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Laser Printers versus Inkjet PrintersInkjet printer cartridges have their pros and cons.
© Luke Arnott 2010–2011
When shopping for a printer, consumers may be unsure whether to buy a laser or an inkjet model. Each printer type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the choice ultimately depends on what kind of print jobs will be most common. The Advantages of Laser Printers Laser printers use a xerographic process to bond toner – a fine plastic powder – to sheets of paper. The toner is usually stored in large cartridges. The benefits of laser printers are:
The Advantages of Inkjet Printers Inkjet printers, like their name implies, print with liquid inks that are sprayed out of cartridges through microscopic nozzles in the print head. The benefits of inkjet printers include:
Laser printers often trade speed and print costs for photo quality.
Where Laser Printers and Inkjet Printers Fall Short
But both laser and inkjet printers have drawbacks – where one kind of printer is strong, the other is often weak. For instance, inkjets are significantly slower than lasers, while lasers (even color lasers) struggle with reproducing the subtle gradations of photographs. Inkjets and lasers also have different strengths depending on the amount of work they do. Laser printers are more economical for those who do high-volume printing, while those who do occasional print jobs will generally save more with inkjets. Laser Printers vs. Inkjet Printers – Which Is Best? Ultimately, the overall use of a printer determines whether a laser or inkjet model is best. Those who foresee printing mostly text or line graphics – especially in a business setting, where speed and costs are more essential – will do better with a laser printer. For moderate home use, printing occasional documents as well as family snapshots, inkjets are the better choice. There are exceptions, of course: professional photographers will still want inkjet printers, while home users who are only interested in occasional document printing will do better with lasers in the long run. So until new printer technologies become available, consumers have to make an informed choice between lasers and inkjets. |