Color printer, laser or inkjet, which is better? Difference in technology

"What's better, laser MFP or inkjet?" - a question that worries many. Multifunctional devices were first created in 1977 by the Xerox company. They are intended for printing and copying images. Today, there are laser and inkjet MFPs. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.In order to understand what is better - a laser MFP or an inkjet one, you need to understand the design of these devices. Additionally, a lot depends on the manufacturers.

Laser MFP device

Any color laser MFP for home has a special mirror. The beam from the drum hits him. There is also a large image drum that wraps paper around itself. The toner is installed nearby, and with its help the image is directly transferred to the page. For this purpose, there is additionally a special transfer roller. At the back of the laser device there is a stove that brings the paper to a certain temperature. This is enough to burn the toner and fix the image on the sheet.

A primary charge shaft is provided for waste powder. Additionally, there is a squeegee for cleaning the photodrum from toner. Also, all laser devices have a blade that protects the paper. The toner compartment of laser MFPs consists of a seal, a hopper and a seal. At the same time, there is a system that monitors the uniform distribution of toner on the paper.

How do inkjet devices work?

For the most part, inkjet MFPs have a similar design. They include the printing mechanism, paper feeding system and control unit. Manufacturers also establish a control scheme, which differs in different models. The printing mechanism consists of a head, which is located in the center of the inkjet MFP. There are also ink cartridges that come in various types. Next, a motor is installed, which is responsible for rotating the head. A belt is connected to it for these purposes. Lastly, there is a stabilizer rod in the printing mechanism. It is necessary for accurate printing and is responsible for the vibrations that occur inside the head.

The paper supply system consists of a tray and rollers. Additionally, there is a separate motor for scrolling the sheet. The paper itself passes through the rollers inside the inkjet MFP.

The power supplies of the above devices are usually standard. Previously, bulky transformers were used for this purpose. These days, power supplies don't take up much space. The control system of the inkjet MFP is presented in the form of an electrical circuit. Her job is to decode the data. Additionally, the control system allows you to transfer information to a personal computer and back.

Some models of inkjet MFPs are also installed. In other cases, they are replaced by a serial device. Manufacturers can also install small computing system ports. There are two types of ink spray technology in string MFPs. The first is the thermal bubble system. Most often it can be found in models from the Canon and Hewlett Packard brands. The second type of atomization is called a piezoelectric system. It is based on the work of special piezocrystals. This technology was patented by Epson.

Advantages of laser models

The main advantage of laser MFPs is fast printing. If we talk about large volumes of work, then this is simply an irreplaceable device. In this regard, it is very superior to regular MFPs. However, it is the first sheet of paper that will take a long time. This fact is associated with the need to warm up the photodrum. The second advantage lies in the simplicity of the device. The need for its repair occurs extremely rarely, and it is quite simple to maintain. Unlike inkjet MFPs, there is no need to constantly worry about ink problems.

What are the disadvantages of laser devices?

Color laser MFPs for the home, of course, also have disadvantages. First of all, it hits the pocket hard. You can especially notice the difference if you choose a color laser MFP. Additionally, it takes up a lot of space, and it is quite difficult to place it on the table. Another drawback lies in the cartridges of laser MFPs. Like the devices themselves, they are expensive on the market. Despite their large resource, sometimes it is the price of cartridges that stops many potential buyers.

Pros of inkjet models

The main advantage of inkjet MFPs is their low cost. Most models are available to absolutely everyone. Moreover, the housings of these devices are quite compact. All this allows you to place the inkjet MFP almost on the edge of the table. Plus, they print the first page much faster than laser ones. Taking this into account, if we talk about one document, then inkjet MFPs are the leaders here.

Additionally, it is possible to supply cartridges directly, which are very cheap. By the way, you can refuel them absolutely independently without any problems. You can print on different types paper. The ink adheres perfectly to both matte and glossy surfaces. The final advantage of inkjet MFPs lies in print quality. It is simply excellent, and if we talk about photographs, then ink is simply irreplaceable in this situation.

Cons of inkjet devices

Unfortunately, inkjet MFPs also have disadvantages. First of all, this is the printing speed. If you have to work with a large volume, then it will take a long time. Some models are close to the speed of laser MFPs, but there is a problem. The second drawback lies in the maintenance of these devices. The ink often dries out and has to be replaced. In some cases, you just need to replace the cartridge. To solve the problem, you need to periodically use inkjet MFPs to warm up. This will always waste ink.

