Although choosing a printer for a law office may seem like a simple thing, it can have a more significant impact than you might imagine. On a daily basis, you are relying on your printer to provide you with important documents, and you will want them to be of high quality. At the same time, you want a printer that will be efficient and reliable, not one that jams or breaks down at inopportune moments.  Often, big demands are put on a printer for a law office – much more demand than just a regular business printer.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a printer for your law office:

Inkjet or Laser

Both inkjet and laser printers have their pros and cons, so it will come down to which one is best suited to your needs, and this is the first decision that you will need to make.

Inkjet printers are excellent for producing detailed documents and images. They are known for high-quality colour printing, which may be a priority if you deal with documents that are either colour-coded, or heavy on images. Inkjet printers may not be your best choice for high-volume printing, as they have a slower printing speed. Laser printers, on the other hand, are known for their speed, making them ideal for printing text-heavy documents in large volumes, such as contracts or court filings.

Replacement Cartridges

Both inkjet and laser printers will require periodic replacement cartridges of their ink and toner, respectively. Inkjet printers will generally require more frequent replacements, however, which can add up to a greater expense over time. The availability and compatibility of the ink cartridges may also be a factor, so it’s important to have a reliable source for your supplies.

Laser printers use toner cartridges that are widely available from many manufacturers, providing you with several options for purchasing. Additionally, toner cartridges can print a higher volume of pages than ink cartridges, resulting in less frequent replacement. Not only will this reduce operational costs, but it will also result in fewer potential work interruptions.

Cost Per Copy

While the difference in the per-page cost may not seem significant at first, for offices that have a high volume of printing, it becomes an important consideration. Generally speaking, laser printers will have a lower cost per page, given that toner cartridges last longer than their ink counterparts.

Volume of Printing

The amount of printing performed each month is important for more than just determining the print cost per page.  This volume of printing is often referred to as the duty cycle and printers will have a recommended number of pages that they can print each month to avoid performance issues. Exceeding the recommended duty cycle can lead to breakdown and an increase in repair and maintenance costs. When you are researching a new printer for a law office, having a good idea of the volume can help you find the right printer without paying for more than you need.

Laser printers are typically designed for a higher volume of monthly printing, but it is best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that you choose a printer that can meet your needs.

Other Features

There are several other features to consider when you are choosing a printer. Some of the ones you may want to watch for include:

  • Print Capacity/ Tray Size
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Duplex (Double-sided) Printing
  • Security Features
  • Scan and Copy Function
  • Mobile Printing

While it may seem from the above that laser printers are a superior choice, the truth is that you will need to weigh the advantages of each for your particular needs. If you need to do a large amount of colour or graphic printing, for example, you may well decide that an inkjet printer is more appropriate. As with any purchase, it’s always important to assess your needs before making a choice.

If you are looking for a hassle-free, top-quality printer for a law office in British Columbia, please don’t hesitate to contact the printer experts at Columbia Business Systems. We would be happy to go over the options with you and find the right printer for your needs and budget.  Columbia also supplies shredders and home office printers.