Help! Printer Question

[CrimsonChaos]

I am buying a new printer tonight! I am trying to choose between a high-end color inkjet and a low-end b&w laser. I really don't do any color printing, so was leaning toward the low-end b&w laser.

However, when looking at resolutions, the laser printers were doing around 2400x600 and 1200x1200... whereas the inkjets were all doing around 4800x1200.

First, I thought that laser printers had better print-quality than inkjets -- if this is true, why is the resolution lower for the lasers?

Also, when which number is more important, the first or second? For example, is 2400x600 better than a 1200x1200? Or is it the exact same? Which one would I want if I want sharper/crisper print quality?

Please advise!

 

[montag451]

The resolution is X x Y [horizontal x vertical] dots per inch.

In lasers you generally don't have dots as such.

If you are only printing text/greyscale, then laser will be much better and CHEAPER for you in the long run. Also, they have less of a habit of breaking down after 12 months and 1 week.

If you want a high resolution inkjet - you will only get that high resolution benefit when you print on glossy photo paper - and the prints will take about 40minutes for 1 sheet A4.
The ususal text dpi for an average inkjet would be about 600 x 600.

Always remember that the high dpi's put about for the inkjets are for photos. There is no way you would try and print on normal paper at that resolution. I tried it, everything came out smudged after an hour in the printer!

 

[CrimsonChaos]

Thanks for the info - that makes sense.

What about the question regarding 2400x600 vs. 1200x1200 both on a laser printer. Which one is better - or are they the same?

Thanks again!

 

[tallman45]

Never buy a printer without seeing a sample printout. The specs may look better on a printer with worse output

 

[imported_fatal]

We use HP laserjets @ work, and I print a lot of copies. They hold up quite well & print excellent

 

[Griffinhart]

1200x1200 is better imho. But, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a problem with either. even at 600dpi text is very crisp on a laser printer.

I recommend taking a trip to Staples, or CompUSA and print samples.

I, personally use The HP Laserjet 1012
It's cheap, fast and excellent quality. I got mine for $150 last year at CompUSA.

There are several other good printers in that price range out there, but, this is what I went with.

I use both that laser and I use an Epson R200 for color. If you do a lot of B&W printing, laser is a lot more economical than ink. But, ink jets are really cheap to get excellent quality. $90 for the one I have, for example.