Comments on: Open Thread: What’s Your Solution to the High Cost of Printer Ink? http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/ Rebooting the workforce Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:25:37 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Peter Olson http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-125242 Peter Olson Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:54:45 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-125242 The best thing is to compare commercial printing to actual cost to print in office or home. Lets say you need 500 postcards. Should you print this on your new inkjet printer or send to a commercial printer. Consider the cost of paper then the ink. How about cutting those cards. Have you spent. Over a $100 yet? You can but a 1000 full color professional post cards for about $150. Do you see the savings ... your time is worth it. The best thing is to compare commercial printing to actual cost to print in office or home. Lets say you need 500 postcards. Should you print this on your new inkjet printer or send to a commercial printer.

Consider the cost of paper then the ink. How about cutting those cards. Have you spent. Over a $100 yet? You can but a 1000 full color professional post cards for about $150.

Do you see the savings … your time is worth it.

]]> By: Paul Palinkas http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-73165 Paul Palinkas Tue, 29 May 2007 23:17:22 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-73165 I, too, use an old black & white laser printer. The print quality is great, (600 dpi) and I find print cartridges on eBay for $20-$25. The old Apple Laserwriters (many are also Windows-capable) and the HP Laserjet series (up to the Laserjet 6MP) can be found for a song, too. I even have found several new, sealed toner cartridges at thrift stores for $5 each! And the older printers will get you about 3000 pages per toner. Add in a ten-ream box of cheap paper for $20 and you're set... I DO use an inkjet for color, though, but with 3rd party ink. What really matters on inkjets is using the proper kind of paper, which is costly, but again, I only use it when warranted. I, too, use an old black & white laser printer. The print quality is great, (600 dpi) and I find print cartridges on eBay for $20-$25. The old Apple Laserwriters (many are also Windows-capable) and the HP Laserjet series (up to the Laserjet 6MP) can be found for a song, too. I even have found several new, sealed toner cartridges at thrift stores for $5 each! And the older printers will get you about 3000 pages per toner. Add in a ten-ream box of cheap paper for $20 and you’re set…

I DO use an inkjet for color, though, but with 3rd party ink. What really matters on inkjets is using the proper kind of paper, which is costly, but again, I only use it when warranted.

]]> By: Rob Witham http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-71162 Rob Witham Sun, 27 May 2007 00:42:20 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-71162 I used to use draft when I owned inkjet printers. At least the cartridges lasted longer that way. I also never bought color cartridges. When the color ran out I simply printed only in black and white. Last year I upgraded to an inexpensive monochrome laser. I have never regretted that upgrade! Speed, quality, consistency... I e-mail photos to the photo shop and pick them up at my convenience. I find it cheaper to have them professionally printed and the photo quality is much better as well. I used to use draft when I owned inkjet printers. At least the cartridges lasted longer that way. I also never bought color cartridges. When the color ran out I simply printed only in black and white.

Last year I upgraded to an inexpensive monochrome laser. I have never regretted that upgrade! Speed, quality, consistency…

I e-mail photos to the photo shop and pick them up at my convenience. I find it cheaper to have them professionally printed and the photo quality is much better as well.

]]> By: clkl http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-70264 clkl Fri, 25 May 2007 16:16:44 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-70264 For us, the color laser printer justified itself within a couple of months. I also have a monochrome laser, which is cheaper to use both in toner and because it doesn't need to have a drum replaced. For longer documents, I use the "print 4 pages per sheet" option, often using both sides of the page. This way, I get 8 pages per letter-sized sheet. For us, the color laser printer justified itself within a couple of months. I also have a monochrome laser, which is cheaper to use both in toner and because it doesn’t need to have a drum replaced.

For longer documents, I use the “print 4 pages per sheet” option, often using both sides of the page. This way, I get 8 pages per letter-sized sheet.