Hewlett Packard laser models

“Which MFP is better to choose?” - a complex question, but Hewlett Packard has long established itself on the positive side, and it has something to offer. Laser models of this trademark differ from others in their reliability. It is possible to work with paper of various densities. The average print speed is 25 pages per minute.

Additionally, many models are equipped with a fax. OS supports a wide variety. Additionally, you can note the user-friendly interface. On average, the memory of these devices is 128 MB. In general, they can be described as productive. The most popular model is the Hewlett Packard M1536dnf. This laser MFP has good reviews from customers.

Hewlett Packard Inkjet Products

In terms of print resolution parameters, Hewlett Packard inkjet MFPs are significantly superior to laser models. It is possible to print on photo paper, as well as gloss. Additionally, there is a function for optimized resolution of work with personal computer. A variety of paper sizes can be skipped. However, the recommended sheet density is 75 g per square meter. m. On average, the printing speed is 4 pages per minute. In turn, the first sheet is ready in 24 seconds. The boundaries of the printing area are quite extensive. You can also select a wide range of colors.

Power consumption is insignificant and allows you to save money. When in operation, the Hewlett Packard inkjet MFP consumes approximately 10 W. At the same time, only 2 W are consumed in standby mode. Also, in many models, manufacturers have installed a sleep mode system. When activated, the Hewlett Packard inkjet MFP consumes 0.9 W. Among the features we can highlight the presence of special contact sensors images. In general, the color depth is approximately 24 bits. Additionally, there is a scanning input mode. Copy speed is 4.5 sheets per minute.

How are Canon laser MFPs different?

Many models have a good maximum print resolution. This indicator came very close to Canon inkjet MFPs. Additionally, we can note the good quality of document scanning. A wide variety of paper formats and densities are allowed. However, there is, of course, no opportunity to work with photo paper or a matte surface. The average print speed is 23 pages per minute.

As a rule, Canon laser MFP is equipped with a fax. The printing boundaries are quite extensive: the top, bottom and sides are 5 mm. Management is generally satisfactory. Many models are equipped with a convenient display for this purpose. The total memory of most models is at 256 MB. Operating systems support a variety. However, the Canon laser MFP consumes quite a lot of power. In operating condition, the device consumes approximately 500 W. In standby mode, power consumption is 5.4 W.

All this makes us think about the cost-effectiveness of laser MFPs. Moreover, their dimensions are quite impressive. On average, a Canon laser MFP model has a height of 390 mm, a length of 440 mm, and a depth of 360 mm. In this case, the weight of the device will be approximately 12 kg. Model Canon MF217W (laser MFP) for suitable for home Great.

Canon inkjet models

Most Canon inkjet MFPs boast good optical resolution. In this case, the droplet size is 2 pl. The density of printing paper is allowed from 64 to 105 g per square meter. m. Additionally, it is possible to work with photo paper. On average, a Canon inkjet MFP model produces 10 sheets per minute. If we talk about color printing, then this parameter drops to 6 sheets per minute. In turn, photo printing takes an average of 44 seconds. Additionally, you can highlight the ability to print without borders. The interface is generally pleasant and many will like it.

You can also highlight the cost-effectiveness of inkjet MFP models. On average, only 0.7 W is consumed. When copying, the Canon inkjet MFP consumes only 0.19 W. The dimensions of most models are quite compact. On average, the height of the device is 300 mm, the length is 440 mm, and the depth is only 150 mm. In this case, the weight of the device is on average 5.5 kg. The Canon MG4240 model is in greatest demand. This MFP has only positive reviews.

Summarizing

"Which is better - laser MFP or inkjet?" - a question to which there is no clear answer. However, first of all, it is necessary to determine the requirements that will be imposed on the device. If you look from the point of view of print quality, then the leaders in this regard are inkjet MFPs. They are simply irreplaceable for working with photographs.

However, this class of equipment is definitely not suitable for offices. Documents must be printed quickly. In this case, there should be no problems with the device. From this point of view, laser MFPs are clearly becoming the leader. Considering all of the above, the question is: “Which is better - a laser MFP or an inkjet one?” - must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You won’t surprise anyone with a home computer for a long time. But such equipment as a printer, by the way, a necessary thing, not everyone still has. If you decide to purchase this household device, you need to decide which printer you need, laser or inkjet.

