You’ve got a lot of options when you’re shopping for a new ink cartridge. Dozens of colors, dozens of brands, and dozens of price points. But which one is right for you? Here are some things you might want to consider before you buy a new ink cartridge for your printer.
What are the different types of ink cartridges available?
There are several types of ink cartridges. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular types of ink cartridges and the ways each one works. C, M, and Y cartridges are the most common types of ink cartridges you see at the local drug store. They all perform the same way, but they all look a little different. Black ink, gray ink, and clear ink are basically the same thing. They’re just used differently. Grey and black are usually used for dark backgrounds and pastels, while clear is used for light backgrounds and bright colors. Each type of ink cartridge has a different percentage of black, white, and color ink. So for example, an M or a Y cartridge usually holds 5% white, 15% black, and 95% color. A C or a D cartridge holds about 3% black, 22% white, and 40% color.
What are the things to consider before you buy an ink cartridge?
Longevity If you’re an occasional user of ink, you might think the last thing you need to worry about is getting the most bang for your buck. But from what we’ve seen, those who use their printer once a week or less (generally the average user) spend much more on their printer cartridges than other users. Because the benefits of printing aren’t as evident to a user who only prints once a week or less, they buy cartridges at more expensive prices. And because they can’t appreciate the savings in the same way, they end up paying more for their printer cartridges. To counter this problem, you might want to consider buying a cartridge that offers long-lasting functionality. The longest-lasting ink cartridge we’ve seen is the Canon PIXMA MX504.
What should I do if my printer needs a new cartridge?
If you’re unhappy with your printer’s performance, there are several different options. You can use a professional quality printer toner cartridge. These cartridges usually contain a gallon of ink, and they cost up to $10 per unit. Or you can just buy a brand-name ink cartridge that’s compatible with your printer. You’ll have to pay a little more, but it should last a long time. And if you want the absolute best-quality ink, you can always find refills on eBay and other online auction sites. These tend to be professionally-printed cartridges, and they often have a lifetime guarantee on the ink. But they’re not easy to find, and sometimes they don’t work, so use the filters on eBay to get the best price. You should also know your printer’s operating system.
How do I install a new cartridge in my printer?
Older printers may require the use of a special tool or a special section of the printer itself. Most newer printers (like this one) will come with an installation manual. What type of ink is in my printer? The ink that you use will impact the color that the printer displays. That’s why it’s important to research the cartridges that come with your printer. For instance, a photo cartridge will display slightly different colors than a photo luster. If you’re not sure what type of ink is in your printer, look it up on Amazon, one of the biggest online retailers for printers. You’ll be able to get a sense of what the colors will look like based on the size of the ink cartridge, brand of ink, and other factors.
Where can I find more information on ink cartridges for my printer?
You may want to visit some of our recommended ink retailers for ink or search the web for more information on ink cartridges. What should I think about ink prices? How much ink should I get? There are all sorts of variables to consider when you’re deciding how much ink to get for your printer. Colors? Price? Speed? Speed per page? Ease of use? Before you buy a new ink cartridge, take a look at your ink usage (and try to change it) so you have an idea of how much ink you use, and how much you’ll need. One easy way to do this is to keep track of how many pages you print on a regular basis. How much ink does my printer use per page? So, how much ink does my printer use per page?