Inkjet Vs. Laser Printing
When it comes time to buy your next printer, you’ll be faced with the difficult task of deciding between inkjet and laser technology. These devices utilize very different methods to produce text and images on the printed page. As with all modern machines, there are advantages and disadvantages to using each of these printers. In this guide, we’ll go over their main features and functions so that you’ll have a better understanding of which printer is right for you.
For starters, inkjets use small dots of ink to create output, whereas laser printers use toner to produce text. For small office and home environments, inkjets are usually the better choice because they cost less initially yet deliver brilliant, vivid color. On the other hand, laser printers produce high-quality output at a lower cost per page. Plus, toner cartridges last longer than inkjet cartridges, which eventually bring down overall printing costs. For these very reasons, laser printers are more popular in larger office settings.
When you do the math, inkjets seem to cost a whole lot more in the long run, especially if you do frequent, high-volume printing. Consider the average numbers for an inkjet versus a laser printer:
Typical toner cartridge: $50-$60
Page yield: 2,000-3,000 pages
Average cost per page: 2-2.5 cents
Typical inkjet cartridge: $20-$30
Page yield: 400-500 pages
Average cost per page: 4-6 cents
Although these numbers are only averages, the difference in price adds up quickly. In addition to cost benefits, laser printers typically operate much quieter and faster than inkjets, and they’re remarkably hassle-free. Another drawback of inkjet cartridges is that the ink tends to smear when wet, and can also fade over time. Photo quality, however, is usually excellent (better than most laser printers), and improves with more expensive models.
Over the past few years, the market for laser printers has been on the rise, while prices continue to fall and the range of available products steadily increases. As an inexpensive alternative, replacement and remanufactured cartridges are also available for both models.
So before purchasing a printer, you must always consider the type of jobs and applications that it will be used for. Don’t buy a laser printer if you’re going to use it two or three times a week. Don’t buy an inkjet when you’re going to be printing hundreds of large documents. The bottom line: using the right printer for the right job is the key to successful print management.
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