The printer is peripheral device for printing information on paper. Printing is the printing process itself, and the finished document is a printout. The printer has a special converter that translates incoming digital information into machine language that is understandable to technology.

According to their operating method, printers are:

• matrix
• jet
• laser
• sublimation

They also differ in printing color: color and monochrome. For home use, a laser or inkjet printer is most often purchased. How to choose which one you need?

Jet printer

Principle of operation inkjet printer very simple. The device houses a matrix with a built-in print head and liquid ink cartridges. It moves back and forth over the paper, and paint is released from the nozzles of the head in small drops. This is why inkjet printouts are always a little wet at first. There are models with a replaceable print head, when it is built into the cartridge; in this case, consumables are expensive.

An inkjet printer is always color. Moreover, there may be 4 types of paint (blue, crimson, yellow and black), or maybe 6 (light blue and light crimson added). The higher the print resolution, the better the quality of the printed document.

Pros of an inkjet printer:

1. Always in color.
2. Even a cheap printer can print a good quality image.
3. When using photo paper, it is ideal for printing photos at home.
4. Relatively cheap consumables and reasonable price of the printer itself.
5. You can refill the cartridges yourself.
6. If you bend a document, the paint on the fold does not fly off.

Cons of an inkjet printer:

1. The paint runs out quickly.
2. Prints slowly.
3. Sometimes the paint dries out and clogs the nozzles, and cleaning the entire head can be expensive.
4. Printing photographs is more expensive than in a photo studio.
5. At low resolution, dots are visible in the picture.
6. If you spill water on a document, it will blur.

But we must take into account that manufacturers do not stand still, and every year inkjet printers become more advanced.

Laser printer

At the heart of a laser printer is an image drum. A discharge of electricity is applied to it, which forms an image or text on it. Powder and toner stick to these charged places, then the photodrum is rolled over the paper and the toner is transferred to it, after which heat fixation occurs, the photodrum is cleaned of powder residues and everything starts again. The paper comes out of the printer warm.

Laser printers come in monochrome and color, with monochrome being the most common.

Advantages of laser printing:

1. Ideal for text information.
2. High printing speed. This point is especially important if equipment is purchased for an office with large printing volumes.
3. Sharp image.
4. The cartridge lasts a very long time long time, although this depends on print volumes.
5. Low cost of printing.
6. Long continuous printing.
7. A color printer is suitable for producing color images.
8. A printed document is not afraid of water.

Cons of a laser printer:

1. Even color is not suitable for printing photographs. The photo paper will simply melt there.
2. When folded, the paint flakes off.
3. Expensive replacement cartridge, although refilling with toner is now very common.
4. A color laser printer is an expensive proposition.

So what should you buy?

Both inkjet and laser printers for home are of approximately the same quality, have relatively the same price and dimensions. So we will make a choice based on our printing needs. The most important thing is to determine what you need the printer for. If you plan to print photographs, pictures and occasionally text, then definitely buy an inkjet printer. If your goal is coursework, reports, information, or printing will be rare, then your printer should be a laser.

Externally, these two types of printing devices are practically no different. The implementation of a specific model will depend on the manufacturer. The only thing that can be noted is smaller size inkjet models, which can be slightly larger than the width of a regular A4 sheet of paper.

It's connected with design features and technology for obtaining the finished impression. The main difference between an inkjet and a laser printer lies precisely in the design of these devices, which determines the printing technology.

How does an inkjet printer differ from a laser printer in terms of printing technology?

What is an inkjet printer

To decide which printer is best for your home, you need to understand how each device works. Inkjet works according to the following scheme.

The functional unit of the device is represented by a number of working components:

• mechanical control parts;
• paper feed rollers;
• clamping elements;
• printhead;
• place to place cartridges.

Built-in shafts carry out mechanical work, which consists of moving paper, and commands are generated by sensors.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

A large number of sensors ensures the functionality of the device. There are sensors responsible for calibrating equipment and fixing the tray that regulates the use of consumables.

The difference between an inkjet and a laser printer is that the former uses liquid ink to produce a print, while the image is formed by applying large quantity microscopic droplets of dye on paper. The dye is supplied through nozzles or microscopic holes located in the print head.

