A small company is.. What are two disadvantages of laser printers?

A small company is deciding whether a laser printer should be purchased to replace an inkjet printer. What are two disadvantages of laser printers? (Choose two.)

It uses expensive piezoelectric crystals to generate print images.
It only prints black and white documents.
It cannot print in high resolution.
The start-up cost is high.
Toner cartridges are expensive.

For a small business considering the replacement of an inkjet printer with a laser printer, understanding the potential disadvantages of laser printers is essential for making an informed decision. Among the options provided, the correct choices are:

The start-up cost is high.
Toner cartridges are expensive.

Let’s break down why these are the correct answers, and delve into the potential drawbacks of laser printers for small businesses in terms of cost and usage considerations.

1. High Start-Up Costs

The initial investment in a laser printer is one of the most significant deterrents for small businesses. Laser printers, particularly high-quality models with robust features, tend to be more expensive than inkjet printers. Here’s a closer look at why start-up costs are high for laser printers:

Higher Base Price: Laser printers generally cost more than inkjet printers because of the complex technology they use. While a basic inkjet printer might cost under $100, a reliable laser printer, especially one capable of handling business workloads, can range from $200 to $500, with higher-end models going even further.
Advanced Technology: Laser printers work using a laser beam that projects an image of the document onto a rotating drum, which then attracts toner powder to the drum in the shape of the image. This complex mechanism requires high-quality components, which contribute to the higher price.
Specialized Components: Certain components, like the imaging drum, fuser unit, and high-powered laser, are more expensive to manufacture and install. This contributes to both the quality and longevity of laser printers but makes them more costly upfront.

For a small business, especially one operating on a tight budget, this higher initial investment can be a concern. Unlike large corporations, which might allocate a substantial portion of their budget for high-capacity office equipment, small businesses may find it difficult to justify the added expense upfront, even if they stand to gain in efficiency and long-term savings on ink costs.

Additionally, some models designed for commercial use may require extra memory modules, storage drives, or network capabilities to function optimally, which further adds to the start-up cost. Even though these add-ons increase functionality, the extra expense can be challenging for smaller firms to justify, especially if they only need the printer for basic tasks.

2. Expensive Toner Cartridges

Another notable disadvantage of laser printers is the cost of toner cartridges. While toner cartridges are more cost-effective in the long run compared to inkjet cartridges, their initial purchase price is considerably higher, which can be a significant upfront expense.

High Unit Cost of Toner Cartridges: While toner cartridges typically last longer and can handle a higher volume of pages than inkjet cartridges, they are more expensive per unit. The average cost of a standard toner cartridge is often between $50 to $150, while a similar inkjet cartridge may be much cheaper, even though it needs replacement more often.
Higher Cost for Color Printing: For businesses that require color printing, the expenses increase substantially. Laser printers require separate cartridges for each color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). Each cartridge can be costly, leading to high expenses if color printing is regularly needed.
Environmental Waste Concerns: The high cost of toner cartridges also brings up the issue of disposal and environmental impact. Businesses that are environmentally conscious may find it a disadvantage that toner cartridges are larger, harder to recycle, and take up more space in landfills if they’re not properly disposed of. This might necessitate additional recycling services, adding to costs indirectly.

Comparison with Inkjet Cartridges Despite the initial cost, toner cartridges can be more economical over time. However, the relatively high price of each cartridge can deter small businesses. Unlike inkjet cartridges, which are usually affordable and sold in multi-packs at low prices, toner cartridges have a higher per-unit cost, making it harder for businesses to maintain a budget if they don’t anticipate the long-term savings.

Additional Considerations for Small Businesses

While the two disadvantages above are the primary concerns for small businesses evaluating laser printers, it’s worth noting a few other factors that, while not primary disadvantages, could influence a small business’s decision:

Size and Space Requirements: Laser printers tend to be bulkier than inkjets, especially multifunction models that offer fax, scan, and copy features. Small businesses operating in limited spaces may find it challenging to accommodate a larger machine, as it requires both adequate desk space and ventilation to avoid overheating.
Energy Consumption: Laser printers generally consume more power than inkjet printers due to the fuser unit, which requires significant heat to bond toner to paper. While energy costs are not usually a large component of printer maintenance expenses, they can add up, especially if the printer is in constant use.
Warm-Up and Cooling Periods: Laser printers usually require some warm-up time when turned on, which may lead to delays if a business needs to print documents urgently. They also need to cool down after prolonged use, which can interrupt workflow, though newer models have improved efficiency in this area.
Not Ideal for Photo Printing: While this is not a primary concern, it’s worth mentioning that laser printers are not typically designed for high-quality photo printing. Inkjet printers offer more versatility for color gradients, making them ideal for businesses that rely on visual marketing materials. A small business that prints photos or image-heavy documents may find a laser printer less suitable for their needs.

Long-Term Considerations: Potential Savings and Benefits

Despite these disadvantages, it’s important to also recognize the advantages laser printers can offer over time, especially in environments with high print volumes:

Cost Efficiency for High-Volume Printing: For businesses that print large volumes, laser printers are generally more cost-effective. They produce prints at a lower cost per page than inkjet printers, especially for black-and-white documents.
Speed: Laser printers are faster than inkjet printers, producing pages in seconds rather than minutes. This can be beneficial in a business environment where employees need quick access to printed documents.
Quality and Durability: Laser printers generally produce sharper text documents and last longer than inkjet printers due to their build quality. They’re less likely to experience issues like ink smudging, which can be a concern with inkjets.

While these long-term benefits are compelling, they may not outweigh the immediate disadvantages for small businesses with limited capital or a low volume of print needs. In summary, a small business should weigh these factors carefully:

The high initial cost of a laser printer may strain the budget of a smaller business.
Expensive toner cartridges, especially for color printing, could make regular maintenance costly.
However, if the business anticipates a steady need for high-volume, high-speed printing, a laser printer might be a worthwhile investment, potentially offsetting initial costs over time.

Conclusion
The high start-up cost and expensive toner cartridges are notable disadvantages that could make a laser printer a challenging choice for a small business. The key to a good decision lies in assessing the business’s specific needs, print volume, and available budget. A company with high printing needs might ultimately save on operational costs with a laser printer, but for low to moderate usage, an inkjet may remain the more economical choice.