Printers - Ink cartridge not lasting

Jeff Strouse · From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Does anyone else have a problem with ink jet cartridges drying out before you can get their full use out of them?

I have a Lexmark Z22 that I bought with my system 4 years ago. I bought a bunch of "compatible" cartridges about a year and a half ago from here:
http://www.shop4tech.com/user.htm?mfrg=lexmark&series=Jetprinter+Z+Series&go=show_ink&model=Z22

Even in the sealed package, they must dry out because I took a fresh one out awhile back, and it only printed about 5 documents before "going dry." So I opened another one and it lasted about a month.

I don't use my printer very much. People tell me to at least print a page of something every two weeks to keep the cartidge from drying out, but even when I do this, they don't seem to last.

At $30 per cartridge (for brand, generics ran me about $22), it would probably be cheaper to drive up to Kinkos and pay per sheet to print something out! The cost of the printer was only about $70!! ...Put two new cartridges (color and black) in there and you've basically bought another printer!

Before this printer, I had an HP-Desk Jet 500. Boy was this a nice printer! I used it for 10 years and I don't recall experiencing problems with the cartridges going dry too quickly like I do with this Lexmark. The only reason I replaced it, is to get a "color" printer and because if I tried to print a graph or shaded background with the old HP, the ink would literally saturate the paper. But that's probably because the technology was older (I got it in 1990, I think??). I'm sure a new HP wouldn't do that, just as my Lexmark doesn't.

Are laser printers worth the investment? Or, do they bring their own set of problems? Does anyone have a recommendation on a quality printer, with more economic cartridge options?

Steinar Gregertsen · From: Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.

Have you noticed how cheap the ink printers are these days? Well, this is how they make money,- renewing the ink cartridges cost almost as much as the printer........

I have a Lexmark Z23, and the ink actually lasts longer than what I used to have. But, as with all ink printers, the ink will dry up if it is too long between each time you use it. What I do is to take the cartridges out and shake them, this will 'losen up' the dry ink so you can squeeze a little more out of them (just remember to keep a finger over the opening or you will have ink all over the place...).

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

Bill Ford · From: Graniteville SC Aiken

Jeff,
I have a Lexmark E210 laser printer that I purchased at Staples, on sale at about $100, the replacement toner costs about $75 and lasts quiet well, I use it for almost all my text B/W printing and have been real pleased, much faster than inkjet if you have several pages to print, Stay away from generic ink. I have never got any service out of any of them.

Bill

Karlis Abolins · From: (near) Seattle, WA, USA

Gentlemen, The key here is the name Lexmark. I had a nice hp color printer that finally broke after several years of service. I looked at the market and decided that a Lexmark printer was the best value for the quality. The quality was fine but the value was not. With two young sons doing schoolwork, the printer would invariably run out of ink just as some paper was due. The real issue is the combined color cartridges which are useless when one of the colors is done. I got tired of buying cartridges every month or so. I ended up buying a HP business inkjet 2000 with separate (LARGE) cartridges for each color and one for black. I have replaced all of the cartridges once in the two years that I have had the printer. Seaparate (LARGE) cartridges are the way to go. The printer may cost more to begin with but I have spent a lot less on cartridges.

Karlis

Mark Ardito · From: Chicago, IL, USA

I gave up on ink jet printers a long time ago. I purchased a "laser" printer and have never looked back. I know, they are more expensive than the ink jet/bubble jet printers, but I have YET to replace the toner cartridge. I have a HP LaserJet 2200d for my office, but here is a HP "entry" level laser printer for $199. HP 1012. This printer will last you much longer than the ink jet. For the price of ink on a ink jet I would recommend the laser printer or else just buy a new ink jet printer.

Cheers!
Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com
http://www.arditotech.com

[This message was edited by Mark Ardito on 24 November 2004 at 06:05 PM.]

Tommy Mc · From: Middlesex VT

Inkjets! The biggest problem I have had is the print heads drying out and clogging. I bought my Epson based on low (per page) cost of ink, but with low usage, the print heads dry out beyond the ability of the clean cycle to clear them.
I'm seriously considering one of the entry level laser printers. Sometimes I do need color, so a laser isn't a perfect solution either. At work, we use a HP5500 inkjet. I've noticed that the print heads are in the ink tank. This means that each time you replace the ink, you are getting a new print head. The result is very expensive ink, but it doesn't clog, and if it does, a new ink tank will fix it. I'm thinking of giong this route next time.

Larry Clark · From: Herndon, VA.

I've been refilling my inkjet cartidges myself for some time now and have had great success. I recently picked up a new package of refills at Costco for about $16.00. I use mostly black ink and figure I should get about 8-10 refills out of this kit on a Canon BC-20 cartridge. Also I believe the print quality is actually a little better with the refill ink than the original Canon ink. The kits are made by www.ims-ink.com

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I use the refill kit, too. Much cheaper!

