Which is the right choice, ink jet or laser printers?

We have always heard that laser printers are expensive and ink jet printers are cheap. We have also heard that ink jet printers are not cost effective on the long run because of the high maintenance cost involved when compared to laser printers. The cost per page is cheaper in laser printers. Laser printers are much faster than ink jet printers. We should not blindly accept these claims about the laser printers.

It was years ago the cost per page was cheaper in laser printers now with the improved technology and improved models the cost per page in ink jet printers too cost almost the same. The capacity of the laser printer toner is high when compared to the ink jet cartridge. However the cost of the laser printer toner is also equally expensive. So the average cost per page is almost equal in latest printers.

When you want to print photos or images the quality of ink jet printouts are superior to laser printouts. The ink in the ink jet cartridge suits this type of printing well. If you would like to maintain the quality of the print and also keep the average cost per page low, you must use good quality ink. The ink jet cartridge can be refilled but refilling is not advisable if you cannot find good quality ink or refills.

There are number software products available in the market that will increase the average number pages that can be printed per cartridge. However you need to check for yourself how effective these software products are. These products claim that they can reduce the consumption of ink from the ink jet cartridge without affecting the print resolution.

When you would like to decide between ink jet printers and laser printers identify first how your printer will be put to use. Would you be using your printer excessively printing many pages everyday? Your investment in laser printer will be justifiable only when you see that you will be using your printer regularly taking a large number of printouts everyday. If you are going to use your printer occasionally or just print a sheet or two per day then it is better to go for ink jet printers. Laser printers are expensive and meant for rugged office use. Whereas ink jet printers are cheap when compared to the laser printers. They are suitable for personal use.

When you decide to buy your ink jet printer, check whether it will meet all your printing requirements. Check for the cost of the ink jet cartridge replacements. Select a brand that is reliable and also at the same time whose ink jet cartridge replacements are not that expensive. Some of the printers come with the option of separate cartridges for each color as in the case of Epson printer cartridges. Such an option will be handy as you need to buy only those colors that run out.

Only the nature of your requirements can dictate which is the best printer for your need. So first analyze your requirements and be clear about how you will be putting the printer into use so that you can make an informed decision about the printer you would like to buy.