The home computer has, over the years, become a veritable staple in homes across the world; an indispensable means with which to work, learn, shop, communicate, and entertain ourselves. And along with the computer comes a plethora of accoutrements designed to work in tandem with this great modern convenience. One of which, of course, is the printer. What was once a large, bulky, and expensive item only found in office buildings is now found in every computer-owning home in its streamlined, compact counterpart.

In some cases, finding the most appropriate and affordable printer can be just as time-consuming and confusing as purchasing your computer. But often, printer owners choose from any variety of ink jet printer; the use of which sparks an assortment of personal experiences. In an effort to determine if an ink jet printer is best for you, it is often beneficial to call upon the experiences of others.

First and foremost, in order to understand the increasing popularity of the ink jet printer, it is necessary to understand how it works. Overwhelmingly common in the computer-using home, the ink jet printer – for this use – is small, compact, and yet enormously efficient. Its replaceable ink cartridge contains separate compartments in which each ink color is held. Within these compartments are also small metal receptors that communicate with the computer to which it's linked. Upon the print selection being made – and according to the colors chosen - a signal is sent to the corresponding ink compartment. In turn, the metal receptor warms, thus heating the ink and allowing it to drop onto the paper beneath. While complicated in its description, the printing function of the ink jet printer is actually quite simple and only takes a matter of seconds.

Users of the ink jet printer often report on its extraordinary efficiency and the high quality of its printed products. In addition to printing quality text, the ink jet printer also prints photos and pictures with quality and ease. Further, as is often not the case in high quality printers, the ink jet printer is actually quite inexpensive.

The popularity of the ink jet printer is also often associated with its size, simplicity of set-up, and its quiet operation.

However, ink jet printer owners will also often tend to complain of its pricey ink cartridge replacements. With the amount that the cartridges need replacement, this can often come as an expensive surprise to owners. Some operators have also complained of the tendency of the ink jet printer ink cartridges to clog and bleed.

Regardless, more affordable ink cartridge replacements can be found with a little bit of research. And, in assessing the relatively few negatives against the positives of the machine, most people find the ink jet printer to be a bargain not to be missed.