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So when the cartridges run out (after about 2,500 prints) a new printer (with new guarantee) makes more sense than replacing the toner. From the manufacturer's point of view, this presents the risk that I might change brands, not because I don't like their printer but I might just fancy a change.
This sort of pricing system has me baffled. Why would the manufacturer do (or put up with) this? Or is it something that might benefit the supplier?
Granted, you can sometimes refill cartridges, but most don't. When I buy a printer, I look at ink prices first.
Same with electric toothbrushes, 7-blade Gillette razors (or is it eight blades now?), and much else besides.
Parker pens started the scam 50 years ago with quink ink cartridges.
It was only a matter of time before lasers followed the market.
[edited by: Patrick_Taylor at 12:03 am (utc) on Jan. 12, 2007]
While it can be logical and even perhaps economical to buy a new printer etc, more often than not the hassle factor means the price equalises itself out and people stick with the same printer and just by the cartridges. Plus for those thinking of buying non-brand toner etc then they should carefully read their warranty as I believe that most of the time it will void any warranty. Not such a hassle on small printers but a big issue on massive printers.
When I last spoke with someone in the printer industry they advised me against buying a colour laser as the average user really only needs black and white. If colour is needed occasionaly those items can be printed outside.
These days I find myself printing less and less, which is great for me, bad for whoever was making money from me.
[edited by: Visit_Thailand at 1:00 am (utc) on Jan. 12, 2007]
But you only tend to feel 'tied in' when the replacement ink/toner costs noticeably less than a new printer and when a new printer comes with only a small capacity cartridge. I think this printer comes with normal full cartridges, and they cost more than a new printer.Same is true of non-laser printers - in fact they are often 'free' when you buy a computer. Two packs of 4 electric toothbrush heads costs pretty much the same as the toothbrush plus 2 or 3 'free' heads. A pack of gillette 8-blade razors (or is it nine now?)typically costs more than a razor with a few 'free' blades. I have many, many two-blade razors, because it was cheaper to buy a new one with free blades, than buy blades. Crazy. But business.
It's not about 'feeling' tied in - it's about BEING tied in! - and you are. The future has arrived! :)
[edited by: Quadrille at 2:21 am (utc) on Jan. 12, 2007]
You are better of buying a new one. It is cheaper..
Top Tip: Whenever looking for a computer printer, once you've decided what functionality you require, always look at the cost per copy across the differing manufacturers.
Cost per copy is easy to work out, eg, a cartridge/toner costs $25, and it prints 1,000 pages (based upon x% coverage). Therefore, divide £25 by 1,000 and you have your cost per page, $0.025. Obviously, this is easy to work out with a single cartridge/toner, however, most manufacturers will have this information.
Dig for it, it'll be there. Sometimes, it'll scare you.
BT fax machines ink cartridges last about 10 to 20 pages for the starter ink and the replacements do over 1000 on some models, although again, the ink does cost more than the printer.
There is a reason for this - most people who are looking at budget machines ONLY look at the price of the printer and forget to price the replacment items required.
The free printers are okay for some purposes. I have one at the company, but only print a few items from my office there. I do most heavy printing from home.
Lovejoy- out