Modern inkjet printing uses three technologies that differ in the way they supply ink:

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

Constant heating and cooling of the print head leads to its rapid failure. During the operation of the printer it is necessary to replace it. Piezoelectric technology does not have this disadvantage, but if the head fails, the price of a new one will be comparable to the cost of the entire printer.

What is a laser printer and how does it work?

If we compare laser and inkjet printing machines, one of the differences will be the greater complexity of the technological execution of the former. Structurally, we can distinguish several functional units available in all laser printer models:

• paper sheet pickup group;
• equipment necessary for image formation;
• drive mechanisms;
• Heat setting.

When an Epson color laser printer or any monochrome model operates, electrified areas are created on the surface of the shaft or drum, to which, according to the laws of physics, the ink powder adheres. Next, a special gripping shaft pulls a sheet of paper along the surface of the drum, on which an impression is made. The most important part can be considered the presence of a thermal fixing function. Heating to a temperature of 200 degrees is necessary for the paint to bake onto the paper, ensuring the integrity of the picture.

Which is better - inkjet or laser printer: advantages and disadvantages

In any model of any product, no matter what it is, there are always pros and cons. Even with the most positive attitude towards the equipment, the buyer may not be satisfied with it.... price. Therefore, we will consider the main points that may influence the choice of one type of printer or another.

Laser printer for office and home – pros and cons

To understand which laser printer is best to buy for your home or office, you need to clearly understand what advantages and disadvantages the models on the market have.

Inkjet or laser printer for home: advantages and disadvantages of inkjet printing

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

If we talk about the last point, then when using an inkjet printer there is a possibility of ink filling, but not a single company that services office equipment provides a guarantee in this case. Therefore, the user can only buy a new set of cartridges.

Laser or inkjet MFP for home: print quality

One more important indicator is the quality of the resulting print. Modern models of inkjet printers, which are “sharpened” for printing photographs, are capable of producing images with a resolution of up to 9600×2400 dpi, which ensures the most complete detail of the image.

Due to the complexity of mixing powdered toner, a laser printer cannot process photographic images with similar quality, but its strong point is text printing. High precision allows you to make legible even the smallest point, which would simply smear when printed on an inkjet machine. Also, the advantages of laser printing include the clarity of the resulting print and its resistance to external factors, such as sunlight and moisture.

Performance

In this indicator, the palm belongs to laser devices, for which there is absolutely no difference whether text or a picture is printed, the speed of obtaining a print is maintained.

In inkjet machines, each individual pixel has its own shade, which results in a decrease in printing speed to suit better quality the finished image, if we are talking about photographs. In absolute terms, the average print speed of a modern laser printer is 20-30 pages per minute. For an inkjet machine this figure ranges from 3 to 8 pages.

Environmental Safety

Almost no one pays attention to this factor, but in vain. It has been proven that when a laser printer operates, ozone is released into the air. This substance belongs to hazard group 1, which means a low MPC level. Ozone is more toxic in its properties carbon monoxide. An additional irritant is considered to be powder, the smallest particles of which enter the human respiratory system. Inkjet technology has no such disadvantages. All coloring compositions are harmless to humans.

Which is better: LED or laser printer

One of the new products in the printing device market can be considered LED printers, which are similar to their laser counterparts. According to the principle of operation, the difference between these devices is that not a laser beam is used to apply powder to the shaft, but an LED line, equal in width to the drum.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

The higher the number of LEDs, the number of which can be from 2.5 to 10 thousand, located on the bar, the higher the print density and quality of the final print. But this, in turn, affects the cost of the device.

LED or laser printing – which is better?

Experts admit that the quality of the print obtained when using a diode system is higher. This is due to the fact that in a laser printer, in order for the beam to reach the surface of the photodrum, it must travel a different path, leading to differences in the distance between adjacent points. Additionally, due to the different angle of incidence of the beam, an oval rather than a perfectly round marker is formed.

The LED system is free from such disadvantages due to the presence of a ruler on which the distance between the LEDs is the same, and the beam does not refract, which allows you to get a perfectly round point. This ensures that accuracy is maintained in the center of the sheet and its edges.

Which printer performs better: laser or LED?

