The growth of the computer industry has resulted in many changes and innovative features. New versions of every type of computer feature coming on the market. This applies not to computer applications, but also such equipment as printers. With the central activities of business often conducted offsite, maybe even hundreds of miles away, it is important to have a solid and reliable printer. This includes having the appropriate toner.



Toner cartridges for a printer can vary based on the type of printer you have, the functions it performs, and paper output. These cartridges are mainly used by laser printers, copy machines, and some fax machines. They are generally large in size, usually a couple of inches long. Laser toner actually fuses the ink to the paper which is why it comes out of the printer feeling slightly warm. This type of toner is good for large output companies who have a high volume of documents to print.

You can find these types of toner in the usual black, and if you have the money to spend, you can get color. You would know what type of printer you have because the other type of toner is called an inkjet cartridge, which is definitely smaller than the laser toner. Also, laser toner comes in a powder type substance while inkjet is ink.

The Differences between different kinds of toner include:

OEM Brand: The toner cartridge is made by the manufacturer of the purchased printer. As well, it may also be the company that the manufacturer permits to make the toner under their name. The page output is the same as a remanufactured cartridge.

Remanufactured: These toners are old toner cartridges that have been disassembled, cleaned, and refilled to work like they were new.

Compatible: These toners are manufactured by the original manufacturers. They have the same or higher page output than any OEM or Remanufactured cartridge.

An inkjet cartridge is filled with actual ink and is best used for printers that do not do a high volume of printing. Toner cartridges give a higher page volume output. It is important that you use a toner cartridge that is compatible with your printer. Most printers are able to be installed with a generic form of the cartridge that it originally came with and is usually much cheaper.

One can also refill their toner cartridge which can be much cheaper and is better for the environment. These are found at most stores and can be quickly done at home with little mess involved. There is one thing to watch out for though when replacing your toner. Some toners are manufactured with a chip that will not allow for refilling or reuse.

It sounds complicated, but it is really quite easy to figure out which type of toner you need. Most manufacturers have a website that can help you determine what type you need and almost any office supply store, including online retailers, will be able to tell you if they have it or not. Fortunately, toner is one of the easiest things to replace and anyone can do it.