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Thoughts The main reason why inkjets printers still dominate the market is due to their low price and availability of color printing at a low price. However, the cost of replacing the ink cartridges are prohibitively high and the small ink cartridges do not last that long either, one probably has to replace them every 2-3months. It is this recurring cost that urges us to consider a second alternative - budget laser printers. Granted lasers do need to change toners too, but that is a rare event. In the long run, the laser printer will prove to be a better investment for students in their tertiary studies. ..recurring cost (of inkjet printers) that urges us to consider a second alternative - budget laser printers.. So if you are a student or SOHO user, who is keen on the large output of quality and fast printing, yet do not need color, look no further. A cheap low end laser printer such as the HP LaserJet 1010 will serve your needs perfectly! Future market trends Laser printers have come a long way since it came into the market in the early 80s. Initial laser printers were bulky heavy and expensive devices that only large business could afford. The laser printers in the market now are highly sophisticated, with networking options/ability to add memory, some are even able to change the toner while printing! Although this applies mainly to the mid-high range lasers, however it is an existing merit of the laser printer products. ..The laser printers in the market now are highly sophisticated, with networking options/ability to add on.. On the other end of the market, budget/personal lasers have sharply declined in price, what used to cost over $800 for a cheapest model could be had for under $350 with faster printing speed and more features. While we marvel at the advancement of technology, it's interesting to note that laser printer's development can be considered rather slow as compared to their inkjet counterparts.
The bulk of the laser printer consumers used to be business users. Now more and more home/SOHO users are getting them as they realize the benefits of laser printing. Apparently the manufacturers have recognized this segment of the market too, since they each have at least one product catered for the budget/personal laser market. Let's hope this encouraging trend will continue! Suggestions for engineering new printers for the market Interesting points to note from the survey are that many have responded to have more interesting designs for printers. Designer printers will be attractive to the masses especially for the increasing size of students with spending capability. However, concerns can be raised that prices can be incurred due to the special designs and the money could have been put to better use in improving functions. Yet, we do want to look at the current trend of mobile phones which is still bustling in the market where each company strives to come out with new designs and upgraded features all the time. Perhaps the costs incurred for each enterprise is different but we believe it is a good consideration for a new generation of printer products. ..Designer printers will be attractive to the masses especially for the increasing size of students with spending capability..it is a consideration for a new generation of printer products.. References: |