The Canon Pixma MX310 will set you back about $75 initially. The replacement ink though, is another (expensive) story.

You know what’s great?  We live in a throw-away society.  Think about it:  Forty years ago, what did you do if your TV exploded?  You called a repair man.  The same applied to nearly any appliance back then, from blenders to vacuums to lawn mowers.  What about now?  We just throw the old crap away and buy something new.  When you repair your old junk, you’re taking food off the tables of sweatshop workers everywhere.  Be a good citizen and just buy something new.

Nowhere is this fact more apparent than in the home printer market.  Head on over to any Staples, Best Buy, or Wal-Mart, and you’ll find cheap printers for $75 or under.  Cheap is good, right?  Right.  Now, you’re obviously going to need a few replacement ink cartridges.  There’s lots of important printing to be done, and those color cartridges run out fast.  Be prepared though:  Once you make it over to the ink aisle, you’ll be facing the hideous monster of $20-$40 per ounce of ink.  Wait, what?

Let’s review:  A brand new color printer (which comes with ink cartridges) will set you back $75.  New ink cartridges will cost at least half of that, probably more.  How does this make any sense?  It doesn’t.  The only logical explanation is that all of the big printer manufacturers ordered way too many printers from the factories, and now they are retardedly overstocked.  Way to go guys.

So where does that leave you, the consumer?  You’re stuck with the choice of either buying two ink cartridges, or buying a brand new printer.  Admit it, you’d choose the new printer:  Not only is your old one dusty, but the new model has the letter X in it!  It’s obvious that the Printer X5000 is better than that lame old Printer 4950.

Of course, there are…other options.  For starters, you can order refilled or discount cartridges online, which usually cost a fraction of the original price.  You can also refill your own cartridges by ordering a refill kit, but c’mon, that hurts the big businesses.  Those guys need to charge $40 per ounce to feed their families.  You wouldn’t want to take away those executive’s dinners, right?  Not supporting big business means you’re against capitalism, and that makes you a communist.  You don’t want your neighbors to know you’re a communist, right Ivan?  Right.  Now bend over and get out your check book.

Extend the life of your ink cartridges by following these fundamental printer tips.

Tweak Printer Settings To Ensure Printing Efficiency
Firstly, pay attention to the settings on your printer – most printers allow you to have various levels of print quality from draft to normal to best. Make sure to print internal documents in draft mode whenever possible. Draft mode produces legible documents that allow you to easily read or view documents without using the same ink level. Further, make sure to take advantage of print preview to save ink on possible re-prints, so that you are able to review the document on-screen and make any necessary changes before printing it out.

Taking this idea a step further, it is often possible to maintain the document in electronic format by creating a PDF, which allows you to distribute an electronic copy without using any ink.

Save Money By Using Third-Party Printing Solutions
Since not all documents are created equal, make sure to be careful when printing high-color images or photos, which require high levels of ink. Instead, you can order from discount digital photo printing labs online at a lower cost than you could print photos yourself. While it may be tempting to produce business materials solely on your printer, you can also often save money at the margin by utilizing business card, envelope and post specialists rather than using your home or office printer.

Save Ink By Adjusting Your Printer's Settings
When you do print on your own machine, you can adjust the print settings to reduce the ink volume setting. This will enable you to increase the life of your cartridge while having a small impact upon print quality. To get the most from your cartridge, you can buy a high capacity refill rather than a standard cartridge, which will provide a more dense ink refill that extends your print cycle. There are a number of ways to get your ink to last longer, and, over time, this can produce quite a bit of printer savings.

Refilling ink can be a tricky process the first time.

Refilling ink cartridges can be an economical alternative to buying new cartridges. It does take some practice, but once mastered is generally cheaper than brand-name OEM and remanufactured/compatible cartridges.

Here are some basic tips to get you refilling cartridges like a pro as soon as possible.

The Main Goal Of Refilling

Most ink cartridges are relatively simple in design, more or less a bag of ink encased inside a plastic box. The refill must be performed at such a speed that leaking is not caused (refill speed too fast) or that ink fails to permeate throughout the cartridge (refill speed too slow). Basically, we've seeking the happy medium in between.

