When stocking an office with printers, businesses typically run into the old debate: Inkjet or laser printers? Although both technologies have their advantages, cost-effectiveness is the primary concern in such high-usage places as offices. Let's examine what's most important in choosing the kind of printer most cost-efficient to operate.
1. Initial Costs
Inkjet printers are cheaper to purchase than laser printers. They're small, inexpensive, and for light-duty use, so they're appealing to start-ups or small businesses on a tight budget. Initial cost savings, however, are deceptive. Laser printers, although more costly to purchase, are intended for heavy-duty use and may have heavy-duty features such as larger-capacity trays and more rapid printing.
2. Cost Per Page
This is where laser printers begin to shine. Ink cartridges used in inkjet printers are generally more expensive per page than toner used in laser printers. While an inkjet may cost less initially, you'll find yourself replacing cartridges frequently—especially if your team prints a lot. In contrast, toner cartridges last significantly longer and offer a much lower cost per page, which adds up to substantial savings over time.
3. Maintenance and Down Time
The inkjet is more vulnerable to problems such as blockage and jammed cartridges, particularly if not used regularly. This could result in planned downtime and repair costs. The laser printer is meant for use and less maintenance. They are more reliable, so the office will survive fewer disruptions at lower maintenance cost—something that any office would desire.
4. Volume and Printing Speed
Time is of the essence in a busy office environment. Laser printers also beat out inkjets when it comes to pages per minute (PPM), making them far more practical to use for large print jobs. They are also more volume-friendly, meaning less interrupting to reload paper or change cartridges. When your office is making copies of reports, presentations, or extended documents on a daily basis, laser printers are the cheaper option in the long term.
5. Color Printing Needs
If your business depends upon color-accurate color prints—such as brochures or advertisement pamphlets—inkjet printers are best for color accuracy and photo-grade output. However, if the color is occasionally or for simple graphs and logos, then a color laser printer can prove to be a more economical long-term purchase through savings on ink and speed in printing.
6. Power and Endurance
Laser printers are more economical per page for heavy use and are generally longer lasting. Although they take more power to initiate (to heat up the toner), they will handle repeated use better. A laser printer alone can print an entire office many years without being replaced, so it is even more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Although inkjet printers might initially appear cheaper, with higher per-page costs, greater need for maintenance, and lower speeds as well, they are less suitable to most offices. Laser printers, although a higher upfront expense, they reap dividends long term with their higher efficiency, reliability, and lower expense.
For office settings geared towards productivity that need consistency and scalability, laser printers are generally the wiser and more economical option.