]]> By: sathish4u http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-69513 sathish4u Thu, 24 May 2007 13:45:08 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-69513 Please same the resources as much as possible. It's my advice to all my friends & for me also. So I'll as less as possible but we have to use for our problems only if it is Hundred percently requierd. Once again I requesting to u all please save the resources as much as possible. Please same the resources as much as possible. It’s my advice to all my friends & for me also. So I’ll as less as possible but we have to use for our problems only if it is Hundred percently requierd. Once again I requesting to u all please save the resources as much as possible.

]]> By: Curt Carmack http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-69365 Curt Carmack Thu, 24 May 2007 06:37:13 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-69365 Not all inkjets are ink guzzlers. I use an HP K550 with 4 separate ink tanks. They are about $15 each and last for a very long time (I seem to get at least 2000 sheets out of them). The printer duplexes, is networked, and still costs around $200. Not too bad, and actually cheaper and faster printing than low-end color lasers. Besides, most of the cheap color lasers are enormous and very heavy, to boot. Not all inkjets are ink guzzlers. I use an HP K550 with 4 separate ink tanks. They are about $15 each and last for a very long time (I seem to get at least 2000 sheets out of them). The printer duplexes, is networked, and still costs around $200. Not too bad, and actually cheaper and faster printing than low-end color lasers. Besides, most of the cheap color lasers are enormous and very heavy, to boot.

]]> By: Anne Zelenka http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68439 Anne Zelenka Tue, 22 May 2007 23:38:45 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68439 @Richard: yuck! ;) @Richard: yuck! ;)

]]> By: David http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68438 David Tue, 22 May 2007 23:37:47 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68438 In Harvey Norman (Sydney, Australia) they are always having sales on cheap printers. In fact sometimes they are so cheap that you're better off buying a new printer (which comes with "Starter" ink and paper) than buying refills or paper. So the other day they had a sale on some HP photo sized printers for $30. The amount of paper it came with cost $10, and the ink cost about $40 for double what came with the printer. Even money, so I bought 2 printers. After the ink is used up, sell it on ebay for $10 and I make a profit. In Harvey Norman (Sydney, Australia) they are always having sales on cheap printers. In fact sometimes they are so cheap that you’re better off buying a new printer (which comes with “Starter” ink and paper) than buying refills or paper.

So the other day they had a sale on some HP photo sized printers for $30. The amount of paper it came with cost $10, and the ink cost about $40 for double what came with the printer. Even money, so I bought 2 printers. After the ink is used up, sell it on ebay for $10 and I make a profit.

]]> By: Richard http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68358 Richard Tue, 22 May 2007 21:03:48 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68358 I use my own blood. It's readily available and cheaper than printer ink. source :http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/peripherals/hp-ink-costs-more-than-human-blood-booze-212444.php I use my own blood. It’s readily available and cheaper than printer ink.

source :http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/peripherals/hp-ink-costs-more-than-human-blood-booze-212444.php

]]> By: John B http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68324 John B Tue, 22 May 2007 19:57:27 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68324 First, I rarely print. However, when I do I use an ancient monochrome laser whenever possible. I have an HP multifunction that I usually use for color printing, which is very rare. I refill my own cartridges using a kit from Costco. Usually I have to add some ink to the cartridges of the HP before I print because I print so rarely. If the HP didn't have a scanner, or if I had more desk space, I'd try to use an old Canon BJC-4100 for any non-photo color printing, (which is most of my printing), because you don't actually have to fill the cartridges, just drop a few drops of ink on the foam at the <em>bottom</em> and you're good to go. I should also mention that all of these printers were either given to me or found. I don't print often enough to feel justified actually purchasing a printer. First, I rarely print. However, when I do I use an ancient monochrome laser whenever possible. I have an HP multifunction that I usually use for color printing, which is very rare.

I refill my own cartridges using a kit from Costco. Usually I have to add some ink to the cartridges of the HP before I print because I print so rarely. If the HP didn’t have a scanner, or if I had more desk space, I’d try to use an old Canon BJC-4100 for any non-photo color printing, (which is most of my printing), because you don’t actually have to fill the cartridges, just drop a few drops of ink on the foam at the bottom and you’re good to go.

