Are you ready to add a new printer to your office equipment line-up, but aren’t sure whether to buy an inkjet or laser printer? The decision isn’t difficult once you study the differences, but the wrong choice can be hard on the budget.
Here’s how to decide which type of imaging equipment is right for your office.
1. Inkjet printers
Inkjet printers use liquid ink that’s either pigment or dye-based. The downside of dye-based ink is that it’s not water or smudge-proof, making it impractical for photographs or graphic arts use.
Another downside to inkjet printers, especially for business use, is cost. While big-box office equipment suppliers typically offer these units at a low price point, the total cost of ownership makes them an expensive choice for anything beyond a dozen or so copies a week. Before investing in an inkjet printer for business applications, make a quick cost-per-page calculation based on the price of ink cartridges.
2. Laser printers
Laser printers deploy a powdery toner to fuse images on the page via laser technology. They also require a drum unit, which must be replaced periodically to ensure crisp images.
Laser printers typically cost more to acquire than inkjet printers, but the total cost of ownership is usually much less. Inkjet prints can run around ten cents each, while documents produced on color laser printers can be as much as 90% less than the typical inkjet-produced document.
3. Know your provider
A reputable office equipment provider will help you choose the right printer for your requirements. They’ll be upfront about cost-per-page, maintenance requirements, and features for a clear picture of how the device will serve your needs and how much you’ll spend to use it.
Ready to take a look at the latest offerings in office equipment? Contact us at Indiana Business Solutions today!
