Having your own printer at home is very convenient. Those who decide to buy this useful device have a question: which printer is better? In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you first need to answer a number of questions:
If you plan to print color photos, then inkjet printers will provide the optimal balance between price and quality. Inkjet printers are traditionally characterized high resolution and high-quality color rendition of prints. If the user wants to use the device only for making photographs, then you can consider compact models that produce photo prints in the most common format of 10 by 15 cm. These devices support printing from flash cards and directly from cameras without connecting to a computer. But most devices are universal in terms of printed sheet sizes and allow you to work with A4 and smaller formats. For most users using a printer at home, this is the most convenient option.
The operating principle of a laser printer is completely different and allows you to achieve an unusually high speed of obtaining prints. Therefore, for those who often have to print large amounts of text or graphics, this option will be very convenient. Sheets with text and drawings or diagrams are of high quality and are obtained almost instantly. But it is worth considering that the quality of color photo printing is somewhat worse than with inkjet technology.
Price is also one of the important parameters that the buyer pays attention to. Inkjet printers are much cheaper, but their operation costs the consumer more than laser printers. Cartridges that cannot hold too much ink run out quickly. They have to be replaced quite often, and original cartridges are not cheap. As a solution, many companies offer uninterrupted ink supply devices, which reduces the cost of the printing process. In addition, inkjet printers have one more feature: if left idle for a long time without use, the print heads dry out, and then the printer may fail. To prevent this from happening, you need to regularly print at least something on them.
Thus, having a clear idea of what a printer is needed for and assessing your financial capabilities, you can safely go to the store to make a purchase.
Many of today's printing devices connect to a local or wireless network, and office models also feature automatic duplex printing. Often printers and MFPs are equipped with slots for memory cards, and then to print you just need to remove the card from the camera and insert it into the printer.
At home, inkjet and laser printers and MFPs are commonly used. Inkjet printers and MFPs provide excellent print quality for both black and white and color documents, but are especially good at printing color photographs with a large number of colors and shades. Such devices, even those with high technical characteristics, are relatively cheap, but the cost of printing is quite high due to the high cost of consumables - ink cartridges and special paper. In addition, one of the main disadvantages of inkjet devices is the drying of ink in the print head when left idle for a long time. It is quite difficult to remove dried ink from the print head nozzles - if the printer itself cannot cope with this during automatic cleaning, it is almost impossible to do it manually. In this case, the head has to be replaced, which can be very expensive - in most cases it is more profitable to buy a new printer.
To print large volumes of black-and-white documents, it is better to use laser printers and MFPs: they cost a little more than inkjet printers, but the printing price is much lower - due to the fairly high lifespan of the cartridge (toner). To reduce printing costs when using MFPs and inkjet printers, you can pay attention to models with continuous ink supply. Black and white prints made using such devices have a quality comparable to the quality of printing, but only very expensive models can handle high-quality printing of color photographs - standard color laser printers and MFPs can print only basic shades of colors, which is acceptable for printing documents with diagrams and graphics.
Both ink and powder can be purchased separately or in pre-filled cartridges. Cartridges are easy and convenient to change. Self-refueling is cheaper, but requires certain skills. In addition, many manufacturers protect their cartridges with a special chip that does not allow refilling.
Sublimation (thermal sublimation) printers belong to the category of professional or semi-professional - printing in them is based on sublimation, when a substance passes from a solid state immediately to a gaseous state - in this case it is ink that is in the cartridges in a solid state. Under the influence of high temperature and pressure, the ink is transferred to special thermal paper, resulting in photo prints that are very high quality, very durable and resistant to fading.
In this article we will tell you which printer is best to buy for home use. Nowadays, the choice of printers is very large, but when purchasing, you need to take into account several factors, which we will talk about today.
Tips for choosing a printer.
Firstly, at home you more often need a printer than a scanner and copier.
Secondly, if one of the component devices breaks down, you need to take it for repairs, and you will be completely deprived of a home assistant. And the cost of such a complex is much more expensive than the printer itself.
Inkjet printer.
