Laser or InkJet Printer ...???

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

Which is better .. and more cost effective?

Those little bottles of ink don't last very long.

Does "toner" last longer?

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

I do some crafty things with my printer so I need ink jet. I have no idea about the difference in price. sorry not much help.

Have you compared pricing and the # of prints on the toner vs the ink?

GingerPeach · ‎03-12-2010

Even refurbished ink cartridges get to be expensive.

But there are new "eco tank" printers, @RinaRina and @Mom2Dogs that may cost a bit more up front, but the ink is refillable and lasts for years.

I am just about to buy one so can't speak from personal experience as to the ink longevity, just from what I've been reading about them.

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Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

I was also going to recommend the Epson eco-tank printer.

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

Not familiar with those little bottles at all - have an HP that's been chugging for years and years.

So...the toner gives me great service - legal size paper - 2 pages each Lease and 2 copies = one for tenant and one for me.

I get many many copies from one cartridge.

Oh - and plus 2 sheets which accompanies the Lease.

I buy directly from HP and get free shipping

Hope this helps in your decision or whatever

ladyann45 · ‎05-01-2011

It all depends on what type of work you are doing. With an inkjet you by bottles but with laser you will be purchasing a toner and a drum in most cases, and it will last longer if you don"t do a lot of printing. My advice is to do your research based on your need. Color or black and white print. I have a small business so i have a black and white laser printer by brother my drum lasts for 12000 printings, while i use the high yield toner which prints up to 6000. So by all means compare what works for me, my not work for you. Toners varies in price $45 for recycle brands and name brand can can double , as well as drumunit. The reason i went in to detail is to help you navigate your way into the laser printer area, beacause the printer itself can cost you a lot from brand to brand. Good luck in your purchase.

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

Thanks, Krimpette.

Looks good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ngRJUlCM2E

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."

iwrite · ‎01-11-2019

as others before me have said, it depends on what type of printing you need to do the most.

i have never owned an ink jet printer because i print in high volume, which makes an ink jet not cost effective, and it prints slower. i have an hp laser jet. i print probably close to 10,000 pages per year in duplex mode. at best, i only buy a new toner cartridge every 18 months or so. i buy them on sale for about $35 and they yield about 15,000 pages.

i am only on my 2nd printer in 25 or so years. the 1st hp still works. i bought the second one because i wanted a printer that did duplex and printed faster.

they do make color laser jet printers. they cost more then an ink jet, but the cartridges last longer.

in general, laser jets are built better and are more cost effective.

if you need to do something that can only be done on an ink jet (i don't know what that would be), then, you don't have a choice but to go that route and deal with those cartridges.

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

I use an HP laser.

I buy HP toners because in the past I have gotten bad generic ones. HP toners are much more expensive, though. Cartridges are easy to install.

Compared to InkJet printers, I like the laser much better. No fooling around with ink. Although, it's been several years since I used one, I don't know the quality of the new InkJets, but at that time I found laser print clearer.

My previous HP laser lasted over 25 years with a good amount of use. All it needed was a new drum, but for the cost to install and its large size, decided on a new printer.

So, my reasons for preferring an HP laser.

HP lasers are real workhorses.

Long lifespan.

Very reliable.

Depending on use, high yield cartridges can last well over a year and more.

Toner cartridges are easy to install.

Clear print.

MJDinVegas · ‎04-04-2014

Hi, @RinaRina ! Just replaced an HP with the Epson Ecotank. Bought it at Best Buy on sale and got $50 off by recycling the HP. Print quality is amazing, easy filling of the tanks with no mess, easy to see ink levels. Overall been very pleased. I bought the ET-4760; has scanner, fax, document feeder, WiFi. Ink is also relatively inexpensive compared to the HP cartridges. I'll be returning mine to Costco.