Why would someone choose an inkjet printer over a laser printer?

Question

This is a serious question, I'm not asking because I think it's stupid or anything, I truly don't know (I;m not v. clever). :-) thx.

Answer 1

This is actually an excellant question.

Laser printers use fine plastic particles called toner. The toner is attached to the paper first through an electrostatic process. Finally the toner is melted when the paper passes through the pressure and fusing rollers. Now laser printers have parts that are normally exchanged out as part of the printer's maintenance cycle. This includes the charging roller, (image roller if a color laser printer), feed and pickup rollers, and finally the fuser. Laser printers are pretty much user-repairable. However, they cannot make the print quality of an ink-based printer.

Now the low end inkjet models are pretty much throwaway's when they break. This is pretty much anything under $300. And the supplies run out pretty quick. However, as you get into the higher end ink-based printers, the cartridges get larger, cost per print comes down, and they actually excel the cost per printing of a laser printer. But again, ink-based printers are not normally user serviceable.

What is nice about HP Laserjet and Color Laserjet printers is that you can find Service Manuals and parts virtually anywhere. Even blowout diagrams which can be found on www.printerworks.com.

Color laser toner cartridges cost about $50 and up per cartridge for around 2500 planes. (1 plane is a run past each color while a face is a run past 1 particular color). You also have the image drum which is another $50-80 for about 25,000 to 50,000 planes. Fusers run about $80-$300 for about 250,000 planes depending on the printer.

The supplies for a color laser printer are much more expensive but the cost per printing when compared to a low end ink-based model is better.


I would go with a black and white laser printer and a color inkbased printer.

Here is a link to HP's print cost calculator:
http://www.hp.com/sbso/productivity/color/print_cost_calc.html

Answer 2

The costs associated with a laser vs inkjet are quite different. Typically, an inkjet costs less to purchase than a laser (laser jet). However if you use it a lot, you'll find yourself purchasing ink more often for the same page-per-page output that you would get from a laser printer. The toner on the laser lasts longer. If you want only black and white printing, then I'd go for a laser (you can purchase a color one and while the prices have drop significantly, it would depend on your usage, if you wanted to invest in one or not. You typically would have 4 toners cartridges in a color laser,)

I prefer a laser printer.

Answer 3

Laser printers generally cost more than Inkjet printers.
They use toner (powder) not ink. The toner has to be bonded to paper with a thermal roller. Laser printers last much longer than inkjets also.

Inkjet printers are cheap. Consumables are a little pricey but that is where companies like HP and Epson make thier money. Inkjets are also less efficent and smear.

I have worked on both types of printers, both have thier problems but if I had to choose one of the other a pen and paper works just as good!

Just kidding I would choose the laser printer

Answer 4

In my experience, Lexmarks don't last very long. Canon does really well using Canon ink (which are usually inexpensive). A Canon all-in-one printer/scanners are not much more than a regular printer. HP has good images but goes through ink fast. Samsung now makes a color LASER printer for $299, don't know how much toner is though.

Answer 5

Inkjet printers are just more affordable. That's pretty much the only reason not to get a laser which has nicer printing.

Answer 6

cost is the main driving force. Plus if you want photo grade printing thats very expensive on a laser.

Answer 7

Laser printers use more ink

Answer 8

Price is much higher and cartridges cost $300 for a complete refill of all four.

Answer 9

NOOOO NEVER, they stink!!!!! big time!!!!! Laser rules!!!

Answer 10

price