Printer instructions usually state a dire warning against using anything but original equipment cartridges or toner. Supposedly, anything else could damage the printer and void the warranty.

Perhaps.

Without discussing warranties or the relative benefits of original verses refilled equipment, it is important to consider other factors.

You may assume that the purchase price of a low-end printer equals the cost of a few cartridges or toner packages. Thus, the cartridge itself soon becomes the main expense.

A refilled cartridge might be able to save a great deal of money. True, over the course of time you may destroy your printer. I have only heard of such a case when the cartridge or toner was defective. If this happens with original equipment, then you can invoke your warranty, but you may have to prove that the manufacturer's cartridge was deffective.

Let's look at this situation a little bit more deeply.

A wise calculation might be as follows: Go ahead, start with the printer's original cartridge or toner. After that you might want to get another one. Following that, you might want to think about getting a refilled cartridge. The worst that happens is that it does destroy your printer, and you won't have a warranty. However, the cost of a new low-end printer will probably be less than the cost of two new cartridges.

In other words, you don't have much to lose.

Granted, the toner or cartridge that you get with your new printer is not always full. It has less ink or toner than one that you would buy in the store. Nevertheless, it may still be worth it.

Note

This page does not imply that refilled cartridges or toners are good, or that they are not good.

Rather, we imply that it may be worth the risk of using refilled cartridges and toners after using the manufacturer's cartridges the first few times. These refilled toners or cartridges may damage your printer. However, our cost-benefit analysis shows that it is likely to make it worth it, even if you have to buy a new printer.

You'll buy some refillable cartridges. You'll buy some printers. At the end, you'll probably come out ahead.