subject: Is there any difference between Inkjet printers and Laser printers? [print this page] Is there any difference between Inkjet printers and Laser printers?
If you are faced with the dilemma of choosing between an inkjet printer and a laser printer then you are not alone facing such a situation. In fact, most of the organizations and individuals have had to face such situations and are continuing to do so. In any case, most of the customers of these printers operate under limitations pertaining to budgets, space, etc. But before you look into buying any printer you need to understand the operating costs associated with them.
If you are a home user and doesn't require printing many things at a time, an inkjet printer should suffice for you. However for larger organizations where the needs of printing can be high, laser printers are more suitable. The main differences between these two types of printers can be based on their quality of printing, speed, networking and space facilities, technology behind their operation, etc.
Differences with regards to technology
The technology used in inkjet printers is simple really. Their components are also less expensive as compared to laser printers. While the black inkjets make use of cartridges that use black ink, the colored versions have two ink cartridges the one that only uses black ink and the other one that uses all primary colors.
The laser printers on the other hand use complex technology for its operation. These printers make use of Toners to print images and texts on different papers. Though carbon powder was initially used for this purpose, manufacturers are now using cartridges that can be easily refilled for further use.
The higher-end versions of laser printers come with networking features that will allow them to be connected with various computers. As a result of this feature, the costs involved in networking would be greatly reduced when compared to inkjet printers. Networking as such is not easy in case of inkjet printers as they have to be connected via computers. Laser printers are bulky and hence require more space as compared to inkjet printers. If space is your major consideration while buying a printer, opt for the later type.
Differences with regards to Quality of print
The quality of print generated largely depends on the resolution levels of the printer chosen by you. And in this regard, the laser printers have a distinct edge over their inkjet counterparts. Because of higher resolution features, it is possible for laser printers to generate fonts without unnecessary edges. The quality of texts, photos, banners, graphics are thus much better in laser printers as compared to inkjet printers.
Differences with regards to speed
Laser printers are way ahead to their inkjet counterparts when it comes to speed of printing objects. People who require to prints materials in large quantities also prefer the laser printers over the latter types. While the speeds of laser printers are measured in pages per minute, inkjet printer's speed is measured in terms of their draft speed and hence they are largely suitable for proofreading works.
Differences with regards to cost
Cost is another important factor that differentiates these two printer types. This facto can in turn be sub-divided into operating and initial costs. While initial costs associated with inkjet printers is low their maintenance costs is considerably higher. However in the case of laser printers the initial cost is higher than its maintenance costs.
