Inkjet or Laser Jet Printer?
Printers vary in different kinds. One must know the differences between these several kinds of printer for them to make a good choice. Below are the significant difference between an inkjet and a laser printer.
- Affordability – Inkjet printers are cheaper compared to laser printers. People with low budgets consider an inkjet printer. However, the ink of an inkjet printer is much expensive. Also, ink cartridges have the need to be replaced more often especially if you are always printing pictures and these ink cartridges are expensive. On the other hand, toners for laser printers are expensive, but it will rarely require the need to be changed. Laser printer at home may never need to change the toners because it is not used as often. In conclusion, the cost per copy of the laser printer is much lesser compared to that of inkjet printers.
- Speed of the Printer – For those owners that are more particular with the speed, the laser printer is recommended because it has quicker speed in comparison with inkjet printers. Also, it has the capability of printing faster and can produce better image quality. Inkjet printers are not recommended when printing demands large volumes.
- Ease in terms of usage – Inkjet printers have features that are more accessible as it can provide the requirements and needs of an individual and even small businesses. In this case, this feature is only limited on printing quantity of not in volume.
- Printing quality – Generally, laser printers are capable of printing in higher resolutions and therefore, they have better printing quality. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, produce images by spitting out very small droplets of ink, making their resolution lower. Looking closely at the page that has been printed on both laser and inkjet printers, you can see that laser printer has smoother edges of the fonts used.
- Longevity – A well preserved and maintained laser printer has longer life span than an inkjet printer.
Moreover, inkjet printers have many disadvantages. They are known to cause cartridge error messages despite the fact that the cartridge is working fine. The printer sometimes is not functioning well that it will start printing in unending loops. And oftentimes, it is difficult to regulate and minimize the quantity of ink being used in inkjet printers.
On the contrary, laser printer has numerous advantages, one of which is that it can use with a duplex unit enabling the user to print in both sides or back to back. This is very functional especially in making leaflets and brochures. It has also the feature that enable the user to assign different paper trays for each draft to print it without messing up the tray. In laser printer, a wireless network card or an Ethernet can be added to connect it to the network. This function cannot is not available on inkjet printers.
Above are just the pros and cons of inkjet and laser printers. Both have specific functions that distinctly different. Inkjet printers are great for personal and home use. Whereas, laser printers are ideal for offices or any place where large volumes of printing need to be done.