The debate of inkjet vs laser printers is an office debate that has been going on since laser printers hit the market in 1977. Of course, back then, a laser printer cost as much as a car and it was about the same size as one, too. These days, laser printers are a similar size to commercial inkjet printers and the price difference is not nearly as dramatic as it used to be.
This has made the decision even more difficult for business owners and managers. When comparing inkjet vs laser printers it can be challenging to ensure the right decision is made. Which printer will provide better quality, which one is less expensive to operate, and how do the costs differ up-front?
Inkjet vs Laser Printer: What Are the Differences?
In the eyes of many, a printer is a printer. Both types of printer can put images or text onto a page so why not just choose one and be done with it?
The truth is that there are a number of differences between inkjet and laser printers that can have a very strong effect on your final decision. The type of printing you are doing and how much printing is being done should be guiding pieces of information that influence your purchase or lease.
While both printers will put out a piece of paper with an image or text on it, the way they do the job is very different. An inkjet printer uses droplets of ink applied to a piece of paper to create the image. A laser printer, as the name suggests, uses a laser to charge the paper. Then, dry toner sticks to the charged areas of the paper to create the image. Those two different methods mean that each type of printer has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The Pros and Cons of an Inkjet Printer
Most people are likely more familiar with inkjet printers because these printers are most commonly used at home. The small size and affordable up-front cost makes inkjet printers a popular solution for both commercial and consumer applications.
One of the main reasons people should consider an inkjet printer is if they plan to print a lot of pictures and require the best quality possible. Businesses that prepare colorful, photo-rich presentations for clients will likely find that an inkjet printer produces the best quality documents – an important feature if you wish to put your best foot forward with your next presentation.
Another great feature of an inkjet printer is the flexibility it offers. Inkjet printers can print onto a variety of different types of paper. If your business does various types of printing for different needs then you may wish to choose an inkjet printer for the flexibility when printing without having to worry about paper types. This also allows you to choose the right type of paper for the job without having to settle for something less.
Of course, no product is without its downsides. The flexibility and high quality image printing of inkjet printers comes at a price. That price, specifically, is built into the cost of replacement ink cartridges. This also means that inkjet printers are not the best choice for businesses that do a lot of printing. As printing volume grows, so does the cost of operating an inkjet printer.
The Pros and Cons of a Laser Printer
Just like an inkjet printer, a laser printer has it’s pros and cons. A laser printer is often the right choice for a business that tends to print a lot of documents. Laser printers excel at printing text clearly and cleanly onto a page. Admittedly, it’s not a sexy job but it’s an important one.
The cost of operating a laser printer is also usually less expensive than an inkjet printer. Toner cartridges can print many more pages than inkjet cartridges and also cost less to replace. That means that laser printers have a lower per page printing cost than inkjet printers. A laser printer can save 2 cents per page or more when compared with an inkjet printer printing in black and white.
Of course, there are also downsides to choosing a laser printer. The initial cost can be higher than inkjet printers although that gap has been closing over the years. Also, laser printers lack the image printing quality and flexibility of inkjet printers. This means that certain papers like heat activated paper cannot be used in a laser printer.
Still Looking For More Information?
Not quite ready to make the decision after comparing inkjet vs laser printers? Our experts at AISink can help guide you through the process. Contact us today!
