ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES
As long as there has been the option, there has been a debate: Which is better for your office? An inkjet printer or a laser printer? We’ve decided it is time to weigh in on what printer is best for your workspace and what will make your work life better. You won’t be able to argue once you’ve seen the comparison.
Cost
While laser printers tend to have a higher initial cost, the reality is that with the growth in the laser printer’s popularity, they are becoming a much more reasonable option. Yes, you can get an inkjet printer for as little as $60 to $70 dollars from a big box store, but that will not be able to handle your office’s demands.
On top of your initial investment, as you continue to use your printer over time, you will need to keep it stocked with paper and ink or toner, depending on the direction you go. Let’s talk numbers:
The ongoing costs of printers are usually presented in cents per A4 page, which is calculated by dividing the number of pages your ink or toner cartridge can produce (you can get this information from the manufacturer) by the cost of the cartridge. For comparison. an inkjet printer usually averages a price of 20 cents a page while laser printers have a price of around 6 cents per page. If the average office employee prints 10,000 pages a year, you are looking at spending $2,000 a year per employee with an inkjet printer versus $600 a year with a laser printer.
Print speed and quality
When it comes to printing text pages, laser printing can’t be beat. Even in lower-end models, you can still expect print speeds of up to 20 pages per minute, compared to 6 pages per minute from an inkjet printer. You are working in a fast-paces business world. Do you really want a printer that takes three times longer to print your documents?
Now, let’s talk quality. If you’re printing large text (12 pt or larger), your quality will be fairl similar from either platform. However, you are working in an office setting and your printing documents with 12 pt or smaller printed text and laser is the superior printer. Laser printers use a fusing technology to adhere the toner to the page which lends itself better to the intricate curves and dots of small text, as opposed to the ink spray method employed by inkjets.
Print quantity
Laser printers are designed for high-volume printing. Besides the compared print speeds above, the amount of pages laser printers are capable of far surpass those of an inkjet. Most laser printers have main input trays that can hold at least 150 to 250 sheets of paper at once. And many have multiple trays to allow more paper and paper sizes to always be ready for print jobs. Inkjets are not often equipped with such large paper trays, and rarely, if ever, have multiple trays.
The numbers don’t lie. When it comes to office print needs, a laser printer will be your new favourite employee. With all things considered — ongoing costs, speed, quality and quantity capabilities — a busy office needs something reliable, cost effective and efficient. What is the best way to ensure you get all of these things? Go with toner. You won’t regret it.
