If I got a raise every time my boss declared unequivocal praise for the HP® LaserJet 1018 Desktop Printer, I’d be working half days for the rest of the year. Since starting here, I’ve heard the same story about his daughters’ printers more than a few times.

It usually begins, “When my daughters went off to college I bought them...” then somewhere in the middle it goes something like, “I’ve not had to replace their laser toner cartridges once in…” and a few moments later, just as my eyes have completely glazed over, I hear, “and when my son leaves for college this year, I’m buying him the same printer!” And at that, I must smile. After all, he is my boss.

The point of his story is clear – the monochrome HP® LaserJet 1018 Desktop Laser Printer is the best printer for college students because it lasts. Unlike inkjet printer cartridges that require regular replacement, laser toner cartridges, though more expensive, hardly ever need to be replaced. My boss's daughters have gone three years without a cartridge replacement. And while I’m at it, I might as well go along with the praise (it can’t hurt) - laser printers are also faster and better quality than inkjet printers.

All of these factors combined make laser printers the ideal choice for college students, making it this week’s (or rather this year’s) Next Day Favorite item.

Read more: Comparing Inkjet Printers and Laser Printers