This indicator also benefits the LED printer, whose operating speed is practically unlimited due to the use of a diode line, where all light sources flash simultaneously. With a laser printer, as the physical resolution increases, a linear distortion of the print line is observed, which gradually loses its horizontal orientation. When increasing the printing speed and saving high resolution A laser printer requires the installation of additional mechanisms, which makes the device more expensive.

Which printer to choose: laser, inkjet, LED or even dot matrix is ​​a subjective matter for everyone. The most important thing is to objectively assess the scope of application of technology in the future. Based on this, you can choose a specific type of printing device. You can once again see the differences between laser and inkjet devices from the presented video.

When purchasing a printing device, users most often have a question: which printer is better - laser or inkjet. To get a definite answer, you need to think about how this device will be used. Decide what will be printed more often - text files or pictures/photos. You should also think about future printing volumes and frequency. The last important factor when choosing a device type is print speed.

Technological differences between printers

The internal structure of laser and inkjet printers is completely different. Under the housing cover, the similarity is evident only in the paper feed mechanism and some electronic components. This is due to the use of fundamentally different inks and different ways transferring them to paper. For those users who value the compactness of the device, inkjet models are more suitable. Their dimensions are 1.5-2 times smaller, because bulky parts are not used during assembly.

In a laser type printer, you can find components such as a light-sensitive drum and an oven for fusing toner into the surface of the paper. Both parts are wider than a paper sheet (usually A4 format). The drum is integral part cartridge, as it is subject to increased wear and requires periodic replacement. During operation, powder paint particles are attracted to the surface of the drum using static electricity. They are transferred from the drum to the paper, and then are better fixed when the sheet is passed through the oven.

Inkjet models are printed with liquid ink rather than powder. The main component is the print head. It is equipped with many small holes (nozzles) through which ink is applied to the paper. Every second of printing, several tens of thousands of microscopic drops of ink fall on the surface of the paper. They form the finished image or text. The cartridge and print head do not occupy the entire width of the page, but move horizontally along special guides.

Price comparison

The cheapest class of printing equipment is monochrome inkjet printers. They do not have significant advantages over black-and-white lasers, except for their low price. Large volumes of work can make the use of such devices less profitable than the use of laser ones. Multicolor liquid ink printers are also generally cheaper than their laser counterparts. But that doesn't concern professional equipment, designed for high-quality photo printing.

In addition to color, the price of devices is also affected by their characteristics and additional functions. Models with high speed, suitable for large daily print volumes, are more expensive than slow devices with low resource. Such devices are better suited for installation in an office. TO additional functions factors affecting the price include:

1. Larger paper tray - this option determines which printer is better (laser or inkjet) for the office.
2. Availability of Bluetooth and WiFi module for wireless printing (including from tablets and smartphones).
3. Opportunity battery life— printing files from a memory card or digital camera connected via USB.
4. Network card and Ethernet port for connecting to your home network and sharing over the Internet.
5. Possibility of automatic two-sided printing without turning the sheet.
6. Availability of a continuous ink supply system.

Volume of laser and inkjet cartridges

The number of pages that can be printed on one cartridge refill is indicated in the specifications of each model. It is important to understand that the actual consumption of powder toner or liquid ink directly depends on the degree of coverage of the sheet. Standard indicator, used by the equipment manufacturer when calculating the average number of pages, is only 5%. Below is a picture that allows you to better assess the fullness of the sheet at 5% and 15%.

If the cartridge parameters indicate the ability to print 3000 pages, then when the sheet is filled to 15%, the actual number of prints will be 1000. The largest coverage is obtained when printing dark images and photographs. To reduce ink consumption when preparing text, it is better to choose thinner fonts and set the economy mode in the settings. It can reduce toner usage by 20-30% without significantly compromising quality.

The average volume of a black inkjet printer cartridge is 150-300 pages, laser: 1500-2500 pages. A color cartridge usually lasts for fewer prints. With the same filling, the difference can be 20-30%. An unpleasant feature is often the incomplete filling of the starter cartridge that comes with the device. This is due to the fact that manufacturers make their main income by selling consumables, not the printers themselves.

Important! The starter cartridge can be recognized by the inscription “Introductory” or “Starter” among the markings on its body. Laser printer starter modules may also have a smaller toner tank size, making refilling them at a service center less cost effective.

