The Mouse Trap
–by Janis Weber

Check out all of my archived articles from the Sylvania AdVantage HERE.

Every shopper in the printer aisle has asked the question: Inkjet vs laser printer? Which technology is best? It’s the most basic and most essential question in printer shopping, and you’ve probably wondered yourself what differentiates the two technologies, and what are the top models in either category. I’m here to clear up the confusion. Although both print technologies have their place in homes and offices, there’s a good chance that one will be better at meeting your needs than the other. In the question of inkjet vs. laser printers, it’s all about what you want to do and which technology is better suited to those needs.
The basic distinction in the inkjet vs. laser printer question boils down to how each technology prints. This has an impact on what a printer will do well, how expensive it is to print documents and photos, and how much you’ll pay upfront. Inkjet printers are cheaper to buy. If you don’t print much, an inexpensive inkjet can be had for $100 or less. But, be aware that ink costs can make those more affordable inkjet printers more expensive to operate.
Laser printers are better for text and documents. If you are printing a lot of basic documents, a laser printer, even a monochrome laser printer, can churn out page after page with better quality than an inkjet. Laser printers usually have the lowest cost per page. Toner is incredibly cheap on a per-page basis and won’t dry out as old ink cartridges might. However, there are more and more inkjet printers being sold with refillable tanks that can offer similarly affordable printing, provided you’re willing to pay more upfront.

Inkjet printers are more compact and better for printing photos. Without the need for various internal drums and rollers, inkjet printers can offer full-page printing with a much smaller footprint than most laser printers, even while offering copy and scanning capabilities. Inkjets rely on liquid ink, deposited onto the page through a print head that uses dozens of micro-nozzles. It prints by putting microscopic drops of ink onto the paper. Depending upon whether that ink is dye or pigment-based, the ink may change the color of the paper, or simply dry as a deposit on the surface of the paper.
Laser printers, on the other hand, rely on toner, which is a powder. The “laser” in laser printing is used to generate an electrostatic charge, which is used to transfer the toner to the paper, which is then bonded to the surface of the page using heat.
Another major difference is the cost of ink and toner. Liquid printer ink has been identified as one of the most expensive liquids on the planet and is a highly engineered product. Designed to provide precise flow rates, to mix and bleed with predictable consistency, and to dry within moments, all while providing colors that look just right, there’s a lot involved in printer ink. It provides a high-margin product that printer owners will have to buy again and again so printer companies can keep you coming back for more.
Laser printers offer cheaper prints per page, but toner is more expensive upfront. Toner is the better choice for long-term use since it stores better than liquid-filled ink cartridges. Deciding between an inkjet printer or a laser printer really boils down to what you want to use your printer for. Some people print a handful of pages a year or print photos more often than text documents. Others may print reams of text but rarely need a photo. Or they value long-term operating costs just as much as the upfront purchase price.
My vote? Laser printing. It offers the most affordable way to print a lot of text-heavy pages. It’s faster, too, offering finished, smudge-free pages in seconds. If crisp, easy-to-read text is your priority, then go with a laser printer, which offers better text printing every time. Stop investing in overpriced ink.

Next Sylvania Senior Center Classes
Many classes are open by reservation only. Computer classes are not scheduled yet, but you are welcome to use the computer lab Mondays and Wednesdays 1-4. Check the SSC newsletter and website for the most current information or call Susan Jennelle at 419-885-3913. I hope to hold classes this year. We are getting there. Check the Sylvania Center Newsletter to see what is happing.
I Make House Calls (I am vaccinated and wear a mask)
I will come to your home or office and help you with almost any predicament including repairs, upgrades including software, tutoring or printer issues. I can be your resident “geek.” I have an endless amount of patience and knowledge with years of experience. Give me a text or call at 419-290-3570.

BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER TODAY – It’s not if, but when you will lose data!
Janis Weber, B.A., owner of Ohio Computer Training & Support, is a professional computer adjunct instructor. E-mail any specific questions or comments to JwPCtutor@Gmail.com or contact her for assistance at 419-290-3570. Private tutoring and repairs are just a phone call, text, or email away. Check out my archived articles on the Sylvania Advantage website (SylvaniaAdvantage.com) titled COMPUTER 101.