Hamburg  - A test by German computer magazine Computer Bild has shown that most laser printers are energy hogs.

Six tested devices used between 174 and 334 watts during use. Ink jet printers tend to use only double-digit wattage levels.

Two of the printers also produced high levels of fine dust. Arguments that printing costs are lower with laser printers also didn't hold up. Nonetheless, they are fast in comparison to other options. Printing a letter tends to take between three and six seconds. (dpa)