Comparison of complexity and cost of maintenance

Laser printing devices are less demanding to maintain. The main reason is the use of loose toner as opposed to liquid ink on water based, which are used in inkjet models. If the integrity of the cartridge is damaged, the toner will not leak, but will only crumble, so it will be easier to remove. Another problem that occurs with inkjet printers is ink drying out. When left idle for a long time, the water evaporates and the substance thickens. The print head nozzles become clogged, and the longer they are not used, the more difficult it will be to restore the cartridge.

Empty cartridges can be replaced with new ones or refilled. But some models do not support refueling, so before purchasing equipment it is recommended to check the availability of such a possibility. Original cartridges and inks are more expensive than analogues manufactured by other manufacturers. They are of higher quality, so they reduce the likelihood of damage to the components of the printing device. Cheap analogues can clog the nozzles, resulting in streaks, blurry areas and other artifacts appearing on prints.

To reduce the cost of printing, it is better to install a continuous ink supply system on an inkjet printer. You can do this yourself using a ready-made kit, or contact service center to install the system. The CISS consists of tubes extended to the head and containers with toner, which are placed next to the device body. Maximum amount The pages that can be printed using CISS can be more than 10 thousand. Maintenance of the printer during system installation is simplified.

Important tip!

Instead of installing an ink supply system, it is better to choose a model with a built-in CISS.

Which printer is better - laser or inkjet?

It is better to install a monochrome laser printer in the office. The specifics of office work are most often associated with printing a large number of text documents, for which the device’s capacious cartridge is suitable. If your text files will contain a lot of tables or charts that would be better printed in color, use a multicolor laser printer. If you need to install more than one device, you can get by with just one color and several black and white printers.

Note! An LED printer is even better for the office. Instead of a laser, it uses a set of LEDs to electrify the photo drum. At the same time, a substance harmful to the body, ozone, is not released.

A home computer without a printing device today looks flawed and limited, so the debate about printers among users is constantly supported by new questions, thoughts and answers. In general, the price of even laser color printers has dropped significantly today, and you can buy them not only for office purposes. And somewhere in the distance you can already see 3D printers...

A wide choice is a big headache when you want more of everything and cheaper. In particular, what is better - a laser or inkjet printer, MFP or separate units in the form of a printer, scanner, copier, etc.? Let's try to look at the pros and cons of each approach. For example, what’s good about an MFP: many of its components are combined in a single device, which can greatly reduce the price. Usually the kit includes a monochrome laser printer, copier, and scanner. The device takes up little space on the surface, which is a plus. High integration of components plays a negative role if one of the components breaks down: in this case, all other functions stop working. Many of them, by the way, are quite controversial. For example, is a copier really necessary in the device, since it can be replaced by a printer and scanner? Although it will take more time, this copying operation is much less common than you might think. Perhaps the most the best way out consists of purchasing a simple printer and a separate scanner, and in total costs they will not greatly cover the cost of an MFP.

The main question: do you need an inkjet or laser printer for your home? It must be said right away that the time for mass purchases of color laser printers has not come: their prices are too high for most customers. Thus, you have to choose between full-color and mohochrome printing. If you have ever worked with old HP laser printers, you can confirm that this is a “timeless option”. The old ones include laser printers of the LaserJet 5, 6, 1100, 1200 series and the like. It’s almost impossible to find them in stores, but you can buy them from advertisements, and it will be cheap and practical.

The secret is that they used high-volume toner containers, and no chips with limits were installed to replace the photodrum. Units for such printers have been officially sold for 25 years, and printers can be repaired anywhere. Moreover, consumables can be taken from Canon, as well as “Chinese” ones - there are no special complaints about powder paint. A refill costing 100 rubles guarantees printing up to 3-5 thousand sheets with the traditional 5% coverage. More modern models, such as hp laserjet p2035 have more high speed printing, up to 30 pages per minute with a resolution of 1200 dpi in A4 format and user-defined formats. Also the ability to print on thin, thick and rough paper, envelopes, labels, film and thick media, including toner saving mode. The user will receive an excellent printing machine that can be used for years without fear that something will dry out in it, as with inkjet printers. The latter are cheaper, but you need to print on them at least once a week, otherwise a dried out cartridge will not allow you to print at all, and complete replacement The kit will cost 50-70% of the cost of an inkjet printer. This alone suggests that monochrome laser printers will always be popular.