An article looks at the “pros and cons” of laser printers.
Easier Technology began by explaining the difference between inkjet printers and laser, describing inkjet as “putting tiny droplets of ink onto paper to create text”, and lasers as using the “same technology as photocopiers”, but using toner cartridges “instead of ink”. The article noted that laser printers are faster because the printers use “laser beams to produce an image”, and can print 20 to 40ppm, which is a plus for those who print a lot of documents.
The quality of the print is also more clear and precise, it stated, and the pages are dry so there is no smudging. Compared to inkjet printers, lasers are more expensive but mostly more durable, and the toner cartridges don’t have to be refilled as often as ink, Easier Technology noted: as well as this, the toner is a dry powder, so there is less mess when changing the cartridges.
The article also commented that there are more parts to replace in laser printers such as fusers and maintenance tools, but that although initially more expensive to buy, there are savings on the cartridges as they last longer. The type of paper used for printing from laser printers is more limited than for inkjet, and for photo printing the inkjet is “far superior” in finish, as well as the bonus of linking a digital camera to the computer and printing on “glossy paper”.
In conclusion, the article said that it very much depends on what the printer is required for when deciding to buy laser or inkjet printers, but that businesses “prefer laser” for the speed of print and bigger workloads, and those who want to print images and colour photos should chose an inkjet printer.