A. In pairs, read the adverts and then answer these questions. See who in your class can finish first.

Look at the Help box and then complete these sentences using the comparative form of the adjective in brackets.

Multi-function printers

B. In pairs, describe the features of your ideal printer.

A. In pairs, choose the most suitable printer for each of these situations. Give reasons for your choices.

Choosing the right printer

1. You want to print documents, web pages and occasional photographs at home.

2. A small company needs a printer which will be shared by various users on a local area network (LAN).

3. A professional team of architects and engineers need to create accurate representations of objects in technical drawings and CAD.

4. A graphic arts business needs a printer to produce catalogues, brochures and other publications.

A. Listen to an extract from a consumer technology podcast about multi-function printers. What two disadvantages of multi-function printers are mentioned?

B.Listen again and answer these questions.

1. What is a multi-function printer?

2. Why are multi-function printers so popular?

3. What is the main advantage of PictBridge technology?

4. Apart from sheets of paper, what other things can multi-function printers print?

5. What software do you usually get when you buy a multi-function printer?

6. What advice does Mr Kelly give on ink cartridges?

7. What type of device does he recommend for home users?

8. What type of device does he recommend for businesses?

5 Language work: comparatives

1. A laser printer is generally (quiet) ____ than a low-cost inkjet printer.

2. Multi-function printers are now only slightly (expensive) ____ than conventional printers, and offer much (great) ____ versatility.

3. The printer quality of this network printer is noticeably (good) ____ than any inkjet, and as (good) ____ as similar laser printers.

4. The Agfa platesetter is (reliable) ____ and (easy) ____to use than most printers of its type.

5. Your printer is only as (good) ____ as the paper you use.

6. The final result is always (accurate) ____ than the original image.

7. An image setter is (heavy) ____ than a laser printer.

7 Reading quiz – printer adverts

1. How many inkjet printers are advertised?

2. Which printer would recommend to someone who wants to print advertising graphics?

3. If you have the wide-format printer from Vutek, what kinds of material can you print on?

4. Which technology lets you print directly from your digital camera without needing a computer in between?

5. A page description language, or PDL, describes how to print the text and pictres on the page. Can you find two laser printer languages?

6. What is the resolution of the Brother HL Network Colour Laser Printer?

7. How fast is the Brother HL Network Colour Laser Printer?