I don’t do a lot of printing, but every time I really need to print something, the computer printer ink cartridges seem to go bad. It’s usually late at night or when I am trying to run out the door that this happens. It’s amazing how frustrating a simple little thing like a computer printer ink cartridge can be.
What is even more frustrating is when I go to replace the cartridge. Usually as I walk down the aisle to the cartridges, I walk by the latest and greatest electronics, including the printers. They seem to be getting cheaper every day. Well as I move along to the computer printer ink cartridges, determined to be smart and buy a couple this time, I am shocked at the cost of the ink cartridges! Some of them are almost as much as a new printer. So, there has to be a better way.
I think getting a good deal on computer printer ink cartridges starts with the purchase of the printer itself. First off, make sure the printer you are looking at has a separate black cartridge. I think most of them do, but I remember a plain paper fax machine that I had that had once cartridge with color and black. Needless to say, the cartridges were not cheap. Ask around including the guys at the big box store you are buying from, they should now.
Some printers seem to just sip the ink. I just had to get rid of my HP1350 all in one. I was sad to see it go. It worked flawlessly for years and the black cartridge would last forever. I don’t do any color printing so when the color ink ran out, I never replaced it. Sadly the printer finally broke, but guess what, I bought another HP and it is just as frugal with the ink. So check around, and see what brand is easier on the ink.
You can also save money on the computer printer ink cartridges by purchasing multi packs of ink, so see if the printer you are considering has cartridges available in multi packs. I have tried generic computer printer ink cartridges, but I felt the quality was a little off but I know others that are very happy with them. Some are refilling their own cartridges, and from what I have seen, it is very cost affective, but I can’t vouch for it. Shopping online can also save you a few dollars here and there.
Now, I know some who would just buy a new printer rather than replace the cartridges. And at first glance, this may seem to be a smart way to go. However, I have had more than one salesman at the big buy stores tell me that the cartridges included with a new printer don’t have as much ink as replacement cartridges. I am not sure if that is true, I tend to believe it as my first cartridge on my new printer didn’t seem to last that long. Consider to the thought of being green and not tossing everything out just to make our lives a littler easier. Just a side note, I sold my broken HP1350 printer on eBay and made a few bucks all though not enough to buy a single new cartridge.
So, when you are shopping for computer printer ink cartridges, think first about your printer, then check out some of the other options available for cartridge replacements. And one other thing, buy two! You will thank me later.
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