Choosing Printer Cartridges

June 8th, 2009 by LeanneoGaypk

The relative value of printer cartridges is enough to send an economist back to school. Many years ago Consumer’s Reports magazine gave up trying to figure out the real price of paper towels. They started their figuring based on price, number of sheets, whether or not it was a double roll, the thickness of each sheet (whether double or single), and if they had strengthening strands of fiber. Then, they tried the quality test (the “feel” test). In the end, Consumer’s Reports pretty much gave up. Individual preferences tended to rule the day, which may finally be how you choose printer cartridges.

Dye-based inks, like the ones used in most inkjets, begin to fade in a relatively short time – as little as a single year. Pigment-based inks, like the ones Kodak printers accept, last up to about 90 YEARS! Whereas Kodak machines print out borderless 4 x 6 prints in about 55 seconds, the comparable Hewlett-Packard only takes about 32 seconds to do the same job. However, the pigment-type inks do take a bit longer to dry than the dye-based ink.

Meanwhile, there is still the issue of page output, which is usually listed on the package documentation. Realize, of course, that the print density varies from page to page, so the output number is an estimate, at best. For some of us, we only print in black ink. Attorneys don’t do much in color, other than to copy pictures of exhibits. The issue with color printing boils down to waste. If your printer uses cartridges that are 3-in-1, you will be throwing away some cyan and magenta ink if the only one you need to replace is the yellow. Individual color cartridges mean you only replace what you’re out of – not all three at once. That will help keep costs in line.

All Printer Ink is NOT Created Equal

June 8th, 2009 by LeanneoGaypk

When you face the reality that commerce revolves around output from printers, fax machines, and copiers, the printer ink those machines use takes on a new importance. The reality is that, while you may select a printer that is modestly priced, you could easily spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on ink throughout the life of the machine.

To make the most of your investment, do the research and choose a printer that can offer some sort of a price break on more than just the machine. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) want you to choose their ink – ink in their original cartridges. The mindset is understandable. Once brand name loyalty is established, your part of their income stream is secure . . . maybe.

Almost as soon as the original cartridges were manufactured, some very bright people figured out that, just like aftermarket replacement parts could be made for cars, the same could be true of printer inks. The same caliber of folks figured out that inkjet printers have cartridges that could be refilled a few times before they had to be replaced. And so the remanufactured and bulk ink industry was born.

The enterprise is not without its challenges. To make the refilling and remanufacturing work, standards must be met. All printing and copying machines, as well as the reader-sorter machines, operate within narrow parameters. If inks are not of the proper viscosity and imprint at the proper temperature, production and processing come to a screeching halt. The answer is to find out what your machine(s) require and be certain that the printer ink you order meets the proper criteria. Also, check to be sure using remanufactured cartridges or bulk refill ink will not void the manufacturer’s warranty.

High Quality Ink Cartridges Make Excellence Possible

June 8th, 2009 by LeanneoGaypk

High quality ink cartridges are at the heart of a high quality product. The efficient operation of any business or institution depends on a reliable supply of the materials required to deliver on promises. When thinking about your source for ink cartridges, start by considering the kind of end product your conscious dictates. If it’s OK to put out inconsistent copies, low resolution or inaccurate colors, that’s one thing. If, however, the game you want to play is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, you have some choices to make.

Start by investing in the best equipment your bank account can handle. Look for machines that are known for longevity and reliability. In today’s market, some wonderful, feature-packed scanner/copier/printer/fax machines can be had for around $100. For permanent, color-rich output, the price is higher. Expect to pay a bit more for ink cartridges, too. There are, however, some hedges you might want to investigate.

Many of today’s printers use ink cartridges NOT made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Highly compatible cartridges are made to virtually the same specifications as the OEM’s and can be used with a remarkable degree of confidence.

Another option is to use bulk ink to refill original cartridges. To this, you must be absolutely certain that the ink has the same temperature parameters as the original. If the refill ink does not operate at exactly the proper temperature, clogged ports will surely result. At today’s rates (bench rates charged to open up a printer and take a look are in the $50 - $75 range), it is often cheaper to buy a new printer than to repair the old one.

The last option is to use a remanufactured cartridge. The hard parts are virtually the same and they have been charged with new ink that meets the OEM’s stringent specifications. They are a good, moneysaving choice.

Online Inkjet Cartridges Supplied by Company Offering More Than Ink

June 8th, 2009 by LeanneoGaypk

Shopping for inkjet cartridges on the internet is turning out to be a particularly handy way of keeping your supplies closet well-stocked and doing so without having to break a sweat. The website you order from should carry a nice selection of toner cartridges, MICR toner and inkjet cartridges for your main printers, as well as a few others in case you upgrade equipment and change brands. Establishing a solid commercial relationship with a company can ease future purchases, especially when you find yourself running out of supplies more quickly than you had planned for. Many internet companies have a surprisingly swift response time.

Look for a company that deals directly with the inkjet cartridge manufacturers, a company that skips or bypasses the middlemen who want a cut of your company dollar. Start by familiarizing yourself with the variety of printers, faxes, and other office machines you currently own. Track the age and functioning of each one. With use and the passage of time, all mechanical equipment will usually become less efficient and then eventually fail.

Given the reality of future breakdown, take some time to research prices and efficiency rates of more than just the replacement printers you are considering. Check out the prices and reliability rates of inkjet cartridges compatible with your current equipment and possible brands of new equipment. A cartridge supplier worth patronizing should be able to provide you with reliability rates of all the top brands plus the compatible OEM and remanufactured cartridges, a well as bulk ink refill options. Take your time. Do the research. Then reap the rewards.