We do not advise you to purchase an inkjet printer for your home, even though it is the cheapest. Its main problem is that it uses ink for printing. And if the printer is rarely used, then the cartridge dries out and must be replaced. And its cost is quite decent - approximately half the cost of the printer. Yes, and charging an inkjet cartridge is problematic (and sometimes impossible) and quite expensive.
Therefore, it is necessary to print on it at least once a month. In addition, text on printed sheets will blur when exposed to moisture, just like any text written in ink.
If you plan to print photos at home constantly and not periodically, then you can purchase an inkjet printer. The cost of one print on an inkjet printer reaches $0.25, which makes printing at home expensive and impractical. Printing photos at a service center will cost you less and without unnecessary problems.
Laser printer.
For home use, we recommend purchasing a black and white laser printer. He uses a special powder for printing, so the printed pages are not afraid of moisture. The cost of such a printer is slightly more expensive than an inkjet one, but it is indispensable for use at home. The cartridge is always in working order and does not require constant use. The laser printer is always ready to use, despite long periods of inactivity. The printing speed is several times higher than that of an inkjet printer.
When purchasing, you just need to choose a laser printer with an unchip cartridge. The cartridge, which contains a CHIP, cannot be refilled. After it prints a certain number of pages, you need to throw it away and buy a new one. And it costs several times more than refilling an unchiped cartridge.
There is no point in buying a color laser printer for your home. It's quite expensive. And you won’t print out paid utility bills in color!
A color laser printer, like an inkjet printer, is purchased by those who professionally do color printing or photography at home. For the average citizen at home, a black and white laser printer is quite enough.
We advise you to purchase one of the following printer models from well-known manufacturers Cannon 6020,6030 and HP 1100, 1102. These are black and white laser printers that have almost the same design, are reliable and easy to use. They have interchangeable and non-chip cartridges (there is the possibility of refilling), as well as excellent reviews of use. There are several similar models from other manufacturers, but based on our own experience, we do not advise you to buy them.
When purchasing, pay attention to the release date of the printer and the country where it was manufactured. This information is located on the back of the printer.
The process of unpacking and installing the HP 1102 printer.
1. First he removes the orange ribbons.
2. We take out the cartridge and remove the lock from it.
3. We pull out the pin.
4 . Reinstall the printer cartridge and close the top cover.
5 . We insert into the printer (very important - we insert only into the printer) a cord for connecting to the computer (it is not included in the kit, you must buy it separately). During the driver installation process, the program will prompt you to connect the printer to your computer. Connect the power cord.
6. After connecting the printer to the power supply, insert the driver disk and follow the instructions. If the disk is missing, you can download drivers from the manufacturer's official website.
7 . After installation, load the printer with paper and print a test page.
For detailed installation, watch our video. We hope you like our choice.
“Which is better, laser MFP or inkjet?” - a question that worries many. Multifunctional devices were first created in 1977 by the Xerox company. They are intended for printing and copying images. Today, there are laser and inkjet MFPs. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. In order to understand which is better - a laser MFP or an inkjet one, you need to understand the design of these devices. Additionally, a lot depends on the manufacturers.
Any color laser MFP for home has a special mirror. The beam from the drum hits him. There is also a large image drum that wraps paper around itself. The toner is installed nearby, and with its help the image is directly transferred to the page. For this purpose, there is additionally a special transfer roller. At the back of the laser device there is a stove that brings the paper to a certain temperature. This is enough to burn the toner and fix the image on the sheet.
A primary charge shaft is provided for waste powder. Additionally, there is a squeegee for cleaning the photodrum from toner. Also, all laser devices have a blade that protects the paper. The toner compartment of laser MFPs consists of a seal, a hopper and a seal. At the same time, there is a system that monitors the uniform distribution of toner on the paper.
For the most part, inkjet MFPs have a similar design. They include the printing mechanism, paper feeding system and control unit. Manufacturers also establish a control scheme, which differs in different models. The printing mechanism consists of a head, which is located in the center of the inkjet MFP. There are also ink cartridges that come in different types. Next, a motor is installed, which is responsible for rotating the head. A belt is connected to it for these purposes. Lastly, there is a stabilizer rod in the printing mechanism. It is necessary for accurate printing and is responsible for the vibrations that occur inside the head.
