Laser Printers vs. Inkjet Printers

The debate over laser printers vs. inkjet printers is easier to resolve than many people think. As you start to make your decision, you should consider what kind of tasks you need the printer for, your overall budget and how much room you have. The following article can help you settle on either a laser or inkjet printer.

The luxury of laser printers

Laser printers work by bonding toner to paper in what is called a xerographic process. Housed in special cartridges, toner has a fairly large printing capacity compared to its initial cost, with long-term expenses that are significantly lower than inkjet models. Laser printers produce output with excellent quality and detail, making it possible to print the tiniest fonts clearly. Laser printers are ideal when printing monochrome text and when speed is an issue.

The incredible inkjet printers

Inkjet printers rely on spraying jets of liquid ink out of cartridge heads. A major advantage of inkjet printers is their ability to print high-quality photos. While they take longer to print jobs, inkjet printers cost less than laser printers. Most retail for around $100 for a basic model. Inkjet printers are not as large and heavy as laser printers; dedicated inkjet photo printers - models that only produce standard-size pictures - fit almost anywhere.

While a business may find that a laser printer is better suited for them, an inkjet printer is perfect for photographers and creative types. In the long run, your overall plans for using your printer determine which type of printer is best for you.