Video:Choosing Between Laser and Inkjet Printers

Transcript:Choosing Between Laser and Inkjet Printers

Hi! This is Meghan Lynn Allen for About.com, and today we'll discuss choosing between laser and inkjet printers.

Functions of an Inkjet Printer

First, analyze your needs. Are you looking to print photos? Then an inkjet printer may be the right printer for you. Inkjet printers come with color cartridges. You can go with the cheaper option, the less cartridges that you buy. For example, if you buy a printer with two color cartridges, it may be less expensive and you may have to buy those cartridges less frequently, but your color quality won't be as good as, say, a color printer with four to six cartridges. Inkjet printers are often the cheaper option. You can find some in the price range of around $30 dollars, and some even come free bundled with your computer purchase. But think of the cost of the cartridges and it may not be the cheaper solution for you. The main brands of these inkjet printers are HP, Canon and Epson.

Functions of a Laser Printer

Laser printers are no longer the expensive option. You can get a cheap and reliable black-and-white laser printer for around $100 dollars. But keep in mind that you'll need to buy that toner cartridge, which is usually around $80 dollars. The toner cartridge needs to be changed less often than the color cartridges in the inkjet printer, and it lasts a longer period of time. You can print up to tens of thousands of pages on the laser printer.

Best Part of Inkjet Printers

The biggest advantage of the inkjet printer over the laser printer is color. There are now laser printers that print in color, but they start around $300 dollars, and some argue the color isn't quite as smooth. Keep in mind that if if your goal is to print photos, you'll only be able to use plain paper with a laser printer.

Best Part of Laser Printers

The biggest advantage to buying a laser printer over that of an inkjet is that of capacity and speed. There are lots of choices for laser printers that print 30 or more pages per minute, and some have special features like duplex, or double-sided printing. Other special features are dedicated envelope feeds or larger paper trays - often laser printers can hold from 250-500 pieces of paper, and additional trays can be added. Samsung, HP and Brother are excellent in this category.

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