A laser printer is one essential product to corporate spaces and schools, home offices, and other businesses. This device has completely changed the conventional ways of printing.

They come with additional functionalities that give you the much-needed efficiency.

However, there are several-perhaps too many options from which to choose. The market boasts a pool of brands all competing to offer their product to consumers. Unfortunately, some are not as reliable as they may appear. This article is a complete laser buying guide to ensure you get value for your money.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser printers?

Before we get into the details of what you need to consider when shopping for a laser printer, let us look at a summary of its pros and cons. It should give you an idea of what to expect from one.

What are the advantages of a laser printer?

Impressive high speeds. Regardless of the type of printer you choose, laser printers are relatively incredibly fast. Often, they can output around 30 to 40 sheets per minute, depending on the load capacity.

High-quality output. With laser printers, you can forget about blurred texts and smudged ink. They can produce very accurate texts thanks to modern laser printers, clearer photographs, and color graphics.

They are durable. Laser printers are less susceptible to wear and tear compared to other types of printers. Although the technology does not come cheap, It sure is worth every penny.

They are cost-effective. If you are all for long-term saving, then laser printers are the way to go. Typically a toner cartridge can produce more than 1000 sheets(also depending on the printer’s capacity). Since they do not wear out quickly, you can be sure of a higher ROI(Return on Investment)

Less noise emission. Laser printers are comprehensively optimized to generate less to zero noise. Most of them rarely produce any noise.

What are the disadvantages of a laser printer?

High Initial cost. Laser printers are generally more on the higher side compared to their inkjet and matrix counterparts but with a significantly lower operational cost.

Expensive toners. Toners are more expensive compared to inkjet cartridges. If you need color, then be prepared to pay a little extra.

They consume more power. A laser printer consumes more power while in an idle state which is noticeable from the high heat, making its environment warm. However, the most recent ones are designed to be more energy-efficient.

How do I choose a laser printer?

Essentially, laser printers produce high-quality text and graphics using a laser beam. Contrary to conventional inkjet printers, laser printers use toners instead of ink.

Laser printers also come with several functionalities such as network connectivity, auto duplex printing, etc. With the countless variations in the market, here is what you need to look for when buying a laser printer.

Functionality and size

Several laser printers combine scanning, photocopying, and mailing functions in addition to printing.

When It comes to functionality, you have to remain keen on the specifications.

Other functions to look out for include network connectivity, ports compatibility, etc. It is also critical to know how heavy the printer is; lighter options are best if you need to move it often.

Paper Handling

You may need to check the specs for paper sizes and weight. For instance, If you need the printer to work on heavier paper or envelopes, consider purchasing a printer equipped with a multi-purpose tray.

Also, look into the number of documents or envelopes that you can load on the tray. It helps you gauge the printer speed.

Duty cycle

It refers to the number of prints the laser printer can make in a month. This information is also indicated in the specs. The more you intend to use the printer, the more you should consider higher duty cycles.

Noise and Power consumption

You can only assess noise from a physical printer; hence you may need to ask for a demo to test whether or not you are comfortable with the printer’s churning, especially during startup.

On the other hand, you can also check the amount of power usage when the device is actively printing or look for an Energy Star compliant one.

Ease of use and installation

Some printers are designed for more straightforward navigation and improved user experience. One good example is the LED and touch screen laser printers.

However, the ease of use goes way beyond the printer display, including paper tray accessibility, changing toner cartridges, and much more.

Common mistakes you are likely to make when choosing a laser printer?

Falling trap to marketing hype

The manufacturer will market and, at times, exaggerate the capabilities of the product. Therefore, It is wise to compare their information with that on ISO references in test results.

Relying on reviews

If the review is not from a first-hand user, then It may only be an advertisement stunt. Devices such as printers are best purchased or tested in person before landing into conclusions.

Focusing on the toner expenditure

There are several other consumable aspects of a laser printer, such as separate drums and fusers. All these contribute substantially to the running cost.

Assuming that new is best

More often than not, older versions offer better longevity compared to newer ones. The latter often have lower quality due to the focus on cutting the manufacturing cost using recycled material.

Final Thought

Generally, purchasing a device, appliance, or equipment is a massive investment intended to pay back efficiency and convenience. Most often than not, quality comes at a hefty price.

However, It is possible to get yourself a device that works just as well without breaking the bank. With that said, It is vital to do a little research to ensure the best deals before buying any product.

With all the above information, you should be able to choose the best laser printer for you.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Laser Printer?