Hello,
I wonder if this is the right forum for these questions, but I plan to buy a printer soon and I would like to know what your opinions are on this subject. Budget is sadly constricted to 75-125 euros. Could I find something decent and able to print Didots, Bodonis and other hairlines at that cost?
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Although “edge enhancement” is nice in general, for this you just need resolution.
So, look for a TRUE 1200 dpi b&w laser printer in that range. (not one that reaches 1200 through “enhancement” techniques)
That said, given your strict budget, the printer will likely have compromises in one or more other areas.
If you are on Windows and not Mac, the Xerox B210 looks good
I am actually on Mac and I have printing black and white texts on a HP ENVY Photo that is actually made for printing on photographic paper during the last months. I used quality art paper instead (non-photo) and I've been surprised by the quality of it - crisp letters, perfectly rendered hairlines, a general impression of cleanliness.
Do you think that doubling the dots per inch parameter actually makes a big difference in terms of visual quality and sharpness?
Thank you for your patience and help.
It depends on what you are doubling to and from!
Going from 300 to 600 dpi is huge. A difference that even the average user should be able to notice, if they are paying attention.
Going from 600 to 1200 dpi? Well, seeing as the 600 dpi generally has edge enhancement technology as well, for smoother curves, there are two main places it is noticeable:
- halftones
- hairlines
So, if your Didot and Bodoni typefaces have seriously thin hairlines, it may be noticeable.
Perhaps I am overly concerned here. Honestly, even a Didot or Bodoni, if genuinely designed for text sizes, will have sturdy enough thin parts at text sizes. Only if you took a display version and printed it small would you really need the 1200 dpi for the hairlines, I suspect. Or if it were a more exaggerated modern interpretation.
As a more general practical matter, you might look at the ratings and reviews of the very few 1200 dpi printers in your price range, against 600 dpi devices, and make a decision taking other variables into account such as paper handling, reliability, interface and front panel features. Getting 1200 dpi is great, but if you have to compromise on too much else, you might be better getting a more broadly-useful printer and going with 600 dpi.