Preparing For The Refill

• Work over a sink or drain if possible. Avoid working at a desk or near anything of value.
• Wear old or spare clothing to minimize damages incurred by ink stains.
• Check to see if your ink cartridge has an opening that connects to the ink. Otherwise, you may have to drill a hole yourself, which can get complicated depending on your ink cartridge model.

Safety During The Cartridge Refilling Process

• How safe is ink (e.g. what if I accidentally come into contact with the ink)?
  • Printer ink is considered non-toxic, as it is mostly composed of water and a tiny portion of alcohol and glycol. If ingestion does occur, there is no need to induce vomiting. On average, printer ink has a toxicity similar to that of laundry detergent. If ink gets into the eye, flush with cold water for at least 15 minutes.
• Gloves are recommended to keep ink as clean and uncontaminated as possible and to prevent getting ink on hands. In some rare cares, people have reported allergies to ink upon contact, including symptoms like hives and shortness of breath. Immediately stop if this occurs, and if symptoms persist or worsen, contact a medical professional.

Materials Needed During The Refilling Process

• If you are new to refilling your own ink cartridges, it is recommended that you go to a site like 4Inkjets or 123Refills and purchase a printer-specific ink refill kit, which will contain all of the components necessary to complete the refill.
• For a true DIY job, some tools that may be needed include:
  • A screwdriver (size depending on ink cartridge model)
  • Glue or wax (as a sealant)
  • Tape

Last Notes

Getting a ready-made refilling kits online from either 4Inkjets or 123Refills is highly recommended for both ease of use and increased ink compatibility.

Your printer software may not be reporting accurate ink levels.

Is Your Printer Software Telling The Truth About Ink Levels?

Often, there will be software bundled with your printer installation that can send false messages as to the status of your ink cartridges. For example, certain printers may state a cartridge as empty just because it has been in the printer for a certain period of time. There may be perfectly good ink left in the cartridge that your printer is not allowing you to make use of, so there are a number of hacks you can try to prevent this waste. You can do a simple search online with your specific printer make and model to find hacks that users have provided. Alternatively, you might want to check that there is no unwanted software causing these restrictions and uninstall them.

Just Add Water To Revive Your Cartridge

When you find that print quality is deteriorating but there is still ink left in the cartridge, there is a simple trick you can try to unblock the nozzles and improve print quality. Remove the cartridge and place it in water for a few hours.

After removing it, gently blot it dry and leave it to dry in a safe place overnight. Put it back in your printer and see if the quality of your printouts is improved. You can also try using your printer software’s nozzle check feature which keeps the ink wet in the nozzles. Though it uses a small amount of ink, it is a cost effective way of keeping the cartridges printing well.

Reset Your Ink Cartridge's Chip

You may be able to get a chip resetting device from online auction sites such as eBay. This chip is something you will need if you are planning to refill ink cartridges on your own. A simple search will yield a number of results for your particular make and model and save you a lot of money in the long run.

These are just a few of the ways in which you can save money by keeping track on the ink you are using and the ink that is still available. You should also read packaging carefully to make sure that you are getting a good amount of ink and a good deal.

HP Viviera Brand Ink

As anyone who owns a printer knows well, printer ink is expensive. But exactly how expensive is it compared to other high-priced liquids?

A Gizmodo reader did a graphical comparison of the prices per milliliter for various liquids (HP #45 black ink being one of them). I was personally fairly surprised to see the results.

Is printer ink more expensive than a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne? What about gasoline, or even the price of human blood?

Read this news story to find out!

Your right to buy and use alternative printer ink cartridges is protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

A common fear of consumers thinking about purchasing remanufactured ink cartridges is that their use will render the printer warranty void. Many brands of printers include messages that pop up after insertion of a remanufactured cartridge claiming that your warranty may become void, though these messages are primarily there to encourage loyalty to the original manufacturer’s brand (OEM) cartridges rather than stating the legal implications of using alternative cartridges.

The truth is that the use of remanufactured printer cartridges will NOT void your printer warranty. In fact, it would be illegal for printer companies to revoke warranty based on type of cartridge used. As a consumer you have the right of choice when it comes with refilling the ink for your printer, which means you are not obligated only to use OEM cartridges.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Protects Consumers Against Warranty Voiding

Legally, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a law that states that
“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name”.

How The Act Protects Consumers' Right To Purchase Alternatives

The only exception to this rule is when the product would not function correctly without the product or service of the manufacturer, which is not the case with printer cartridges, or if a Commission finds that it would be in the public’s interest to include related products or services into the warranty, which is also not the case with printer cartridges.

