Although the printed word now includes those on screens of every kind, some of us still cling to the idea of words on paper. Either because we want a “hard copy” or someone else demands it of us. Consequently, we all have printers of one type or another. As always they can be difficult to work with and expensive to feed.
Modern printers are, for the most part, easier to get along with because they have a lot more computing power and memory built-in, but they still require regular replacement of supplies. There’s the rub, you can buy a $200 printer and pump $300 of supplies into it each year afterward. So, it’s important to understand and size your printing needs with an eye to economy as well as facility.
What does this have to do with replacing things like paper, ink and toner? Well, I’ve found that most people who complain about the expense of these items usually have the wrong kind of printer for their real needs, so before discussing the “refills” let’s make sure we are starting with the right printer.
How many people are using the printer? – The most important question when considering a new printer. Make sure to count in all school age kids as well, they will be the ones sending you out for new cartridges on cold and windy Sunday nights. Think in terms of years, a second grader will soon be a fifth grader churning out book reports.
Will it be shared or dedicated to one machine? – If you have more than one computer, you be pleased to know that a lot of printers can either plug in to a network to be shared, or be used wirelessly. This is a huge benefit, not only making them simpler to install, but also eliminating the need for multiple printers. If you don’t have two computers now, will you within 5 years?
How hard is this printer going to work? – If you have a house like mine, with two home offices and three boys who we can’t seem to get out of the house, then you need a printer that can really slave away. Ours needs to bang out editior’s copies of books as well as pump out color spreadsheets by the ton. We don’t do a lot of picture printing but we still need the quality for when we do.
Here’s the key
While balancing cost of supplies, the simple rule is if you’re not doing a lot of printing then inkjet and low cost lasers are the way to go. I favor laser printers because they are cheaper to feed. You get a lot more sheets out of a laser cartridge than any ink jet system. They also don’t dry up over time, which is important if your not using the printer every day.
If you are doing a lot of printing, homework, printing out recipes, or a home office situation than definitely go laser, or go broke. Laser cartridges cost a lot more but they last a lot longer. Our one printer is going all the time, but we only change the cartridges once a year.
If you print a lot of photos or very fine graphic design, you may need to go with an inkjet or even a dye sublimation printer. Lasers can do this as well, but color laser printers with very high quality get very pricey.
So, on to supplies
The big question on toner and ink supplies is always “Original”, “Remanufactured” or “Compatible”? There is another category which involves refill kits and doing the refilling yourself, but I do not recommend these, at all. It looks a lot cheaper, but the potential for total failure is very high. Ink cartridge jets wear out fast, and usually wont last all the way through a second run. Laser cartridges have the same problem with their roller coatings and contain toxic elements in the toner. Besides, refill systems can make an incredible mess without any warning. Those stains will not go away. Have fun explaining why you’re blue this morning to your friends and co-workers.
“Original” means that it was made by, or for, the printer manufacturer, these are always the most expensive and the safest choice. They come with guarantees than may include replacing your printer if something goes wrong.
“Remanufactured” means that some one took an old, empty “Original” ink or laser cartridge, refilled it and changed out some parts that wear. These should be done in factories that have special processes, not in someone’s basement on a slow saturday night. These probably won’t screw up your printer if they break down, but check the guarantee.
“Compatible” means this could be a newly made cartridge, manufactured for your printer by someone other than the people who make “Origionals”. Always check things like “capacity” (how long it lasts) and read the reviews if there are any. Read the guarantee very, very carefully and consider how long it might take to get assistance from the maker’s factory in Rangoon, Somalia or “Realtown-USA” (pronounced “Rel-Ton-Ooh-Sa”.
I have had great luck with “Remanufactured”, but I stay away from “Compatible.” “Compatible” is very likely to void your warranty if something ever happens to your printer. Make sure to take them out and replace them with “Originals” before getting any repairs. Practice looking “Shocked” so you’re ready when the questioning begins. Always buy online for the best prices, but remember to include shipping for comparison shopping.
There are a thousand different kinds of paper. There are “photo grades,” “office grades” and lots in-between and below. I don’t recommend anything more than the lowest grade laser or copier paper for lasers or Inkjets. Unless you are printing “gift quality” glossy photos your printer should do fine with the cheapest grade of paper. If it doesn’t, time to think about a new printer. Avoid printers that need special paper unless you have special needs yourself.
Prentiss Gray is a writer and stay at home Dad with 27 years in the information systems and technology business. His favorite saying is “If you have to read the manual to use it, I don’t want one.” He can be reached via his website www.prentissgray.com