n a world where ink tank printers are popular for their low initial price and cost per page, you might wonder why you should consider a laser printer for home use. The answer lies in your printing habits.
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Ideal for Infrequent Printing
If you print infrequently but still want the convenience of a home printer, a laser printer is an excellent choice. Ink tank printers need regular use, at least once a week, to prevent their print heads from drying out. On the other hand, laser printers, like mine, which is over three years old, can go months without printing, and I still haven’t needed to change the toner cartridges.
Choosing Between Single Function and Multi Function Printers
The first decision when buying a laser printer is whether you need just printing capabilities or additional functions like scanning and copying. Single function printers are generally cheaper and sufficient if you can manage scanning and copying with apps like Adobe Scan. Multi function printers, which can print, scan, and copy, are more versatile but come at a higher price.
Connectivity Matters
In today’s wireless age, having a printer with WiFi is a significant advantage, especially for mobile printing. While non-WiFi models are available, WiFi-enabled models from brands like Brother, Canon, HP, and Pantum are about 20% more expensive but offer greater convenience.
Speed and Print Quality
Print speed is a key factor, especially if you need to print large documents quickly. Brother printers excel in this area, offering speeds of over 30 pages per minute, while most other brands, including HP and Canon, offer around 20 pages per minute. For most home use, a print resolution of 600 x 600 dpi is sufficient, but higher-end models can offer up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for better quality prints.
Cost of Printing
While laser printers generally have a higher cost per page than ink tank printers, they are designed for different use cases. Brother printers typically offer the lowest cost per page due to their inexpensive toner cartridges. HP’s laser tank printers also provide a cost-effective option with official refillable toner cartridges. Be cautious of fake refills, as modern printers are equipped to detect and reject them.
Page Yield and Duplex Printing
Page yield, the number of pages you can print from one toner cartridge, varies based on what you print. Published yields are based on 5% page coverage, but actual yields will differ. If you want the convenience of automatic double-sided printing, opt for a printer that supports auto-duplex, like many Brother and some HP models.
Automatic Document Feeder
For those who scan multiple pages frequently, a printer with an automatic document feeder (ADF) is invaluable. Only higher-end models typically offer this feature, which can save significant time.
Paper Types and GSM
Most laser printers support A4 and Indian legal size papers. For heavier paper types, Canon printers are a good choice as they support up to 275 GSM, suitable for business cards and greeting cards. Brother printers generally support up to 105 GSM, adequate for regular printing needs.
Warranty and Service
Laser printers usually come with a one-year warranty. Service quality can vary, with Canon and HP generally offering better networks compared to Brother and Pantum. However, repairs can often be more costly than replacements.
Recommended Laser Printers
Best Multifunction Printer with WiFi: Brother DCP-B7535DW
This model is fully loaded with features like auto-duplex printing, an automatic document feeder, WiFi, and one of the lowest per print costs at 34 paise. It has a 250-sheet paper tray, supports up to 163 GSM paper, and offers a high print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi.
Best Multifunction Printer without WiFi: Brother DCP-B7500D
Similar to the B7535DW but without WiFi, this model is a great choice if wireless printing isn’t a priority.
Best Single Function Printer with WiFi: Brother HL-L2366DW
At around Rs. 14,000, this printer offers excellent value with a per page cost of about 1 rupee. It supports up to 105 GSM paper and has a print resolution of 600 x 600 dpi.
Best Budget Single Function Printer: Brother HL-B2000D
Priced at about Rs. 12,500, this model provides a low printing cost of 34 paise per page and supports paper up to 163 GSM.
Best HP Option: HP Laserjet Tank P1005w
For those who prefer HP, this model offers a cost-effective toner refill option, bringing the per print cost down to 40 paise. However, HP toner cartridges are generally more expensive.
Choosing the best laser printer depends on your specific needs, whether it’s for infrequent home use or regular printing tasks. Consider the key features, costs, and your usage patterns to find the perfect printer for your home.
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