SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Computers
Computer Basics From A To Z
Laser
vs Inkjet Printer – Which Should I Buy?
The
differences between inkjet and laser printers are becoming
less and less noticeable. However, there are still
several key factors to consider when comparing the two.
For example, simple correspondence or photo prints can be
printed with an inkjet printer without jeopardizing the quality
of the print. This is because inkjet printers no longer have
some of the problems they had it the past. They are not as
slow as they once were, and they no longer smear ink as easily.
You should keep in mind; however, that a laser printer is much
better for printing jobs that involve high quality color photos.
In general inkjet
printers are usually cheaper than laser printers, at least initially. In fact, inkjet printers are
frequently provided for free when your purchase some personal
computers. However, though the initial cost may be low, inkjet
printers are usually more expensive to run.
For example, a typical cartridge for an inkjet printer is
between $20 and $30. This cartridge will usually yield 400
to 500 pages, which comes to an average cost per page of four
to six cents. However, a typical laser toner cartridge costs
anywhere from $50 to $60, but yields 2,000 to 3, 000 pages.
This calculates to an average cost per page or two to two and
a half cents per page.
Based on these figures it is easy to see that an inkjet printer
will end up costing your more in the long run. This is especially
true if you plan to print documents in large quantities.
In addition, you usually cannot
store ink cartridges indefinitely. It is recommended that you do not use cartridges that have
been stored for more than six months. This is because as the
ink ages it is more likely to clog the jets in the head and
damage the machine.
Another fact to consider when comparing the two types of printers
is whether or not you plan to print on both sides of a sheet
of paper. While lasers can handle this task simply, inkjet
printers will often make the paper too soggy to print on the
other side.
You should also consider the productivity in pages per minute
that both printer types can produce. The average inkjet printer
can print text pages at five pages per minute, and graphics
at the rate of one page per minute. In comparison, laser printers
will usually print text pages at the rate of 17 pages per minute,
and graphics pages at 10 pages per minute. So if you print
large quantities of documents, or time is a significant priority
a laser printer would be your best choice.
In
terms of the quality of the print, a laser printer will
almost always come out on top. This is because inkjet printers
spill out small drops of ink color when printing, causing it
to have a lower resolution. However, laser printers can print
high quality, high-resolution documents with ease.
When comparing laser and ink jet printer, it is a common misconception
that laser printer’s user more innovative technologies and
is therefore automatically superior. While this may have been
true some time ago, today there are significant advantages
to both types of printers and choosing between the two is becoming
increasingly difficult.
The type of printer that will best suit your personal requirements
will be determined directly by what you’re at home printing
needs are. If you print in high volume and need superior quality
documents, a laser printer will probably be best for you. However,
if you are looking for inexpensive black and white documents
the inkjet printer will be your best bet. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2008
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