Re: Computer in the Garage

Posted by John On 2010/2/11 12:20:42

PackardV8,
I retired almost 3 years ago after spending well over 25 years in the IT world. I took a part time position at a local Office Depot just to keep up with technology and to make a few extra $ to support my Packard. From experience, I can tell you that no manufacturer has an edge over the others on print costs. The bottom line is that pretty much all inks end up costing the consumer about the same per Ml, and pretty close to the same cost per page of print. The only way you can get ahead of the game is to use a laser printer, which generally has a lower cost per copy than inkjet, or purchase cartridges that are either combo packs or bear the XL designation (have more ink in the cartridge than regular ones do). There are some places that refill cartridges, but the electronic sensor needs to be reset as well, so be careful where you go. There are also some bulk ink units available for certain older printers that can substantially reduce your cost per page, but unless you use it on a regular basis, you end up with ink drying out.
My advice is to pick up a used, or inexpensive new, laser printer and use it for the shop.
Just my .02 worth,
John

BTW, we carry a small HP laser that regularly goes on sale for under $100 (sometimes as low as $69), and IIRC, the toner runs about $70 and is good for several hundred pages, at least.