The paper supply system consists of a tray and rollers. Additionally, there is a separate motor for scrolling the sheet. The paper itself passes through the rollers inside the inkjet MFP.
The power supplies of the above devices are usually standard. Previously, bulky transformers were used for this purpose. These days, power supplies don't take up much space. The control system of the inkjet MFP is presented in the form of an electrical circuit. Her job is to decode the data. Additionally, the control system allows you to transfer information to a personal computer and back.
Some models of inkjet MFPs are also installed. In other cases, they are replaced by a serial device. Manufacturers can also install small computing system ports. There are two types of ink spray technology in string MFPs. The first is the thermal bubble system. Most often it can be found in models from the Canon and Hewlett Packard brands. The second type of atomization is called a piezoelectric system. It is based on the work of special piezocrystals. This technology was patented by Epson.
The main advantage of laser MFPs is fast printing. If we talk about large volumes of work, then this is simply an irreplaceable device. In this regard, it is very superior to regular MFPs. However, it is the first sheet of paper that will take a long time. This fact is associated with the need to warm up the photodrum. The second advantage lies in the simplicity of the device. The need for its repair occurs extremely rarely, and it is quite simple to maintain. Unlike inkjet MFPs, there is no need to constantly worry about ink problems.
Color laser MFPs for the home, of course, also have disadvantages. First of all, it hits the pocket hard. You can especially notice the difference if you choose a color laser MFP. Additionally, it takes up a lot of space, and it is quite difficult to place it on the table. Another drawback lies in the cartridges of laser MFPs. Like the devices themselves, they are expensive on the market. Despite their large resource, sometimes it is the price of cartridges that stops many potential buyers.
The main advantage of inkjet MFPs is their low cost. Most models are available to absolutely everyone. Moreover, the housings of these devices are quite compact. All this allows you to place the inkjet MFP almost on the edge of the table. Plus, they print the first page much faster than laser ones. Taking this into account, if we talk about one document, then inkjet MFPs are the leaders here.
Additionally, it is possible to supply cartridges directly, which are very cheap. By the way, you can refuel them absolutely independently without any problems. You can print on different types of paper. The ink adheres perfectly to both matte and glossy surfaces. The final advantage of inkjet MFPs lies in print quality. It is simply excellent, and if we talk about photographs, then ink is simply irreplaceable in this situation.
Unfortunately, inkjet MFPs also have disadvantages. First of all, this is the printing speed. If you have to work with a large volume, then it will take a long time. Some models are close to the speed of laser MFPs, but there is a problem. The second drawback lies in the maintenance of these devices. The ink often dries out and has to be replaced. In some cases, you just need to replace the cartridge. To solve the problem, you need to periodically use inkjet MFPs to warm up. This will always waste ink.
“Which MFP is better to choose?” - a complex question, but Hewlett Packard has long established itself on the positive side, and it has something to offer. Laser models of this brand differ from others in their reliability. It is possible to work with paper of various densities. The average print speed is 25 pages per minute.
Additionally, many models are equipped with a fax. It supports a wide variety of operating systems. Additionally, you can note the user-friendly interface. On average, the memory of these devices is 128 MB. In general, they can be described as productive. The most popular model is the Hewlett Packard M1536dnf. This laser MFP has good reviews from customers.
In terms of print resolution parameters, Hewlett Packard inkjet MFPs are significantly superior to laser models. It is possible to print on photo paper, as well as gloss. Additionally, there is a function for optimized resolution of work from a personal computer. A variety of paper sizes can be skipped. However, the recommended sheet density is 75 g per square meter. m. On average, the printing speed is 4 pages per minute. In turn, the first sheet is ready in 24 seconds. The boundaries of the printing area are quite extensive. You can also select a wide range of colors.
