Do any cheap printers use cheap ink?!

Kernel_Sanders

I need a new printer because my Lexmark X1150 all-in-one won't print any more - I've probably injected those cartridges once too often! So, one that just prints would do, but I've been to Tesco and found a Canon Pixma MF2450 reduced to £30; problem is, a pair of ink cartridges is the same price (buy them separately and they're £14 each, so the ink rip-off business continues to flourish). I'd consider a 'continuous ink' system that I've read about but I don't do much printing, and nearly all of that is in black, so do you have any recommendations, please?

RumRat

You may be better off looking for a cheap mono laser printer...No worries about ink drying up.....

JJ_Egan

My preference is for Epson or Cannon with single Ink Tanks and compatibles preferably Swiss Ink .
http://www.swissink.ag/ink_cartridges.html

johnmc

Loads of compaibles for Epson on Ebay.

You can also refill them, but you will need a chip restter. Again Ebay, but check it supports your model.

esuhl

Do a search on eBay for printer cartridges, "buy it now" only, and sort by price. Look for the cheapest cartridges that are in plentiful supply by several vendors... then get a printer that they'll fit in.

Kernel_Sanders

RumRat wrote: »

You may be better off looking for a cheap mono laser printer...No worries about ink drying up.....

The ink hasn't dried up, although the printer thinks it has printed when no ink has come through.

esuhl

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

The ink hasn't dried up, although the printer thinks it has printed when no ink has come through.

That sounds like the ink has dried out, clogging the nozzles.

johnmc

Try using distilled water on a paper towel to soften and remove clogs
http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/printhead.html

Lots of videos on You Tube. Try Google.

Kernel_Sanders

johnmc wrote: »

Try using distilled water on a paper towel to soften and remove clogs
http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/printhead.html

On that link it states
Locate the "sponge pads" to apply the cleaning solution: Gently push the carriage/print head to the left out of the way to gain access. The cap assembly is located just below where the carriage parks on the right. The sponge pads are on the left side of or under it depending on your printer model. Use a cotton swab or folded paper towel to soak up excess ink on the pads.
I can't see anything spongy. Could it be that the Lexmark doesn't have these pads?

paddyrg

Printer inks are a racket - more expensive than blood plasma or unicorn tears. At least switching to a cheap mono laser the ink doesn't dry out for infrequent printing, and less plastic waste.

donny-gal

I have this out here in Spain. I had an Epsom previously but even removing the ink cartridges into the fridge and sealing them, they always dried up before empty. This one I just leave alone, come back 4 months later, and off it goes, left in the heat of the summer. Yes the ink can be nearly as much as the printer, I have just got both original XL size ones for £31 on line (Amazon trader), as there are many copies around too. It also does AirPrint too.
DG