Laser vs. Inkjet Printers: What’s the Difference

The Treasure Valley technology company will bring its operations under one roof at 1420 E Bird Dog Drive, where site work is now underway

MERIDIAN, Idaho — June 24, 2026 — Allied Business Solutions, a leading managed technology services provider in the Treasure Valley, has announced plans for a new headquarters at 1420 E Bird Dog Drive in Meridian, Idaho. The site sits next to Vertical View Climbing Gym along Interstate 84, between Locust Grove and Overland Road. A construction sign now marks the lot as site preparation gets underway.

The new building will bring Allied's warehouse, distribution center, and company departments together under one roof. It is designed around the parts of the business Allied is investing in most: its managed IT and security services, its growing AI and automation work, and the national distribution of printers, copiers, and multifunction devices through its network of manufacturer partners.

"This building represents everything we have worked toward since day one. We started this company in Boise because we believed in this community, and this community has believed in us. Seeing that sign go up on our new lot is one of the proudest moments in Allied's history."

— Tom Beeles, President and Founder, Allied Business Solutions

A Company Built on Service and Growth

Tom Beeles founded Allied Business Solutions in 2003 with a simple idea: build a technology company that treats clients like neighbors and employees like family.

Over the past 23 years, Allied has grown from a single Boise office into a regional company with five locations across Idaho, Oregon, and Utah, serving clients from Boise to Salt Lake City. The company has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country, recognized as a Top Company in the Treasure Valley by the Idaho Business Review, and named a Best Place to Work in Idaho. Toshiba has given Allied its ProMasters Award several times, and Xerox has named the company a Diamond Solutions Dealer, among the highest honors each manufacturer awards its partners.

Full-Service Technology Solutions for Idaho and Beyond

Allied Business Solutions works with businesses of every size, from small offices to large enterprises, in industries that include healthcare, legal, education, government, manufacturing, finance, nonprofit, automotive, and retail. Its technology services include:

  • Managed IT Services — Day-to-day IT support, cloud services, and help desk coverage that keep businesses running.
  • Managed Security Services — Cybersecurity that protects networks, devices, cloud environments, and data, with the goal of stopping threats before they reach the client.
  • Agentic AI Services — AI and automation that handle routine work, from repetitive tasks to pulling together the information teams need to make decisions.
  • Managed Print Services — Print environments managed to cut costs and reduce downtime.
  • Digital Document Management — Paperless workflows that make it easier to capture, store, and find documents.
  • Office Printers and Multifunction Devices — Office and production printing equipment from Toshiba, Lexmark, Xerox, and Kyocera.
  • Production Printing Systems — Commercial print systems for organizations that run high volumes.
  • Wide Format Printers — Large-format printing for graphics, signage, and technical drawings.
  • Unified Communications — Phone and collaboration tools that keep teams connected.
  • Mailing Systems — Postage and mailing equipment for offices of any size.

Allied's manufacturer and technology partners include Xerox, Toshiba, Lexmark, Brother, Epson, Microsoft, Crexendo, WatchGuard, Dell, Datto, M-Files, PaperCut, Duplo, and ABBYY, giving clients access to proven products across every category.

Rooted in the Community

Beyond business, Allied Business Solutions is deeply committed to the organizations and causes that make the Treasure Valley a great place to live and work. Allied is proud to serve as the Official Business Technology Partner of the Boise State Broncos and is an active sponsor of the Boise Hawks and Boise Steelheads. Allied also actively supports:

  • Ballet Idaho
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities Idaho
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho
  • College of Western Idaho
  • Boys and Girls Club of Nampa
  • Boys and Girls Club of Ada County
  • Girl Scouts of Silver Sage
  • Girls on the Run Treasure Valley

Allied is the Official Technology Sponsor of the Boise Chamber of Commerce, including its prestigious annual Sun Valley event, where Allied President and Founder Tom Beeles was invited to speak on an AI panel.

Project Team

The Meridian headquarters project team includes Hall & Hill Construction as general contractor, BRS Architects as project architect, and Paradigm Owners Rep Services as owners representative. Additional details on the building timeline and completion date will be announced as the project progresses.

"We are not done growing. This building is a statement to our team, to our clients, and to this community that Allied is here for the long haul."

— Tom Beeles, President and Founder, Allied Business Solutions

For more information about Allied Business Solutions, visit www.allied.tech or call 208-344-3833.

Are you tired of outdated, inefficient printers in your office? Are you looking for ways to cut costs on paper, ink, and unnecessary printing? As you search for the best printer for your business needs, you may come across inkjet and laser printers, each offering its own set of benefits.

While choosing between the two can be daunting, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision. As your friend in the industry, we're here to share our expertise on either option, so you can decide which type of printer is right for your office. With Allied Business Solutions, you can trust we'll help you save money, supplies, and control over your current printing concerns.

What's The Difference Between Inkjet and Laser Printers?

Inkjet printers use pigmented liquid ink, which is directed into the print head, then sprayed onto the page through tiny nozzles. On the other hand, laser printers read electronic data from your computer and beam it onto a drum inside the printer. This creates a static electricity pattern, attracting a dry powder called toner onto the paper. The toner is then fused onto the page using heated rollers.

Office Printers

What's The Difference Between Inkjet and Laser Printers?

Which Printer Is Best for My In-Office Printing Needs?

As you search for the perfect type of printer for your office (laser vs. inkjet), consider your specific needs and the kind of printing most often required.

Examine the following benefits/issues with current printing:

  • cost of operation
  • energy consumption
  • print quality

Print Savings Estimator

Compared to one another, inkjet printers are the best-performing option if you are concerned about the cost of operation (especially with color vs. mono-color prints) and decreasing energy consumption. But, if your main goal is to have higher-quality prints, laser printers are what you need.

For Example

If your business primarily prints reports, either occasionally or frequently, you will benefit from an inkjet printer's consistent and clear results.

But, if your company instead prints a large volume of materials, like a seasonal magazine or pamphlets, and you need them to look immaculate, the laser printer is the right equipment for the job.

Allied Business Solutions Can Help Determine Your Printer Needs

If you're still wrestling with a decision on which printer is best for your office, Allied Business Solutions can help. As a trusted provider of office equipment and services, we can work with you to determine your printing needs and recommend the best solutions. Allied partners with top brands like Toshiba, Xerox, Lexmark, HP, Kyocera, and Brother, ensuring you can access the best products and services available.

Allied Business Solutions Can Help Determine Your Printer Needs

Scale Your Business Without Limitations

At Allied Business Solutions, we know that running a successful business often requires more than just hard work and dedication – it also takes the right resources. That's why our team is passionate about providing managed print of all sizes in Boise, Salt Lake City, Ontario, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.

If you're ready to take your business to the next level – contact us now! Our team is standing by and eager to learn more about what makes your business unique so we can find the perfect solution for you. The future success of your business starts here!