Should I buy a laser printer or inkjet printer?

The choice between a laser and inkjet printer mostly comes down to what you print, how often you print, and how much you care about upfront cost versus long-term running cost.

• Buy a laser printer if you mostly print black-and-white text documents, print in higher volumes, want faster printing, or often go weeks without printing. Laser printers use toner, which is less likely to dry out if the printer sits unused. They usually cost more upfront, but their cost per page is often lower over time because toner tends to be more efficient and longer-lasting.
• Buy an inkjet printer if you want better-looking color photos or detailed graphics, or you need a printer that handles different paper types like glossy photo paper or cardstock. Inkjets usually cost less upfront, but ink can dry out if the printer isn’t used regularly, and the ongoing cost per page is often higher.

A simple rule: text-heavy printing = laser; photos and color graphics = inkjet.