First, let’s look at the media used to place text and images on paper. Both Ink and Toner, for the most part, use heat to transfer and create a more permanent bond between paper and media. Inkjets mostly use an ink reservoir with a heating element with a tiny metal plate or resistor to transfer to the page while laserjet toner is a super-heated fine, dry mixture of plastic particles, carbon, and black or other coloring agents that make the actual image on the paper. Both methods have been in use for several decades now and have come a long way in use and application.
Inkjet printers have several advantages such as photography printing which compared to similarly-priced laserjets is impossible. Color laserjet printers are generally far more expensive than your standard inkjet printer. If you wish to print on media other than paper, like CD labels or special coated fabric, inkjet printer might be a better choice. Printer size and noise can be a real consideration as well. Most inkjet printers have a smaller footprint than your standard laserjet models. This is always a consideration when your work area is cramped and you need smaller affordable printer.
However, if photographic style quality marketing documents and photos are not what your office needs and time & speed are more relevant, then you want to turn your attention to laserjet printers. Some laser printers can produce up to 50-70 pages per minute (PPM) compared to the majority of inkjet printers which will print at 15-20 PPM. LaserJets have definitely the win when it comes to speed. The use and efficiency of toner based printing is also a huge bonus, as most laser printers will operate on lower per page cost. Furthermore, monthly duty cycle is an important factor when comparing inkjet and laser printers. While laser printers are made to handle large printing jobs, most inkjet printers are designed for lower scale printing.
Ultimately, the focus is on what is a better fit for your particular office and your budget. Most inkjet printers have always been cheaper to purchase but slightly more expensive to operate. So the real questions that you should ask yourself are: What type of printing will I be doing? What media will I be using? How much printing will I be doing? How soon will I need it? Both style printers have their place in any office environment and it’s not at all uncommon for offices to have one of each to fulfill different needs. Either direction you go, just know both laserjet and inkjet printing are here to stay, and even more importantly, are being improved and advanced every day.