In fact it is within the public’s interest to provide a range of purchase options. Not only does this leave the consumer with much better value for money (where they can sometimes cost 50% less than the OEM cartridge), but it is a much better option for a wide range of reasons. The environment benefits from the fact that more cartridges are being reused instead of sent to landfill, as well as the fact that fewer cartridges need to be produced from scratch. These reasons reduce the carbon footprint of the consumer choosing such cartridges.

Further Reading On The Act (Warning: Legalese Ahead)

If you are interested in learning more about the Magnuson-Moss Act, check out these references from Wikipedia: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Cornell Law School: Magnuson-Moss Act.

In short you should not be put off by any warnings from a printer manufacturer that the use of remanufactured cartridges will void your warranty. When printer manufacturers warn against factors such as inferior ink quality or poor yield of the cartridge they are usually attempting to keep customers loyal to their own product, therefore making more money. In actual fact, it is perfectly legal and possible to find great quality remanufactured cartridges for any printer model.

Compatible ink cartridges provide significant cost savings.

A great way to save on your printing costs is to utilize compatible ink cartridges rather than full-price brand name ink. Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, ink is found in office supply stores and sold by the original printer manufacturer in glossy boxes at a high price. Usually, you will hear claims about how OEM cartridges are of the highest quality and will produce better results than any competitive products. In truth, however, compatible cartridges can produce a high quality of output at a much lower cost basis than brand-name manufacturer ink, if you purchase them from reputable online suppliers.

OEM cartridges do often come with warranties and guarantees, but it's much more likely that any defects will occur due to the printer hardware than with any ink refill. The relatively high frequency of cartridge replacement will mean that you'll likely use up your ink before you have any mechanical problems with the cartridge itself; in the rare cases that there is a defect, you will be able to tell upon your first print from the cartridge, and, in those cases, you can usually just exchange the product.

Buying Compatible Ink Makes Sense

Even when OEM ink supplies have a longer life, when adjusted for per unit cost, compatible cartridges are still much less expensive. For example, a black ink OEM cartridge for the HP Officejet 7210 printer currently retails for $22.99 in office supply stores. Online, at retailers like 4Inkjets or 123Refills, a compatible black cartridge can be had for almost three times less, at only $9.95, a savings over close to $13 per cartridge. The savings only multiply when one considers the need to replace separate color cartridges.

Buy Cartridges From An ISO-Compliant Supplier To Ensure Quality

Original manufacturer claims about better quality are often overstated. Contrary to any of these claims, compatible cartridges are capable of working well with nearly any printer model, in nearly any printer line by meeting level of standards required by the printer manufacturer. Simply buy from a retailer that complies with ISO manufacturing standards like 4Inkjets, and you will be safe.

Rest assured that your compatible ink clears the bar needed for working with the printer, and if you buy the right cartridge for your model, you should be able to get great results at a lower price. Additionally, compatible cartridges can often be purchased at bulk discounts that are not available for original OEM products, which are sold at high retail prices.

When choosing your next cartridge, keep in mind that there a number of alternatives to high OEM ink prices, and compatible cartridges can be found for most printer models at affordable rates.

The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, sets quality standards for various manufacturing processes. The ISO standard is comprehensive and touches on each aspect of the supply chain from raw source materials all the way to end-user delivery. While product defects are inevitable, the goal of ISO is continued improvement to limit any problems and constant work to improve the quality of outputs.

Buying an ISO-certified ink cartridge helps ensure that, while you are saving on your ink refills, you are not sacrificing quality standards.

Look For Ink Suppliers That Comply With ISO 9000 Certifications

The most common set of standards is the ISO 9001 standard which certifies a level of quality in manufacturer business operations, output improvement and product compliance. Ink manufacturers that are ISO 9000 certified have met a level of inspection quality that ensures quality control procedures; make sure to look for the ISO seal, especially when purchasing remanufactured ink cartridges as a safeguard for quality.

