Computer Printers

6. Consumable Costs

Consumables include ink, toner, paper and film - and replacement parts for your printer.

Over the course of the printer's life the total cost of the consumables can easily exceed the initial cost of buying your printer. There are three ways to keep them under control.

6.1 Choose a well-known make of printer.

• Replacement ink, toner and parts for your printer will be widely available.
• Larger manufacturers will have extensive support networks. But find out if the support is outsourced or provided directly by the manufacturer. First-time fix rates will be higher with the manufacturer's own staff as they will understand their own products better than a third-party. Check any warranty agreements and if they offer an on-site repairs service.
• Projected lifetime running costs of new printer models are compared in computer-magazine surveys.

6.2 Select consumables carefully.

• Many third-party consumables can work as effectively as a manufacturer's.
• Make sure you are getting good value if you use manufacturer's consumables. A network laser printer's toner should last long enough to print at least 7,000 sheets of typical Word documents. Look at branded consumables for laser printers that are often cheaper - but avoid low-cost unbranded products.
• Remanufactured (recycled) cartridges are much cheaper than the originals and may be sufficient for your needs. However, impact printers can be damaged by consumables not designed specifically for the machine.
• Inkjet printers perform better using specially coated paper, which costs more than the ordinary photocopying paper suitable for laser printers.

6.3 Choose a printer with durable parts.

• You may need to replace the mechanical and optical parts of the printer. If the output from the printer is deteriorating, streaky or patchy, you should replace the drum (the optical part of the printer).
• Consider taking out an extended warranty to cover the replacement of parts, including a technician to fit them.