Know that printers make noise when they operate, which can cause disruption and distraction to the environment. But, opting for the laser printer, you will be on the path of quieter versions than the competitors.

They are also faster, making them an excellent option for large companies.

And who has never printed a document that, unfortunately, ended up getting wet or receiving a few drops of liquid, blurring the page? This does not happen with laser printing due to the technology used, ensuring the integrity of the image, even with wet paper.

As we saw above in the comparative table, this model has two disadvantages. First it is still a more expensive option, and second it ends up not being the best model for those who print in color, as they are even more expensive.

Purchasing criteria: Factors for comparing laser printer models

Technology has always meant making choices, and they are not getting easier over time. New brands and models, new ways to do the same. There is a bombardment of advertisements that leaves not only you, but many people confused.

But, whether for domestic or labor purposes, there are some questions to help in defining a laser printer model to meet your needs, aiming to be the best cost-benefit ratio.

Here we list some criteria that we consider important for choosing your printer:

• Resolution or performance
• Print speed
• Printing capacity
• Compatible paper
• Monochrome or colorful?

Below, we will understand each one in detail:

Resolution or performance

Here we are going to introduce a term perhaps unknown to you, DPI (dots per inch). This acronym is very common when we search for printer specifications, and when someone talks about it, they don’t even care if the other knows what it means. But then, what is it?

It is basically the resolution capacity of the printer. In Portuguese, we speak dots per inch, and their relationship is that the higher the DPI, the greater the potential for “painting” the printer.

When searching, they will receive information such as 1200×600 dpi, or 6000×1200 dpi and variables. This means that the printer has the capacity to paint, in this last example, 6,000 dots horizontally and 1,200 dots vertically, within a square inch.

Therefore, the higher the dpi of the laser printer, the greater its printing capacity in high resolution.

Print speed

One of the dominant criteria for any laser printer has to do directly with its ability to get your report ready in minutes.

And this is very valid in a fast-paced world like ours, where we usually leave the impression for the last moment.

With a speed capable of delivering, from 20 to 50 pages per minute, these printers are effective for sharing with multiple computers, along with the need for fast prints.

In offices with many employees, 50 pages per minute seems the most suitable solution.

In a smaller environment or even for a house, the 20 is enough. Notice this detail in the product description to choose the best option for you.

Printing capacity

Imagine the printer installed, turning papers quickly, and every five minutes you need to get up to get more paper? Surely she would become an enemy and not an ally!

So, within this criterion, we must analyze two things: tray and load duration.

• Tray : Manufacturers know about this need and, in delivering speed, they understand the need to provide storage capacity.
  It is not uncommon for laser printers to find trays with a capacity of up to 250 sheets, some with more than 500.
• Duration of charge : On average, the toner in a laser printer usually lasts up to 1,000 pages, but there are machines that report possibilities greater than 10,000 pages.
  It’s a big variable, so try to find out what printing capacity you need in terms of volumes, to find a better option for you, reducing the need for replacements.

Compatible paper

A good device is useless if it is not able to print what you want, right? So, it is important to know the limitations of your laser printer.

In general, these printers are quite dynamic with respect to the size of the paper they print, often working from A5 (14.8x21cm) to legal size (21.6×35.6cm), and all others within this range.

But the paper also has depth, weight (or weight, as they usually call it). Models with laser printing are always excellent for printing in quality, but with a peculiarity regarding the paper.

Due to the use of a cylinder, the paper is “folded” to be printed, which can affect its characteristics or prevent printing.

But, models with “rear” paper entry allow thicker sheets to enter, allowing for a huge range of possibilities. So, stay tuned to the printer’s descriptions and compare with your checklist, ensuring that the product is fully serviced to your needs.

Monochrome or colorful?

Although a lot of material available on the network talks about monochrome (black and white) laser printers, there are already those on the market that also print in color.

Those with color printing, print at a speed similar to black and white, and with the same resolution characteristics, without smearing or smudging. But they are even more expensive options.

Try to assess the real need for this impression in your company. If budgeting is not an issue for you, laser printers that also print in color can be a great deal.

Now, if you are keen to have this type of printing, but you also want to save money, it may be better to look for another type of printer.