Laser Printer vs. Inkjet

Whether laser or inkjet, a reliable printer is essential.

It was not that long ago that the choice between a laser printer or an inkjet printer was clear-cut. If your printing needs were business related, then a laser printer made the most sense. If you were looking for a printer for home use, then an inkjet printer came out ahead. Today, improvements in technology in both printer categories makes the decision more of a personal choice.

Resolution

Printer resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI). The more dots of ink or ink toner per square inch, the sharper the image. Early, low-cost, inkjet printers printed text at 300 dpi, while laser printers printed text at 600 dpi and higher. Improvements in ink technology and paper have allowed ink jet printers to match the resolution of laser printers. A resolution of 1200 dpi is common in both types of printers.

Speed

If your printing needs involve large, complex documents, then a laser printer may be your best choice. The speed of inkjet printers slows with the complexity of the document.

Color

While color laser printers have come down in price and are not quite as bulky as earlier models, the inkjet printer still comes out ahead in both size and cost.

Photographs

If you want to print photographs on photographic stock paper, then an inkjet printer is the best choice. There is less of a difference in quality between laser and inkjet when printing photographic images on plain paper.

Cost

When comparing cost between the two types of printers, it is important to consider several factors. Laser printers, especially color laser printers, have a higher initial cost. Inkjet printers cost less, but the ink has to be replaced more frequently than a laser printer's toner cartridge. So before making a decision, consider both your print volume and the extent at which you intend to use color.

Final Verdict

When deciding between laser or inkjet, consider what your printing needs are and what your wallet can afford.

References

• Printer