DSA expenses - are compatible inks refundable?

blue-kat

I bought and was refunded for official branded inks by DSA last year.
I'm about to buy inks for this semester for Canon pixma 5350, but prices have gone up horrifically.
Last year I got a multi pack at WHSmiths online for £23-odd but now it's more like £45 + everywhere.
it would eat into the DSA general allowance enormously as I print a lot rather than read off the screen.

do DSA still refund if you buy compatible inks?
they are massively cheaper.

or is it just a question of invalidating the g'tee on the printer scanner?
With branded ink that expensive, it would be cheaper to just buy a new printer if it did break, than feed it official ink.

thanks

Taiko

Check what it says in your Assessment of Needs. It will usually just say a consumables allowance of £x per year. Won't matter if you can source cheaper, but if something does go wrong, you'll have used your allowance.

LL30

Ah bums...I didn't think this one through did I? I'm starting my MA in a matter of weeks, and I've been allocated by the NHS DSA £500 for printing/photocopying/books etc. I did mention that I had a laser printer opposed to inkjet - the toners are £70 each (x 4 for colour!) That's going to bite into my budget enormously...damn...

AnnBar

You might be cheaper getting a new printer with cheaper ink!

LL30

I think you're right I have this one as it's high quality for my business, in fact inkjets make me squirm now due to their quality! I don't suppose I shall be caring too much about the quality of the print for my essays mind, as long as they're readable. Off to Staples I go....