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Printer Ink Links
If you print mostly text, the best way to save money on ink cartridges is to buy a monochrome laser printer. A personal laser printer is much cheaper to use than an inkjet and purchase prices are low. Text quality is better with a laser printer, too. See the ConsumerSearch report on
These articles and websites are good up-to-date sources of information about ink issues:
Society for Imaging Science and Technology tutorial: "A Tutorial on Printing," by James C. Owens.
Business Week article: "Ever Wonder Why Ink Costs So Much?"
"The Ars guide to inkjet printers for photographers," by Amadou Diallo (April 15, 2007) includes an excellent explanation of each manufacturer's technology.
Inkjet Printer Forum/Ink Jet Refill Forum at Nifty-Stuff.com.
PC World article: "Hardware Tips: Get More Work from Your Inkjet for Less Money," by Kirk Steers (January 30, 2006.)
PC World article: "How to Spend Less on Printing and Get Better Results," by Paul Jasper (March 13, 2007.)
Consumerist article and follow-up, "14 Hewlett-Packard Company Secrets from a Former Employee," has some useful information regarding printer and cartridge service issues.
PC Advisor article: "60 percent of inkjet printer ink is thrown away," by Rosemary Haworth (June 15, 2007.)
Techworld article: "Printer cartridges still being thrown away," by Chris Mellor (July 24, 2007.)
Society for Imaging Science and Technology tutorial: "How an ink jet printer works," by Eric Hanson of Hewlett-Packard.
PC World article: "Lack of Standards Spark Inkjet Photo Fade Debate," by Tom Spring (July 8, 2005.)
PC World article: "Beware Bogus Printer Ink," by Tom Spring (August 28, 2003.)
PCPhoto Magazine article: "Think Ink: Buyer's Guide to Inkjet Inks," by Dikla Kadosh.
HP article: "Printing Efficiency: Helping Customers Save Ink and Money."
Industry association: International Imaging Technology Council.
The following manufacturers' websites have explanations of why their inks are best and explanations of the different inks they sell.
