Is Having a Personal Printer Worth the Hassle?

It’s 3 am  and you’re putting the finishing touches on your paper. 

You totally understand that you should have had this thing finished hours or even days ago but, you’ve got a packed schedule and time is of a premium right now.  Nevertheless, you’re nearly done and it will be completed on time for your 8 am literature class. 

Once you’ve made the final revisions, you lean back in your chair for a brief moment of celebration until you remember, you Literature Professor is “Old School.”  She requires both a digital copy and a hard copy.  Panic immediately set in as you think, “Oh *BEEP* how am I supposed to print this out!”   Just then, your alarm goes off and you realize it was only dreaming.  Your paper isn’t due until next Wednesday.   But what if you don’t have time to start it until Tuesday night?  What if the computer labs on campus are closed for some weird scheduled maintenance?  What if the library printers are temporary out of order, out of paper, or just plain out of life? 

 You need a contingency plan, at once!

Buying and installing your own personal printer can seem like a major hassle, but this small investment will save you countless times.  You can find wireless printers anywhere from Wal-Mart to Best Buy to Amazon.   

With the advances made in home printing technology, you can find a small, All-in-one, wireless, inkjet printer for as low as $30!  Of course, laser printers will cost you a bit more and take up more space, but for the amount of printing you’ll be doing, inkjet printers get the job done well.  Most wireless printer set-ups are pretty straightforward and user-friendly.   

You may choose to wire your printer directly to your laptop, but the wireless set-up will allow you to print from multiple devices including your tablet and mobile smartphone.  If you’re worried about unwanted printing from an unauthorized guest, during installation you can heighten your security settings.  This is usually as simple as toggling a button during set-up. 

Printer maintenance can also seem like a pain. 

However, keep in mind you won’t be using your printer for all of the printing needs.  It’s your contingency plan, so you’ll likely use small amounts of ink and paper, being that a majority of your printing will likely take place on campus.  If you are serious at home printer, ask for ink and paper as gifts or inclusions in your college care packages.  

Owning and operating your personal printer is virtually painless.  Look at it as an additional device in your toolbox for university success!  Thus, is setting up your own printer worth the bother?  The answer: a RESOUNDING YES!

Have any tips for printer maintenance? Share them below.  

About the author:

Kelli Roberts is an imaginative freelancer on a mission to create, teach and heal. She aspires to expand lives through writing and her understanding of neuroscience and positive psychology. Kelli is fulfilling her purpose in Southern Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Connect with her on Instagram @Wildflower_Curls.