Which Printer is better?

Many of us now have our own printer in our homes.  We like to be able to print our own documents and photos, we even have the option to scan and save important documents now. 

As like all electronic products on the market there isn’t just one to choose from, there are lots of models with all different functions.  But, “which printer is best for me” I here you ask.  Well let me give you a helping guide so you don’t feel so lost next time you need to shop for one. 

Ok, there are two types of printers, Inkjet and Laser. 

Inkjet printers use liquid inks and spray the ink onto the page through microscopic nozzles. 

Laser printers use toners, powder filled canisters, which disperse the power on the page and use heat fusers to adhere to the page.   

Ultimately the difference between the two types is cost.  A basic mono laser printer can cost about the same price as a colour inkjet printer outright to purchase, however as to running costs a mono laser printer will only have the one toner (black) and the colour printer will have up to 4 ink cartridges (some may come with just two – black and colour).  However Laser printers achieve a higher print ratio to their toner than an inkjet cartridge would. 

An inkjet printer will print slower than a laser printer and will print text more defined than an inkjet printer would. Although for colour printing an inkjet will outperform your lower priced laser printers in printing pictures and photos. 

As to the maintenance on each of these an Inkjet printer needs to be used on a regular basis and do a self-clean to stop the microscopic nozzles from blocking and a laser printer will require a replacement drum (toner waste canister). 

Overall you need to ask yourself what do you want to print: 

• Mono or colour 

• Budget 

• Multifunction capabilities 

• Regularity of printing 

Overall a laser printer is more economical over the long term, but it really depends on what you want to print and your budget at the time of purchase. 

As always, if you need more advice, don’t hesitate to contact your local IT professional.