PRINTER COMPANIES are something like illegal drug peddlers – they sell you the printer, sometimes inexpensively, then charge a fortune for the ink; our addiction to their product keeps draining our wallets! But sadly these electronics are designed to be landfill and aren’t easily repairable (I can look yours up, just ask). If you have to dispose of electronics consider crc.org as they recycle; they have drop off days or try Best Buy as they’ve started taking recycling.
CHEAP INK is easily found, if your printer model is just a little older & if it’s popular enough they’ll make knockoff ink; within a year of the initial manufacture. Some would argue that knockoff ink isn’t as good – I’ve had good luck. The high priced inks that Epson and HP sell are great quality, but you pay the price … literally. Personally, I purchase my ink from a company called shop4tech.com; they’ve been sending me 15% and 25% off coupons (they might go the way of economic downturn), however until then I’d sign up!
Then there is the refilling option of used cartridges at Wallgreen’s and Office Depot. If you do choose this route, and can keep an eye on the ink level (ask and I can see if your system is set up to monitor the ink level), it’s better to re-charge ink cartridges when they’re not quite empty. HOWEVER I’ve heard several “a refilled cartridge leaked all over my printer” story; personally I’m not convinced that the skill of the person refilling the cartridge is as high as I’d like. However the lead guy in the photo department at Walgreen’s on Castro x 18th looked really reliable!
What kind of printer should you buy? If space is a factor then the all-in-one’s can be good, but just remember if and all-in-one breaks, the whole unit may not work. If space isn’t a factor I always recommend separate machines: fax, scanner, printer but depending on how much you use it the all-in-ones can be great.
Did that help? If so or not feel free to email me and I’ll be glad to offer advice.
Kenji Oshima Personal Coaching is action-based and short-term. I'm 'on your side' and I assist with motivation, questions to get you thinking, and accountability to get those overdue personal projects finished, begin exercise programs that build self-confidence, and identify and go after non-work goals that make for a fulfilling life.
My clients address any issue related to their life, but especially: burnout, overwhelm, exercise motivation, and to achieve a sense of renewal, clarity, and authenticity.
Please consider referring me to a friend, spouse, or a business associate as every potential client is entitled to an initial no-obligation, no-pressure courtesy session.
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Hi Kenji,
I sold my old HP Laserjet 4000 a year ago and never regretted anything as much. What used to be a once-every-two-year purchase is now a monthly habit with my HP all-in-one.
Not only is the ink an issue, but HP software updates blatantly insinuate a little cartridge salesman into every open window.
Speak out! Their crappy tactics must change or HP will lose it’s place as a tech leader.