I should also mention that all of these printers were either given to me or found. I don’t print often enough to feel justified actually purchasing a printer.

]]> By: Mike C http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68316 Mike C Tue, 22 May 2007 19:41:45 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68316 I use a multi function laser printer, my wife wanted a color printer for grad school until I explained the economics/costs. If she needs to print color, she prints at the office. There's so much paper coming into the house, I'm really reluctant to create more, so I rarely print anything, usually directions. Don't let your ink cartridges sit, they dry out over time. I use a multi function laser printer, my wife wanted a color printer for grad school until I explained the economics/costs. If she needs to print color, she prints at the office.

There’s so much paper coming into the house, I’m really reluctant to create more, so I rarely print anything, usually directions.

Don’t let your ink cartridges sit, they dry out over time.

]]> By: Charlie http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68287 Charlie Tue, 22 May 2007 18:12:15 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68287 I print in monochrome, draft, always before any final printing. I look carefully at the screen to monitor what I think the colors will be. I don't have time to run to officemax or any of those places. I suppose if I had a hughe amount of output, I might. Interesting about hp and the smaller cartriges---nice of them to let us know. With the cost of gas, and my time of course, printing at home may be the most frugal way to go. I print in monochrome, draft, always before any final printing. I look carefully at the screen to monitor what I think the colors will be. I don’t have time to run to officemax or any of those places. I suppose if I had a hughe amount of output, I might. Interesting about hp and the smaller cartriges—nice of them to let us know. With the cost of gas, and my time of course, printing at home may be the most frugal way to go.

]]> By: Sergio http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68262 Sergio Tue, 22 May 2007 17:10:11 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68262 If you're on Windows, you can use FinePrint (http://fineprint.com/products/fineprint/index.html) and print 2 or 4 pages per sheet, resize, adjust, etc. It sits right between the app and the regular printer driver. If you’re on Windows, you can use FinePrint (http://fineprint.com/products/fineprint/index.html) and print 2 or 4 pages per sheet, resize, adjust, etc. It sits right between the app and the regular printer driver.

]]> By: Pete http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68175 Pete Tue, 22 May 2007 14:03:08 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68175 I'm surprised that no one has mentioned using remanufactured cartridges. There is no messy refilling but you still get a huge savings over the printer manufacturer's cartridges. I use 123inkjet.com but be sure to use a throw away address as they are notorious for spam. There are many others out there as well. I’m surprised that no one has mentioned using remanufactured cartridges. There is no messy refilling but you still get a huge savings over the printer manufacturer’s cartridges. I use 123inkjet.com but be sure to use a throw away address as they are notorious for spam. There are many others out there as well.

]]> By: DK http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68173 DK Tue, 22 May 2007 14:01:18 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68173 I've been using <a href="http://private.abacus24-7.com" rel="nofollow">http://private.abacus24-7.com</a> for a while. Pretty happy with them. I’ve been using http://private.abacus24-7.com for a while. Pretty happy with them.

]]> By: Paul Glover http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68171 Paul Glover Tue, 22 May 2007 13:55:27 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/21/open-thread-whats-your-solution-to-the-high-cost-of-printer-ink/#comment-68171 We print enough that it was worth the money to have a color laser. Much faster to print, does duplex, and way cheaper per page. It's an expensive initial outlay, but has paid for itself many times over in lower printing costs and less wasted toner (separate black, magenta, cyan and yellow cartridges are the only way to go!) Even then, we only use color when it's necessary to, which isn't very often. We print enough that it was worth the money to have a color laser. Much faster to print, does duplex, and way cheaper per page. It’s an expensive initial outlay, but has paid for itself many times over in lower printing costs and less wasted toner (separate black, magenta, cyan and yellow cartridges are the only way to go!)

Even then, we only use color when it’s necessary to, which isn’t very often.

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