Laser Printers Buyer's Guide

Updated: December 2008

Buying tips

Remember memory – An additional factor that contributes to printing speed is the printer's memory, or RAM. Particularly when printing complex graphics, equipping a printer with additional RAM can speed the printing process significantly. Also, keep in mind that color laser printers typically require four times as much memory as monochrome printers to handle the same size document, because each of the three RGB or four CMYK color separations needs to be rasterized and stored in memory before printing can begin.

Know your paper – Laser printers print fairly consistently on multiple types of paper, while inkjet quality changes quite a bit due to the varying absorption of the liquid ink on different papers. However, inkjets generally do a better job on glossy and photo papers, as well as thick card stocks that many laser printers can’t handle.

Lasers have the extras – Paper handling features such as duplexing, stapling, and the like are rarely available on inkjets. Buy used? – To save money, consider a refurbished laser printer. Refurbished laser printers are printers that often sell for less than the price of toner for a new printer, and were previously used and often sent back for repair. Once the repair is made, the printers go through a refurbishing process and are offered for sale. But, remember to check the prices of supplies and maintenance kits for the brand of printer you want to buy. These can be expensive, and may put the overall cost of the printer out of your budgetary goals.

Saving energy – Look for a printer that is Energy Star compliant. These printers should save you a modest amount in electricity bills each year and are likely to last longer, since lower energy usage translates to lower demands on the cooling system. Alternate sources – Keep in mind that your warranty remains in effect even if you do not purchase consumables (toner, etc.) produced by the original manufacturer. This is required by law.

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