Let’s look at few things to take into consideration when making your decision, shall we?

*Quality – Inkjets are supposed to be far superior at printing graphics, and better able to handle different kinds of documents, than laser printers. Laser printers, on the other hand, are far superb at printing text. So, consider which kind of printing do you do most. If it’s mostly black and white text or spreadsheets and the like, you may want to rethink your decision to get an inkjet printer. Inkjets are better able to handle color printing than lasers, though. They produce a wider array of colors, making them ideal for printing graphics. Some models can produce almost lifelike, natural hues, especially important when printing photographs. Bottom line - If you’re looking for something that will handle your new resume’, Junior’s school report complete with photos and charts, and Mom’s recipe cards with the cute little spoon people on them, an inkjet may be exactly what you are looking for.

*Quantity – Consider your needs. If you only print every now and then, or print less than a dozen or so pages a day, an inkjet is a better choice than a laser. Toner cartridges can clog if left unused over long periods of time, making laser printers a poorer choice for the casual printer. Lasers, though, can handle more volume faster than inkjets are capable of producing. Some inkjets can handle large amounts of printing, but are usually much slower than their laser counterparts. If you produce a large amount of printed material every day, look for a model with a high yield capability. Speed may need to take a back seat to print quality, especially if you do print a great deal of color documents or graphics. Bottom line – how often you print and how much you print will determine which kind of printer you need.

*Price – What’s your budget? Inkjet printers tend to cost less than the typical laser printer. They tend to be more expensive to operate, though. They use more ink, or use it faster, than laser printers, requiring more replacement cartridges. Laser cartridges cost more upfront, but last longer and produce more printed pages. Some inkjet models are pricier than others, especially the “all-in-one” multifunction models. If you go with a multifunction model, consider the costs of the various paper supplies you will need – photo paper, brochure paper, cardstock, and whatnot. Do some price comparison of the ink cartridges your prospective model needs. Some models perform well with “generic” or store-brand cartridges, which tend to be less costly than the brand name. Other models are picky – only high-test brand name ink will do. (A note about multifunction models – Consider how often you really need to fax something, versus scanning to email. A fax model will require a phone line, dedicated or otherwise, which can lead to another possible expense. Some multifunction models come with card readers for digital camera memory cards, too. If you already have a card reader, or don’t yet own a digital camera, consider whether or not the other functions are worth the added price.) Bottom line - Don’t pay for features that you don’t need and won’t use! Do your homework to find the best model for your needs, as well as for your budget.

*Availability – Consider your location. Inkjet cartridges are more readily available than most laser toner cartridges. You can find many of them at your local super-retail-center along with the bread, milk and eggs, rather than going to the business supply specialty store. This may be very important for those of you who live in those less-than-rockin’-metropolitan areas. You can also order most inkjet refills inexpensively online nowadays. Shipping and handling charges are usually less for inkjet cartridges than laser cartridges because they are smaller, lighter and more easily mailed. Laser toner cartridges can be more difficult to find, as well as more expensive to ship. Inkjet cartridges can be more easily recycled in most cases, too. Where toner cartridges often need to be sent back to the manufacturer, you can recycle most inkjet cartridges through programs in schools, churches and other community organizations such as scouts and even local government offices. Bottom line – buying a printer is a little like buying real estate – location, location, location!

*User friendliness – Now, there is no hard and fast rule that inkjet printers are easier to use than lasers. Some models are, some aren’t. What you want to do is make sure that whatever model, and whichever type, of printer you purchase is right for you. Can you easily and efficiently change the cartridges? Can you find the power switches? Can you read the LCD screen and/or the control buttons? What is the energy efficiency rating? Will it fit in the space you’ve allotted for it? (Don’t laugh. More people have purchased oversized equipment than you’d think.) What is the service rating like – does it tend to break down, jam up, or conk out? How about customer service ratings – can you get help when you need it? Bottom line – Carefully check out your chosen model. Don’t let price or function be the only determining factor in making your decision.

Overall, whether or not an inkjet is the right printer for your home office will ultimately depend on you and your needs. Bottom line – Take your chosen model for a test drive before you buy. Check under the hood. Kick the tires. You’ll thank yourself for it later!