If you are looking for a new printer then along with making a choice between brands of printer you’ll also need to decide on whether you buy a laser printer or an inkjet printer. Previously laser printers were high cost purchases but they have reduced vastly in price now so that they are as affordable as their inkjet counterparts. The main difference between these two types of printer is that laser printers need toner cartridges and inkjet printers need ink cartridges. These onsumables are very different and understanding the differences can make the choice easier.
Liquid or Solid – Ink cartridges contain inks in liquid format. These tend to be water based but you can get some that are oil based instead. Toner however is a carbon based material that is dry and looks like fine dust. Printer method – the method of printing to get the ink or toner onto the paper is very different as well. Printer inks are sprayed onto the page via small nozzles inside the cartridges. Toner on the other hand sticks to the page in a pattern thanks to static electricity.
Printer capacity – the number of print out will differ per cartridge. Toner cartridges are big and can produce many print outs. Ink jet cartridges however are compact and small in size and therefore have a lower capacity. Expense – obviously toner cartridges are more expensive due to their printing capacity, however the cost per page is cheaper with a laser printer. Generic versions of both printer ink and toner can help to reduce costs further. Water Damage – if you use inks then you’ll know that it is water soluble and getting an inkjet printout wet will smudge and ruin it. This does not happen with toner cartridges.At Internet Ink we have both toner cartridges and ink cartridges to choose from and suit all major brands of printer.