Buying a printer seems easy until you start looking for information: ink, laser, multifunction, with a tank… The key is not the price of the printer, but what each page will cost you over the next few years.
Ink printers. They are cheaper upfront and offer very good color and photo quality. Their weak point is the cost per page: cartridges run out quickly and, if the printer goes unused for weeks, the ink can dry out in the print heads.
Ink printers with a tank (EcoTank, MegaTank, and similar). They cost more to buy, but they are refilled with ink bottles and the cost per page drops significantly. They are a great option for families or small businesses that print in color frequently.
Laser printers. They use powdered toner, which does not dry out. They print quickly, with very sharp text and a low cost per page, especially in black and white. They are ideal for offices, study rooms, and students who print a lot of text.
Quick comparison:
|
|
Ink |
Ink with tank |
Laser |
|
Purchase price |
Low |
Medium-high |
Medium |
|
Cost per page |
High |
Very low |
Low |
|
Photos and color |
Very good |
Very good |
Good |
|
Occasional use |
Risk of drying out |
Low risk |
No problem |
|
Ideal for |
Occasional use |
Lots of color |
Lots of text |
Three questions before buying:
1. Approximately how many pages do you print per month?
2. Do you print mostly text or also photos and color?
3. Do you need to scan, copy, or print from your phone (Wi-Fi)?
If you're not sure, come to Prink Poblenou: we'll help you choose based on your actual usage and explain how much it will cost you to maintain it.