The truth about ink-jet printers is that the companies that manufacture them sell every one at a loss! Their profit is in the consumables, i.e. the cartridges. People only look at the low price of the printer when they're buying, and then get a rude awakening after they've replaced the cartridges a few times. I've also used the "generic 100% guaranteed" cartidges sold at computer shows, and they definitely aren't as good as the name brands. Another good tip is to buy a printer that uses large cartridges, and also look for one that has separate cartridges for each color!

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I have an Epson model 5200 combination printer, scanner, etc. It has the separate cartridges for black and the three colors. I really get outstanding color prints from this unit but it also seems to go through a quite a few cartridges. No problems with the cartridges themselves, though.
Erv

John Bresler R.I.P. · From: Thornton, Colorado

I found an excellent source for inkjet cartridges, www.123inkjets.com.

They seem to be better quality than the originals, last longer, and are easier to refill.

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

I agree about 123 Inkjets having good quality, plus, should you buy a dud, they will replace it with no questions asked. I use their carts in my Canon S520, which uses separate carts for each color, plus a separate large capacity black cart.

Here is a link to their Lexmark cartridges page: 123Inkjets.com replacement cartridges for Lexmark printers

Wiz

[This message was edited by Wiz Feinberg on 26 November 2004 at 09:53 AM.]

Tommy Mc · From: Middlesex VT

I also have had good luck with 123Inkjets.com. They also usually have free shipping. Erv, I have the 3 seperate color tanks on my Epson too. At first, I thought it was a great idea, but now I'm not so sure. The way my printer handles this is that if one color runs out, ALL printing ceases. I can't even print text. And I also find I use the colors at about the same rate.

Jeff Strouse · From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

I don't even use the color side of my Lexmark. Luckily, the printer will run fine with only one cartridge (black). When I bought it, I thought I'd use the color a lot to print pictures (a selling point), but found that I didn't need the color enough to justify buying the expensive cartridges. I have a couple here if I ever decide to print something in color, but knowing my luck, they have dried out by now.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

Tommy,
I agree with you. When one cartridge runs out you'd better have a spare on hand or you're through printing for a while. Bummer!
It really depends on the colors being printed as to how long the individual color cartridges last. I still think it's a good idea to have the separate color cartridges. I don't like the idea of having to replace a multiple color cartridge when there's still some ink in it.
Erv

Jon Light · From: Saugerties, NY

I'm still running the cheapo Canon inkjet that came with my dead Gateway W95 rig. It uses the single cart for color--forget that--and the way overpriced BC 02 for black. Sometimes it dries out a bit and prints with drop-outs. I have had minor success removing the cart and lightly wiping the head with a water-dampened tissue. This clears off dust and seems to loosen things up a bit.

[This message was edited by Jon Light on 27 November 2004 at 07:44 AM.]

Dickie Whitley · Posted 5 Dec 2004 4:15 pm

Ken Lang · From: Simi Valley, Ca

One of the printers at the office is an HP stand alone printer. It is capable of printing 3 foot wide by however long you want, in color of course. Ink carts are about $35 ea and it takes 4. The printer was about $800 when we bought it.

As an aside, the first large format color pen printer we bought in the late 80's was $1800.

We have the same problem with the cartridges drying out before their time. A cart can be almost new, yet if it's dried out at the business end, it's no good at all.

Seeing that this is a problem among others, maybe I'll institute an every other day print schedule for the office. Just enough to work all the carts.

Dave Potter · From: Texas

Echoing what Mark Ardito already said, inkjet equipment is false economy.

I own a Lexmark inkjet that sits on the shelf with exhausted cartridges, and it'll never see another ink cartridge long as I own it. Also own, and use, a Xerox combo (copier/fax/printer) Xe90fx b&w laser machine I paid $500 for several years ago that just goes and goes. Replaced the toner cartridge on it once so far.

If and when the need arises for color, I'll buy a color laser printer. Prices are coming down on them as time goes on.

[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 07 December 2004 at 06:25 AM.]

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

We mainly print B&W. We bought a cheaper HP laser printer for $179. Based on calculations, we'll be financially ahead after not too long compared to using an inkjet printer and buying those ripoff ink cartriges. The toner in a laser printer will give 2000+ printouts. A $30 ink cartrige seems to be lucky to do 200 sheets. Plus the laser printout quality is far superior.

For color, that's where the inkjets are handy. For B&W text, they're a money pit.

Brad Sarno

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

Mine don't "dry out" but I am reminded of how much they cost every time I replace them.

My latest "black & tri-color" cartridges cost me $63.00 bucks!
www.genejones.com

[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 07 December 2004 at 09:19 AM.]

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

I go through the same BS as everyone does; currently I have an HP 970 and an Epson R200.

What amuses me is the "entry level" laser printers for $179! Back in 1991, I bought my Texas Instruments Postscript Laser Printer for $2200! I later gave it to Goodwill because I couldn't get $50 for it, back in 1998!

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Willis Vanderberg · From: Petoskey Mi

I buy my ink refill kits at Sams Club. They will be good for three or four refills and more on the black. Easy to use and only take a couple of minutes to refill a color cartridge.

Bud

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