Are Laser Printers Good for Home Usage?
In the previous blog articles, we identified and understood the difference between Inkjet and Laser Printers. While both can be good options for home use, some people might have a different perception about laser printers being better used in offices. This article will delve a little deeper into the features, the pros and cons of laser printers, and will enlighten users’ doubts on the machine.
The Pros of Laser Printers for Home Use:
1. Speed and Efficiency
True enough, laser printers are best for their rapid printing capabilities, making them ideal for busy offices where quick document turnaround is essential. With print speed of to 30 page-per-minute like the new range of Brother Colour Laser Printer, that is superior to most inkjet printers, laser printers excel in handling high-volume printing efficiently.
2. Cost-Effective Printing
While laser printers normally have a higher upfront cost compared to inkjet printers, they often provide cost-effective long term printing solutions. Toner cartridges generally have higher page yield than ink cartridges which means they have lower page per print cost. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run.
3. High-Quality Text Output
Whether you’re printing personal or professional documents, one of laser printers’ best features is their ability to product sharp, crisp text documents that are perfect for reports, resumes, school assignments, etc.
4. Minimal Maintenance
Laser printers are relatively low maintenance as they are less prone to clogging or drying out, like inkjet printers when left unused for a long time. This results to fewer interruptions and smoother printing operations even on an intermittent usage at homes.
The Cons of Laser Printers for Home Use:
1. Initial Cost Barrier
For most home users, price is generally the topmost consideration, and this affects their perception on laser printers having higher upfront cost than inkjet printers. However, as highlighted in one of their advantages, toner cartridges generally have higher page yield. Brother’s new range of colour laser printer can last up to 3,000 pages in black and 2,3000 pages in colour*.
2. Limited Color Printing Options
While some laser printers like the Brother HL-L3220CW and HL-L3280CDW offer colour printing capabilities, they are generally outshined by inkjet printers in terms of colour accuracy and vibrancy. Home users requiring high quality photo printing may find laser printers less suitable for this need.
3. Warm-Up Time
Typically, laser printers that’s been left unused for an extended period require a brief warm-up period before they can fully operate. This delay may be considered negligible for home users who do not have consistent and urgent printing demands.
There is no debate whether laser printers are good for home usage or not. Although they are most likely to be considered by businesses due to their high-volume printing and professional looking print output capabilities which are not the usual top priority of most home users, the other compelling advantages are still worth seeing and still worth the long-term investment. It all depends on the printing references, budget considerations and usage patterns. This article can help you make a sound decision. 😊
*Approximate cartridge yield declared in accordance with ISO/IEC 19798
