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General discussion

buying printer???

Aug 4, 2010 5:11AM PDT

Is it good to buy three-in-one deals printer? Can I save a an ink from this kind of printers? can anyone help me.Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Do you mean print, scan and fax types?
Aug 4, 2010 7:19PM PDT

If so, the common thinking seems to be that these tend to perform each function just "ok" but don't do a great job at anything. As for ink savings, you won't see a difference in general when using these versus stand alone printers. You save ink by printing less important stuff in draft mode and reserve the high quality mode for such as presentation pieces.

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Buy what you need vs. desire
Aug 4, 2010 9:40PM PDT

Multi-function or AIO/all-in-one type devices aren't made to save on ink or as typical ink use as any plain printer. While some may state they use less ink, its important to understand that a side-effect of some printing scheme/method or outright pattern printing. Yes, some may be capable but most aren't and any ink saving is marginal for home user or small business. So, don't fall for that, but read the "fine print" in the specs.

One of the reasons AIOs are so offered, even if used as fax, printing or copying, they want you the user to consume ink, they make $ on ink. While ink costs do contribute to operation, to have you use ink vs. a laser based operated one should factor over time the typical use of AIO and amount or ink/toner replacements, etc., then you have a good idea of costs. Yes, laser upfront costs more but usually they operate cheaper and/or less prone to ink problems, etc.. The choice is yours.

tada -----Willy Happy