Laser Color Printers

Today’s laser color printers are more affordable, take up less space, and offer more functionality than ever. New technologies have improved color rendering so much so that documents printed on color printer laser devices rival those of professional printers. Laser printers are quiet in operation and come with a variety of options for almost any printing need.

Laser printers, generally initially more costly than inkjet printers, are less expensive to use because of lower priced consumables and more production from a single toner cartridge. Laser color printers, however, have been slow to catch on, generally because of the high purchase cost. Prices have come down dramatically in recent months, however, and laser color printers are now more affordable for businesses and consumers.

Xerox invented the laser printer in 1969. In 1975, IBM engineered the first laser printer for commercial use. It was a large printer and intended for the high volume printing of invoices and mailing labels. The well-known laser printers commonly used with personal computers today did not become available until the early 1980s. As new technologies were developed and expanded upon, laser printers greatly improved. Businesses requiring professional looking documents purchased them in great numbers because of the professional print quality and lowered costs. Laser color printers made their first appearance for commercial use in the late 1990s, but cost thousands of dollars. Now, laserjet color printers are nearly as affordable as inkjets.

Consider the following before purchasing a color printer laser unit:

1. Is color printing a requirement? Most businesses benefit from economical color printing, however, a laser color printer will cost a bit more to use than a black and white laser printer. If very little color printing will be done, an inkjet printer may be more economical.

2. Is the initial purchase price within budget?

3. Determine user needs before buying. Does the printer offer all of the required functionality? For example, many users desire a printer with the ability to print on both sides of the paper, called duplex printing. Duplex printing saves paper and keeps costs down. Is wireless connectivity a necessity? Is a small footprint important? What types of documents will be printed? Look for the printer that best matches the requirements.

4. Calculate the cost of replacement toner cartridges and drum replacements. These will be ongoing expenses.

All printers require the proper maintenance to run smoothly. The following tips will help keep a laser color printer in optimum working order:

1. Most laser printers include a self-cleaning feature. Run the program periodically, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Keep the outside of the printer as dust-free as possible.

3. Don’t let the printer sit for a long time without printing. Occasional printing must be done to keep the printing mechanisms and heads in working order.

4. Unplug the printer and vacuum the inside once a month to keep dust from interfering with printing.

Laser color printers give both business owners and consumers a cost-effective way to print colorful, professional-looking documents right from their own desktops.