What's the difference between inkjet and laser printers?

In general terms, laser printers have higher resolution so they have better print quality. Inkjets create images by spitting out tiny droplets of ink, so their resolution is lower. If you look closely at a page printed on a laser printer and the same page printed on an inkjet, you will be able to see that the laser has smoother edges to the fonts. Inkjets are the way to go (as of 2003) for cheap color printing. Some of the more recent inkjets provide excellent color clarity and brightness, and are very well suited for printing photographs. Also, inkjets are usually quite a bit cheaper than lasers, and color inkjets are MUCH cheaper than color laser printers. While inkjet printers themselves are cheaper, their ink is much more expensive. Ink cartridges need to be replaced fairly often if you print a lot, and especially if you're printing pictures, and ink cartridges are not cheap. On the other hand, toner for laser printers is pricey, but will rarely need to be changed. If you're using a laser at home, you may never need to change the toner. All in all, each printer has its function. Inkjets are great for limited home use and for photo printing. Lasers are good for high-volume applications, like offices, or for applications that need extremely high print quality.

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Laser printers use a laser to charge a roller and lay toner onto paper which is then melted onto the paper. Ink printers use ink but there is no thermal process. Laser printers are generally better for text Ink printers are better for pictures The lower end laser and ink printers all have about the same print speed. Some of the higher end ink printers can print just as fast as the higher end laser printers. Generally schools provide black and white laser printers for everyday printing because it's more affordable to them and to the student if there is a print cost quota. Color laser and ink printers are provided as an option but the printing is more expensive. B & W laser - $.01/page Color laser - $.15/page Color ink - $.20/page These are estimates from when I set up a charge back process for the printers I managed. If you are a journalism, photography, visual arts, or graphics design major then use the ink printers for publications and pictures. Laser printers have several consumable parts that are replaced at intervals. Ink printers are generally throwaways unless the cost is greater than $300. There are also dry ink sublimation printers, ribbon printers, and thermal printers.

Laser printers are 99.9% of times only black and white and the ink on those lasts much longer than the ink on a inkjet printer. inkjet printer has colors and black and white and runs out much faster than the laser one :)

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