

In short, the higher the DPI, the better your printout will look, especially if you want colour photos, but a lower DPI means you'll spend less on replacement ink cartridges (which can get pricey). The DPI refers to 'drops per inch' and indicates the quality of an image produced by an Inkjet printer. What DPI should I look for in a small printer? A thermal printer will heat the paper according to the desired image, causing the picture to show up. Thermal printing, like Zink, uses specialised paper rather than ink cartridges to deliver its results. This means it's potentially better for the environment. Instead, all colour required is embedded in the paper, making it popular for instant mobile printers. Zink is short for 'Zero Ink' and refers to a type of printing that requires no ink cartridges whatsoever.

It works by putting tiny drops of ink onto the page at a rate indicated by the DPI. Inkjet is the most popular kind of printing technology and is probably the one you're most familiar with. Each has its pros and cons and will be suitable for some while not serving others. Throughout this guide, you will have seen mention of various print technologies, including Inkjet, Zink and Thermal. (Image credit: HP) Inkjet vs Zink vs Thermal Save on this printer and accessories with our HP discount codes.The printer could easily be mistaken for a large, selfie-enhancing reference book when the lid is on. It looks sleek on its own, but if you prefer to match your home tech with your décor (who doesn't?), you can order fabric covers for this printer in indigo or grey fabric or a cork with a wine-coloured interior. If you fancy yourself an aesthete, the HP Tango is the small printer for you. It also works with the HP Instant Ink service, which is handy if you often find yourself running out of ink at the worst times. This printer works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Cortana and allows you to print photos directly from social media. You're essentially paying for extras that are "nice-to-have", not "need-to-haves." That said, if you want a cutting edge printer that works with the latest tech, this is it. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive, which is why it's not our top pick overall. The HP Tango is similar to other models in terms of print speed and resolution, but it's lighter and offers a few more bells and whistles.
