Buying: brand name ink vs used printer vs generic ink?

halfpower · 01-02-2012, 08:32 AM

Epson brand ink: $60
used printer off craigslist: $20-$70
generic ink: $10

I only print out simple documents like resumes. Which do you think is the best deal?

MS3FGX · 01-02-2012, 01:30 PM

You mean buy a whole printer and ink off of Craigslist? I wouldn't go that route personally, there is no way of telling what the previous owner did to the thing and how long/well it is going to work after you buy it.

I've always used generic ink and refilled my own cartridges (at least, when this was possible and the print cartridges didn't actively stop you from refilling them) and never had a problem. Like you I only print plain text, rarely do I even do pictures.

jefro · 01-02-2012, 05:11 PM

Depends on how badly you need the job. I'd hate for you to loose a job because the ink ran on someones hands or such.

I tend to just pay the price for the correct oem stuff. I have had a lot of trouble with off brand stuff.

sundialsvcs · 01-03-2012, 09:14 AM

Laser printers use toner. Much more satisfactory, and cheaper too.

Ink-jet printer makers definitely use the Gillette Principle: "give 'em the handle, sell 'em the blades."