Comparing Used Laser Printers
6/4/2010
Comparing different used laser printers is a matter of weighing different benefits and features and their related costs. It's important to decide why you are getting a laser printer in the first place. Like buying vehicles, printer choices depend on needs and budget. Here are a few features to consider when choosing used laser printers.
Color or Monochrome Printers and the Cost of Ink
You've generally got 2 types of used laser printers. There's the standard monochrome printer that uses only a single toner, and then there are color laser printers that use 4 different toners to create every different color. You've also need to consider the expense of ink. While toner cartridges cost a minimum of $80, they produce many more pages than regular inkjet cartridges, so they are more cost effective in the long run. If you work in an office where color isn't needed, a monochrome printer will meet your needs for cheaper. If you're often printing documents you'll need to present to clients, color used laser printers are essential.
Resolution
Your printer resolution measures how many dots per inch are produced by the printer. You'll find used laser printers with resolutions ranging from 300 dpi to 1,200 dpi. You can ask your dealer for sample print outs to compare quality. Again, it depends on your printing needs. If you'll be printing material that will be used in presentation, used laser printers with high dpis are essential.
Speed
Speed again comes down to usage. If you've got a big office that has high production with many employees, a fast printer literally makes your office more productive, so it's worth investing in. If a printer isn't shared by many people, you can get away with something slower. Printing speed is an important consideration.
Ability to Print Many Formats
If you'll be printing materials in a variety of sizes, make sure to get used laser printers with trays that feed all paper sizes. This will let you print on all sorts of materials such as envelopes, legal forms, or A4's.