Just over a week ago, I refilled the black ink for our printer at Walgreen's for $12.99. I was able to print for several documents. Now, the printer doesn't think it has a color cartridge. But it does. This cartridge may be low on ink, too.
So far I've been trouble shooting. I've rebooted. I've pulled the power cord out. I've removed and reinserted said cartridge. I've cleaned the connections. Nothing works. This printer only works if the color cartridge is in place. The black could be missing and it would still print.
I think my best bet is a new printer. Yes, I could go get the color refilled for $12.99 and try it. My gut says this would be wasted money. The cartridge isn't being 'seen' by the printer as it stands now.
I could buy a brand new cartridge for around $22. This might work. Or, it might not. If it didn't work, I might be able to sell on ebay for at least half the amount, making it equal to getting the original refilled.
If I buy a new printer, I will spend about $40. I already looked at which one I would buy. Ink would be included.
If I tried all options and still ended up with a new printer, my outlay would be $75. If I just skip all the guessing, I spend only $40. I might be able to sell the printer online with full disclosure of problem.
Thoughts anyone? Oh, and my daughter NEEDS to print for school this weekend.
Help: Printer Decisions
November 7th, 2009 at 02:47 pm
November 7th, 2009 at 04:03 pm 1257609831
I'd probably replace it. Can always freecycle it if no one wants it (we freecycle old computer equipment very easily - someone always we wants it).
Dh wanted to buy a new printer a bit ago and I was weary. Then when I saw the low price and all the features - of course I want a new printer!!!! Our old one was so old! I was just amazed at how cheap printers were gotten and what a nice one we could get for under $100.
November 7th, 2009 at 04:57 pm 1257613060
November 7th, 2009 at 10:29 pm 1257632971
But secondly, my printer (Dell) is like yours; you have to have both the black and color cartridges in there or it won't work. I think the manufacturers does that on purpose to ensure you keep buying cartridges.
I have delayed the need to replace my black cartridge by printing out all my Word documents in a different color, like navy blue. It really extends the life of the color cartridge after the black one has already been depleted.
If you do go for a new printer, I'd suggest researching how much the cartridges for the printer go for. They vary in price, and while you may think you're getting a good deal on a cheaper printer, you could get nailed with pricey cartridges. Here, too, i think the manufacturers intentionally price their printers low to get sales, but they may bigger profits on the cartridges.
November 7th, 2009 at 11:54 pm 1257638049
Look into the trade in for yourself and if not than you can always free cycle or ebay it for someone looking for a cheap printer to recycle for the $50 trade in deals.
November 8th, 2009 at 04:25 am 1257654334
November 8th, 2009 at 05:05 pm 1257699953
My printer/scanner hasn't worked for over a year now due to similar issues you had with it not "recognizing" ink cartridges. I'm getting to the point where I really need to have a working printer/scanner, but have only seen them for $70 and up.
November 8th, 2009 at 05:15 pm 1257700522