Laser vs Inkjet
There are two common types of printers, inkjet and laser printers. Although they achieve the same end result, the processes they use are not. Inkjet, as the name implies, sprays out a microscopic jet of ink unto the paper. The liquid ink then sticks to the paper and produces color. On the other hand, laser printers are completely dry. A narrow laser beam draws a pattern on a rotating drum, to which toner sticks to. The toner then gets pressed unto paper and baked at high heat, causing it to stick.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each process. Laser printers are much faster compared to inkjet printers once it has begun printing, with typical output speeds of 20 to 25 pages per minute. Although there are very fast inkjet printers, most are still quite slow, especially with color printouts. Another key advantage of laser printers is the extended duration before maintenance. Each toner cartridge can print out anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 pages before it needs replacement. The main limitation with inkjet printers is the amount of ink in the cartridge. Every a couple hundred pages at best, the cartridge needs to be replaced with a new one. Although it is cheaper per page to use laser printers, the difference has been eliminated by third party cartridge manufacturers with much lower prices.
When it comes to price, inkjet printers tend to win out more as it costs more to purchase a new laser printer than an inkjet printer. And while it is virtually impossible to purchase an inkjet printer that cannot print in color, black only laser printers are still quite common due to the even higher price tag of color laser printers. Size is also a major factor because laser printers are bigger in overall size compared to inkjet printers due to the multitude of moving parts within.
Because of the many differences between the two types of printers, they are also commonly seen in different settings. Laser printers are common in offices where great amounts of documents need to be printed everyday. Inkjet printers are more common in the home or for personal use.
Summary:
Laser printers use electrostatics and a laser beam while Inket printers just spray ink
Laser printers are much faster compared to inkjet printers
Laser printers cost more than inkjet printers
Laser printers are much bigger compared to inkjet printers
Laser printers are better suited for the office while inkjet printers are better suited for home use