How does a laser printer differ from an inkjet printer in terms of functionality?

The correct choice highlights that laser printers function differently from inkjet printers by employing heat and toner instead of liquid ink. This is pivotal because the technology behind these two types of printers varies significantly.

Laser printers utilize a laser beam to create an electrostatic image on a rotating drum. Toner, which is a fine powder, is then applied and fused onto the paper using heat, resulting in high-quality and fast printing. This process allows for precise text and graphics, making laser printers particularly advantageous for document printing in offices where high volume and sharpness are required.

In contrast, inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto the paper. The ink saturation and color mixing in inkjets provide greater flexibility for producing high-quality color images but can lead to slower print speeds and more frequent issues like ink clogging.

The other options do not accurately define the essential differences between the two types of printers. For example, while it is true that some laser printers can print in color, they are not limited to black and white as suggested. Additionally, laser printers are generally faster than inkjet models for document printing, making that characteristic misleading. Finally, laser printers do not use ink cartridges; they use toner cartridges, which is another key distinction in their operational methodologies