter pollution are far from being adequately investigated, caution when choosing a laser printer is always advisable.

But more on that later: The majority of users still access the inkjet printer when it comes to a home printer - and at least have to worry about the topic of particulate matter when it comes to housing.

The temperature: The inkjet printer likes it cooler.

While heat can not harm the laser printer too much, an inkjet printer is sensitive to continuously high temperatures. Its mechanical components are robust, but the ink can cause problems - after all, it has a high water content. If the printer is too close to a heater, the ink cartridges may dry up and clog the printheads. So it is better to place the device at a distance from the surrounding heat sources and, moreover, avoid exposing it to excessive temperature fluctuations.

The noise level: Turn off the printer!

The inkjet jerks over the paper, the device whirrs, rattles and clinks - and only stops when the last sheet in the output tray is: Where is printed, this is often clearly heard! And if there is a lot to print and, incidentally, you also want to work in a concentrated manner, there will eventually be a point where the noise level really bothers you. In fact, companies usually have a separate printer room. But even those who print at home and have little space available, should not ignore the noise factor! Specifically, that means a little distance is good for everyone.

And the printer does not belong in the bedroom (which, if at night at 2 or a presentation is printed?) He is still placed directly on the desk well.
Incidentally, even laser printers make noise - although significantly less than the first-generation laser devices, but still too much to pursue a mentally demanding activity. The fact that companies set up printer rooms is therefore not just attributable to particulate matter pollution.

Printer to router: connect!

Actually, everyone knows that where the WLAN router stands is by no means unimportant for the functionality of a printer with WLAN option. Because a WLAN works with radio waves, and for a good data transfer the way to the receiving device should be as free as possible. Nevertheless, users surprisingly often ignore it, according to the motto: the printer will somehow find it, the router!

Maybe, but not necessarily. In order for the connection to work optimally, it should therefore be taken into account that walls, ceilings and thick walls slow down the WLAN connection: with a thicker wall, a good 25 percent of the signal strength can be lost.

The ideal way from the router to the printer: dry and well drained.

Of course, the connection is best if the printer and router are in the same room; but also normally thick partition walls let most of the waves through. Less permeable are reinforced steel concrete and plasterboard walls. Especially damp walls can obstruct the flow of signals - no wonder that radio waves on the way through the bathroom and kitchen are often difficult. Even with floors with underfloor heating, the waves make it very difficult to the printer, other electrical devices can interfere with the connection in addition.

If you have found the ideal space for your printer, it is best to immediately test the WLAN signal strength, for example via the reception display of a terminal device. The stability and speed of the WLAN connection can then be quickly checked by a few pressure tests.

Hide or present? Nice printers have it easier.

Today, branded printers designed for the home office are downright inconspicuous compared to the huge dirty-looking monsters of the first generation. And many have not only become more compact, but also much more presentable. The most recent example is the new HP OfficeJet 8700 series in a stylish "Print Forward Design". No wonder, then, that today's designer printers like to be in the living room - a relief for those who have always been bothered by the clumsy devices of yesteryear.

In all decorative placement, however, should be paid to a smooth surface of the pitch. Carpet fluff, for example, is not good for a printer! The fact that the device - whether laser or inkjet - must be easily accessible and does not belong in rooms where people regularly eat and drink is, of course, self-evident.

The printer in the closet - good idea or bad alternative?

Time and again one reads of users who stow their printer in a space-saving way in the closet. An idea that is not so outlandish: apart from the fact that the device thus becomes virtually invisible, this type of accommodation often offers protection against dust and moisture. If it is a laser printer, the cabinet can additionally protect against particulate matter in the air when the printing process runs behind closed doors.

The prerequisite: The cabinet must provide enough space (especially at depth) for the printer to fit in. A large-format multifunction device will therefore be eliminated from the outset. And of course it is important to secure the power supply by cable - in case of doubt just by a courageous hole on the back of the cabinet ...

Good ventilation: the nuts and bolts of laser printers.

Even though most laser devices are located in office environments, there are many users who do not want to forego the advantages of a laser printer privately. The separate printer room is then no option - who wants to leave the printer a complete room of his apartment? But even special filters, which are positioned in front of the air outlet of the printer, catch much of the dreaded fine dust.

With the choice of location, the load can be additionally minimized: First and foremost, the chosen place should be easy to ventilate, even if the device is operated only occasionally. In addition, the exhaust vents (even with fine dust filter) should not point to the user and his workplace. The surface is ideally smooth and easy to clean. If these conditions are taken into account, much has already been gained - and with it the laser printer on the way to the perfect location!