Power consumption is insignificant and allows you to save money. When in operation, the Hewlett Packard inkjet MFP consumes approximately 10 W. At the same time, only 2 W are consumed in standby mode. Also, in many models, manufacturers have installed a sleep mode system. When activated, the Hewlett Packard inkjet MFP consumes 0.9 W. One of the features is the presence of special contact image sensors. In general, the color depth is approximately 24 bits. Additionally, there is a scanning input mode. Copy speed is 4.5 sheets per minute.
Many models have a good maximum print resolution. This figure came very close to Canon inkjet MFPs. Additionally, we can note the good quality of document scanning. A wide variety of paper formats and densities are allowed. However, there is, of course, no opportunity to work with photo paper or a matte surface. The average print speed is 23 pages per minute.
As a rule, Canon laser MFP is equipped with a fax. The printing boundaries are quite extensive: the top, bottom and sides are 5 mm. Management is generally satisfactory. Many models are equipped with a convenient display for this purpose. The total memory of most models is at 256 MB. Operating systems support a variety. However, the Canon laser MFP consumes quite a lot of power. In operating condition, the device consumes approximately 500 W. In standby mode, power consumption is 5.4 W.
All this makes us think about the cost-effectiveness of laser MFPs. Moreover, their dimensions are quite impressive. On average, a Canon laser MFP model has a height of 390 mm, a length of 440 mm, and a depth of 360 mm. In this case, the weight of the device will be approximately 12 kg. The Canon MF217W model (laser MFP) is perfect for home use.
Most Canon inkjet MFPs boast good optical resolution. In this case, the droplet size is 2 pl. The density of printing paper is allowed from 64 to 105 g per square meter. m. Additionally, it is possible to work with photo paper. On average, a Canon inkjet MFP model produces 10 sheets per minute. If we talk about color printing, then this parameter drops to 6 sheets per minute. In turn, photo printing takes an average of 44 seconds. Additionally, you can highlight the ability to print without borders. The interface is generally pleasant and many will like it.
You can also highlight the cost-effectiveness of inkjet MFP models. On average, only 0.7 W is consumed. When copying, the Canon inkjet MFP consumes only 0.19 W. The dimensions of most models are quite compact. On average, the height of the device is 300 mm, the length is 440 mm, and the depth is only 150 mm. In this case, the weight of the device is on average 5.5 kg. The Canon MG4240 model is in greatest demand. This MFP has only positive reviews.
"Which is better - laser MFP or inkjet?" - a question to which there is no clear answer. However, first of all, it is necessary to determine the requirements that will be imposed on the device. If you look from the point of view of print quality, then the leaders in this regard are inkjet MFPs. They are simply irreplaceable for working with photographs.
However, this class of equipment is definitely not suitable for offices. Documents must be printed quickly. In this case, there should be no problems with the device. From this point of view, laser MFPs are clearly becoming the leader. Considering all of the above, the question is: “Which is better - a laser MFP or an inkjet one?” - must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
When purchasing a printing device, users most often have a question: which printer is better - laser or inkjet. To get a definite answer, you need to think about how this device will be used. Decide what will be printed more often - text files or pictures/photos. You should also think about future printing volumes and frequency. The last important factor when choosing a device type is print speed.
The internal structure of laser and inkjet printers is completely different. Under the housing cover, the similarity appears only in the paper feeding mechanism and some electronic components. This is due to the use of fundamentally different inks and different methods of transferring them to paper. For those users who value the compactness of the device, inkjet models are more suitable. Their dimensions are 1.5-2 times smaller, because bulky parts are not used during assembly.
In a laser type printer, you can find components such as a light-sensitive drum and an oven for fusing toner into the surface of the paper. Both parts are wider than a paper sheet (usually A4 format). The drum is an integral part of the cartridge, as it is subject to increased wear and requires periodic replacement. During operation, powder paint particles are attracted to the surface of the drum using static electricity. They are transferred from the drum to the paper, and then are better fixed when the sheet is passed through the oven.
