Yes, good people, it is that time again. Time to discuss matters electronic and cybernetic. Specifically what printer is right for you? This depends upon a few factors and in this article I will be going through them in an attempt to cut through some of the confusion you may be feeling and to clarify your choices in this area.

            Printers can be subdivided into two main groups: laser printers and inkjet printers. Each has strengths and weaknesses. First let us look at inkjet printers.

Here are the pros:

Initial cost - low and features plentiful

Entry level inkjet printers are cheaper than laser printers. A Brother inkjet printer typically costs around a hundred dollars and comes with starter ink cartridges which contain less ink than the refill you will buy later on. Also this type of printer typically has a scanner, copy functions and is often wireless.

Well suited to photo printing

If you are a bit more than a casual photographer and want to print your own photos a high end inkjet printer is what you are looking for.

And the Cons:

Buying inkjet carts can get very pricey if you print a lot.

            Inkjet carts cost less than laser toner carts but hold a relatively much smaller amount of ink. Laser toner carts cost around eighty bucks verses inkjets carts that cost half that, but toner carts can print between two and three thousand pages. Inkjets only produce three hundred to four hundred and fifty pages.

Entry level inkjet printers are not designed to last very long.

            These printers are designed for home and not business use and are the flimsiest you can buy. It is not uncommon for them to have mechanical problems in the second year of life.

Why would you want a laser printer?

Usage cost - low

A laser printer toner cartridge will cost double what a set of ink cartridges does, but it will also print four to seven times as much. This lowers your costs considerably. If you print a lot, but mainly text or printing that doesn't require color then laser is definitely the way to go.

Legibility

Laser printers print text much more clearly than inkjets and print more quickly.

And the cons:

Initial cost - high

Laser printers start at around a hundred and fifty dollars and for that you only get the printer with no copy or scan functions. Further, the entry level laser printer only prints in black.

Entry level Laser printer are short on features.

A wireless color laser printer will cost you around three hundred dollars and if you want to have one that will also scan and copy they run around five hundred dollars.

Dave's solution 

The best solution for most consumers is somewhat counter intuitive. I run an inkjet for the rare times I need to print in color and for scanning documents. I also run a laser for the bulk of my printing. Running two printers, one laser and one inkjet gives me all of the features I need with minimal cost outlay. Just remember that no matter which solution you adopt to visit the cartridge world near you for your ink refills.

Here are their links:

Cartridge World Cordova

Cartridge World Collierville 

Also if you need help buying or setting up a printer just give me a ring at 830-4362.