Printers

Inktank vs Laser: Comparing Economies

by Ashok Pandey April 28, 2023 0 comments

As technology continues to advance, printers have become an essential tool for many individuals and businesses alike. When it comes to choosing a printer, two popular options are ink tank and laser printers. Both have benefits and drawbacks, and understanding the distinctions will help you decide which is ideal for your requirements.

When comparing ink tank vs. laser printers in terms of economies, it’s important to consider a few factors:

The upfront and per page print cost

Cost is often a key consideration when it comes to choosing a printer. In terms of upfront cost, ink tank printers tend to be more affordable as compared to laser printers. Ink tank printers, particularly, have gained popularity due to their cost-effectiveness. Ink tank printers use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, which can be more economical in the long run as you only need to purchase ink refills, rather than replacing entire cartridges. This can result in significant long-term cost reductions, particularly for high-volume printing.

On the other hand, laser printers are generally more expensive upfront, as they use advanced technology and components. Laser printers use toner cartridges, which can be more expensive to replace as compared to ink refills.

With the use of refillable ink tanks, inkjet printer users can save money on replacement ink, making ink tank printers a viable option for those who prioritize cost savings. For instance, HP Smart Tank AIO series of printers starts at INR 11k while the HP Laser AIO series of printers start at INR 18K. In terms of print cost, HP 103A Black Original Neverstop Laser Toner Reload Kit comes at INR 974 and offers page yield (black and white) of up to 2,500 pages. While HP GT53XL 135-ml Black Original Ink Bottle is available at INR 723 and offers page yield (black and white) of up to 6,000 pages. Meaning the ink tank printers are more economical for text printing.

Print speed

Laser printers have the advantage in terms of speed. In comparison to inkjet printers, laser printers use a distinct printing process that includes fusing toner onto paper using heat and pressure, allowing for quicker printing speeds. Laser printers are popular for their higher print speed, so if you are looking for a printer for high-volume print projects or for office where time is of the essence, you should go for laser printer. The HP Smart Tank 500 All-in-One Printer, for example, has a print speed of up to 11 ppm (black), whereas the HP Laser MFP 136w Printer has a print speed of up to 20 ppm (black). This means that in terms of print speed, laser printers are a better alternative for high-volume printing.

Print quality

Print quality is another key element to consider. Both ink tank and laser printers are able to produce high-quality prints, although the results differ slightly. Laser printers have a reputation for producing text that is crisp and clear, making them perfect for printing text-heavy documents like reports or contracts. Laser printers are also excellent at producing smooth gradients and accurate lines, making them ideal for printing intricate drawings and photographs.

Ink tank printers, on the other hand, are well-known for their capacity to generate brilliant, high-quality colour prints. Because ink tank printers can reproduce a wide range of colours and tones, they are great for printing images, marketing materials, and other graphics-heavy publications. Inkjet printers also have higher colour accuracy and depth than laser printers, which is vital for professional-quality printouts.

Conclusion

There are various elements to consider when comparing the economics of ink tank printers versus laser printers, including cost, speed, and print quality. While ink tank printers are less expensive up front and provide more cost-effective ink management, laser printers are speedier and excel at printing text-heavy documents with sharp font.

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