What Are the Differences Between Inkjet Printers and Laser Printers?

There are a number of differences between laser and inkjet printers. Both devices will allow the user to print information stored in a computer to a document. This information may either be in the form of text, image or both. Regular consumers tend to buy inkjet printers because of the basic affordability associated with these printers. Laser printers are more widely used in offices and by professional printers. Their basic differences can be separated into a few key areas.
Price
The price of both printers is usually the number one deciding factor for many consumers. As said before the inkjet is the preferred choice for regular users. This is as a result of the inkjets cheaper initial price. Many of these can be bought for under $150 and will offer most of the standard features including photo printing. Laser devices will cost more money in general although some models may be relatively inexpensive. If you will be using your printer for only black and white printing then the laser printer may be the best option over time as it will cost less to use it when the price to replace the ink is considered. However, if you would prefer the ability to print photos and other types of high quality images then the inkjet printer would be the better of the two.
Printing Capabilities/Function
The inkjet works more slowly than a laser device. A laser printer has the capacity to produce 3 to 4 coloured pages in the time it takes for the inket to produce one. The difference in the technology used to develop each is the main attributing factor. This means that laser printers are better for mass produced documents as may be found in working environments or at a print shop.
Lasers are best used for black and white images or for those images that are less intricate in composition. It economizes more effectively than the inkjet thus giving the user more prints in relation to ink usage. The inkjet on the hand produces better digital photographic images once the right type of paper is used. Lasers offer more settings meaning the user has more control over the print that is produced. Laser printers allow users to network. This capability is not found on most standard inkjet printers. This is a feature that makes it perfect for office use. This allows all employees in an office to connect to the printer from any work station. For home users this is never usually an issue because of the lowered demand for multiple printing in this type of environment.
Size
In general laser printers are larger than inkjet printers. The latter is made with the added bonus of being able to fit on smaller work areas. This was not normally the case with older models that were more cumbersome and less space efficient. This compactness makes it another reason for home owners to use inkjets. Type of Ink
The ink is fairly expensive for both types of printers but the laser printers that are capable of producing colour tend to be more expensive to refill. Lasers use a powdered ink form while inkjets use a liquid solution injected into print cartridges. However, the black ink in laser printers is more cost effective to use because of the way in which laser printers produce their prints. This is the key factor which helps promote the basic notion that the laser printer is more affordable to use in the long run for black and white printing.