At One Place

Desktop computer vs Printer

Desktop computer vs printer
Printer is larger on weight
Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×.

A desktop computer and a printer can be compared on 4 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

Side by side

Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.
Desktop computer Printer
Weight 3–25 kg 4–45 kg
Typical lifespan 4–10 yr 3–10 yr
Typical cost 350–4,000 $ 50–900 $
Power draw 50–700 W 12–900 W

What the numbers say

  • Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×.
  • Desktop computer is somewhat greater than printer on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
  • Desktop computer is 4.5× printer on typical cost.
  • Printer is 2× desktop computer on power draw.

Weight compared.

Printer 4–45 kg
Desktop computer 3–25 kg

Desktop computer

A non-portable computer in a case, separate from its monitor and keyboard.

Printer

A device that puts an image on paper, either by spraying ink or by fusing toner.

This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

Common questions

Which is bigger, desktop computer or printer?
Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do desktop computers and printers compare on typical lifespan?
Desktop computer: 4–10 yr. Printer: 3–10 yr. Desktop computer is somewhat greater than printer on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
How do desktop computers and printers compare on typical cost?
Desktop computer: 350–4,000 $. Printer: 50–900 $. Desktop computer is 4.5× printer on typical cost.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place
  2. ENERGY STAR Product Specifications — US Environmental Protection Agency (Public domain (US Government))

How these figures are compiled and checked