ISO 14000 Standards Protect The Environment

Similarly, the ISO 14000 environmental standards set an internationally accepted set of practices for environmental quality throughout the supply chain. ISO 14000 certified companies constantly work to limit the impact of their production on the environment, and seek out ways to streamline the impact of their by-products and factories. Since recycled and remanufactured ink cartridges allow for re-use of previously used cartridges, they can potentially cut down on environmental waste and landfill material, extending the life of the original materials. Purchasing recycled ink can provide ecological as well as economic benefits, and finding an ISO 14000-accredited supplier further ensures that both of those goals will be met.

Which Printer Ink Suppliers Are ISO Compliant?

4Inkjets - Their compatible and remanufactured cartridges are manufactured in an ISO 9001 compliant factory. Because of this, they offer a 1-year moneyback guarantee that their printer supplies will match or exceed brand-name counterparts.

123Refills - 123Refills also stocks a wide variety of ink cartridges that are certified ISO complaint, and provide a similar moneyback guarantee.

Both set of ISO standards share the same basic framework in focusing on quality throughout the supply chain from beginning to end. Nearly all classes of products and companies can obtain ISO-certification which is application independent, but has a particularly important use in improving transparency in the case of 3rd party products such as recycled ink. Just as the brand name on an OEM cartridge signals a level of reliability, so does ISO certification imply a level of standards for 3rd party ink solutions.

Where To Buy Remanufactured Cartridges

When purchasing remanufactured ink, make sure to buy from a qualified producer and double-check to ensure that it will be compatible with your printer. The most common brands of cartridge from companies such as Dell, HP and Canon are readily available in these formats, you are less likely to find Epson options because of their use of proprietary electric technology. Since most brands use a common heat-transfer inkjet technology, most mainstream models have alternative options from full price, store bought ink refills.

A wide variety of quality online providers (some shown below) can match up your exact printer with a substitute cartridge at a fraction of the original price. Additionally, you can often find compatible remade toner for use in laser printers at a much reduced cost when compared to buying an entirely new toner. You can also send back your original units for a discount to many of the refill companies, further saving you money on your ink costs.

Qualified Remanufactured Cartridge Suppliers

#1. 123Refills

123Refills uses a high-quality remanufacturing and testing process on all their products. Customers are protected by a no-risk 30-day guarantee. Over the years, 123refills has grown into a major player in the ink business mainly by positive customer word of mouth.

#2. 4Inkjets

All 4Inkjets remanufactured cartridges meet and exceed strict ISO manufacturing standards. In addition, your purchases are protected by a 1-year no questions asked moneyback guarantee.

Overall, buying reconfigured ink can save you a lot, especially when compared with brand new, store bought ink options. Compared with buying your own refill kit, buying an entire compatible cartridge can be easier and, when you are buying for a small business, requires less manual work to replace multiple printer sources. Despite warnings from printer producers, well-made remanufactured cartridges can be fully compatible with your printer, as long as you properly match up your exact model number. Also, these options are fully legal and can provide a high quality source of affordable ink that will save you on your printer costs over the years.

When it comes to printers, it is of no surprise that the ink costs far more than the actual machine. In fact, it is a common practice to charge $10 or more for a couple of ounces of ink.

With prices like this, are there any ways to save money? Two common methods to save some cash include buying refilled cartridges or looking for deals on new cartridges. A lesser known method involves changing some settings and changing printing habits so that overall, less ink is consumed.

In Windows, to enable the ink-saving feature, follow these steps:

1. Open the control panel
2. Select the printer/fax setting panel
3. Open up the printer/fax setting panel
4. Select and open up your printer
5. Open up the preferences dialog box
6. This step varies for each printer, but look for a setting that enables a lower quality or quick print setting. Both of these settings force the printer to use less ink.

For Apple computers, follow these steps:

1. Go to System Preferences
2. Select the Printer & Fax panel
3. Select your printer
4. Go to the printer’s settings, and look for a lower quality or quick print setting (this step varies depending on the printer).

Other Ink Saving Tips

Another way to save ink when printing is to use the grayscale feature. This feature forces the printer to convert any color images into black & white, thus eliminating any color ink usage.

Another way to save ink when printing is to only select what you want to print. On the internet, for example, this is useful because web pages tend to have a lot of unwanted filler. Removing it can be difficult, since the methods vary by web browser.

In Firefox, the Nuke Anything Enhanced extension allows the user to select and hide various elements of a web page. These elements can range from pictures to blocks of text, etc. Once the elements are hidden, print the selected page, and you’ll get exactly what you want.