Inkjet models print with liquid ink rather than powder. The main component is the print head. It is equipped with many small holes (nozzles) through which ink is applied to the paper. Every second of printing, several tens of thousands of microscopic drops of ink fall on the surface of the paper. They form the finished image or text. The cartridge and print head do not occupy the entire width of the page, but move horizontally along special guides.
The cheapest class of printing equipment is monochrome inkjet printers. They do not have significant advantages over black-and-white lasers, except for their low price. Large volumes of work can make the use of such devices less profitable than the use of laser ones. Multicolor liquid ink printers are also generally cheaper than their laser counterparts. But that doesn't concern professional equipment, designed for high-quality photo printing.
In addition to color, the price of devices is also affected by their characteristics and additional functions. Models with high speed, suitable for large daily print volumes, are more expensive than slow devices with low resource. Such devices are better suited for installation in an office. Additional features that affect the price include:
The number of pages that can be printed on one cartridge refill is indicated in the specifications of each model. It is important to understand that the actual consumption of powder toner or liquid ink directly depends on the degree of coverage of the sheet. The standard figure used by the equipment manufacturer when calculating the average number of pages is only 5%. Below is a picture that allows you to better assess the fullness of the sheet at 5% and 15%.
If the cartridge parameters indicate the ability to print 3000 pages, then when the sheet is filled to 15%, the actual number of prints will be 1000. The largest coverage is obtained when printing dark images and photographs. To reduce ink consumption when preparing text, it is better to choose thinner fonts and set the economy mode in the settings. It can reduce toner usage by 20-30% without significantly compromising quality.
The average volume of a black inkjet printer cartridge is 150-300 pages, laser: 1500-2500 pages. A color cartridge usually lasts for fewer prints. With the same filling, the difference can be 20-30%. An unpleasant feature is often the incomplete filling of the starter cartridge that comes with the device. This is due to the fact that manufacturers receive their main income by selling consumables, not the printers themselves.
Important! The starter cartridge can be recognized by the inscription “Introductory” or “Starter” among the markings on its body. Laser printer starter modules may also have a smaller toner tank size, making refilling them at a service center less cost effective.
Laser printing devices are less demanding to maintain. The main reason is the use of loose toner, as opposed to the water-based liquid ink used in inkjet models. If the integrity of the cartridge is damaged, the toner will not leak, but will only crumble, so it will be easier to remove. Another problem that occurs with inkjet printers is ink drying out. When left idle for a long time, the water evaporates and the substance thickens. The print head nozzles become clogged, and the longer they are not used, the more difficult it will be to restore the cartridge.
Empty cartridges can be replaced with new ones or refilled. But some models do not support refueling, so before purchasing equipment it is recommended to check the availability of such a possibility. Original cartridges and inks are more expensive than analogues manufactured by other manufacturers. They are of higher quality, so they reduce the likelihood of damage to the components of the printing device. Cheap analogues can clog the nozzles, resulting in streaks, blurry areas and other artifacts appearing on prints.
To reduce the cost of printing, it is better to install a continuous ink supply system on an inkjet printer. You can do this yourself using a ready-made kit, or contact service center to install the system. The CISS consists of tubes extended to the head and containers with toner, which are placed next to the device body. The maximum number of pages that can be printed using CISS can be more than 10 thousand. Maintenance of the printer during system installation is simplified.
Important tip! Instead of installing an ink supply system, it is better to choose a model with a built-in CISS.
For home use, black and white laser or color inkjet are suitable. The first type of equipment is better to choose for working with texts, the second - if you need to print photographs. If color images will be printed rarely, it is better to use the services of a photo studio rather than purchasing an expensive device and maintaining it in good working order. However, in terms of electricity consumption, inkjet equipment is more profitable.
It is better to install a monochrome laser printer in the office. The specifics of office work are most often associated with printing a large number of text documents, for which the device’s capacious cartridge is suitable. If in text files There will be many tables or charts that are best printed in color, use a multi-color laser printer. If you need to install more than one device, you can get by with just one color and several black and white printers.
Pay attention! An LED printer is even better for the office. Instead of a laser, it uses a set of LEDs to electrify the photo drum. At the same time, a substance harmful to the body, ozone, is not released.
