Choosing The Right Printer - Buying a printer? how to choose the best printer for home or business

Here we will try to figure out how to choose the right printer for you, where you can get it from and the best ways to get it. Deciding what kind of printer you want to purchase -- inkjet, laser, or multifunction -- can be frustrating and confusing. There are so many types and brands of printers to choose from, at all prices, and just like computers, new models seem to be introduced on a monthly basis. Read on to find out how the average consumer can make an informed choice. In order to make sense of it all, we offer the following tips:

1. Determine your operating system and what printer manufacturers support your operating system (Lexmark printers, for example, don't support Linux).

2. First we need to know what kind of printer you want. You have to choose whether you will only need black and white and you want it printed fast. If you do and you work in an office, then choose a laser printer. Do you want a scanner with it? Does it have to have a memory card reader in it and the ability to print pictures straight off your memory cards?

3. Now you have to know how much money we want to spend. You must not go over this budget. Make the amount realistic for what you want.

4. Once this is set, we can look for features which are more important and which ones you don't want. Modern printers have wireless functionality which may be very useful to you. Some users might need PictBridge.

5. Now place everything together and choose the right printer for you. You can check online for cheaper printers. Browse to amazon or ebay for second hand printers. Remember to choose your brand. You might want HP for functions or Epson for picture quality.

6. What do you need the printer to do? This is probably the most important question to answer. If you just need to occasionally print out documents such as letters, copies of Web pages from the Internet or simple spreadsheets, a low-end inkjet or laser printer is fine. If you need to do presentations or high quality photographs, you want a photo printer. If you print over 100 pages on a daily basis and don't need color, you may want to look at the faster laser printers. And, of course, if you are starting a home business and you need a combination of scanner, printer, copier, and fax machine, a multifunction printer is best.

7. Consider the Following Factors And Your Needs.

Resolution - the number of dots a printer prints in a square inch (over 1440 dpi is good). Choose a higher end model with a higher resolution if you will be printing lots of presentation-quality text, graphics and photos.
Operating Cost - Calculate the cost of replacement ink cartridges and paper, because printer users must continually purchase more ink cartridges and toner when the old ones run out or dry up. Be aware that the cost of paper, toner and ink can amount to more than the original cost of the printer within a year or so.
Speed - the volume of printout (pages per minute) is essential if you are printing large numbers of documents in black and white
Size of the printout - will you be printing on oversized or non-standard paper, heavy card stock, blueprints, transparencies, etc? Then choose a printer whose paper path is no sharper than 90 degrees to allow printing on various types of media without jamming.
Post-Script Fonts - most inkjet printers are not PostScript-compatible. If you need to print PostScript graphics or fonts, consider a laser printer.
Photo Quality - Specialty color printers that have photo lab quality are essential if you are looking for a printer that can print high-resolution images on photo paper.
Digital camera cards and Memory Sticks - does the printer need to have built-in slots for these de vices?
Network enabled - will you be connecting the new printer to a home or office network?
Image processing - Processing images takes a lot of power, so printers often have as much computing horsepower and memory as a PC. Some printers form the complete image in memory prior to printing it, which allows them to handle large files quickly.
Ease of use - how easy is the printer setup process?
Compatibility - The newer printers are all USB-compatible, which means they will work for Windows 98/2000/XP, and with Mac System 8.1 or higher.
Warranty - be sure to purchase a printer that includes a manufacturer's and/or store warranty (at least 90 days).

8. Deciding If a Color Inkjet Printer is the Best Choice

Ink jets are a good choice if you are looking for high quality color photo output for a reasonable price. Prices start at less than $40, with only a few business-level ink jets costing more than $700-the starting point for color lasers. And ink jets that handle tabloid-size paper start at less than $500, which is thousands less than tabloid-size lasers cost.
    First, you'll need to decide on the type of machine you want: a standard ink jet for reasonable photos and a low purchase price, or a photo ink jet for superior photo quality. All of the top models offer 4800-by-1200-dpi resolution, but they vary quite a bit in terms of printing speed.
    Specialized photo printers may not work as well on general tasks such as word processing. Even if they do, their per-page costs may be higher and their operation slower. The cost of the printer isn't the only consideration. Color ink cartridges can be expensive, offsetting the low cost of the printer. Special coated photo papers also add to the cost of color printing.
    Choose an inkjet printer based on the cost of replacement ink cartridges, and not on the cost of the printer. Over time ink and paper costs can exceed the cost of the printer several times over. Avoid single-cartridge printers which only come with a color cartridge that can't print true color. It is more cost effective to purchase a color inkjet with multiple color cartridges (CMYK), so they can be replaced individually.

9. Deciding if a Laser Printer Is Right For You

    If you do a lot of document printing, don't use an inkjet printer. Use a laser printer. Laser printers cost more to buy but much less to use - they are very cost effective to operate since their toner cartridges are not replaced as often.
    With all costs figured in, each document page printed on a typical laser printer costs from 2 cents to 5 cents; on an inkjet, the cost per page can run from 10 cents to 15 cents, depending on the model. (This does not even count the cost of photo printing, which can cost up to a dollar per page on an inkjet when you include the high cost of photo paper and the additional ink that's used in that mode.)

10. After Determining Which Printer You Want, Comparison Shop!

    Once you've finalized your list of requirements, check out some of the large comparison review sites, such as CNET or PC Magazine or PC World, to get an idea of what printers are currently out there in your price range. Also check the cost of printer ink cartridges, toner and paper for the different models. Finally, read all user reviews and note any comments regarding reliability, ease of use, and any hardware issues or defects.
    Once you've identified some potential candidates, go to Best Buy, Staples, CompUSA or any other computer superstore to see the printers in person. If you have a small workspace area, consider the printer's footprint and how it will be connected to your existing system.
    When you're ready to buy, consider buying from an online vendor such as inkcartridgespot.com in order to get the best possible price.

How to Refill a Brother TN-330 or TN-360 Cartridge (Instructions)

Refilling Procedures:

Use a Flathead screwdriver to pop out the large plug found on the side of the side of the cartridge.

IMPORTANT: you must dispose of any original toner in the cartridge as much as possible before refilling. Dispose of toner Properly into a trash can, or use a vacuum with a hose for best results (if possible).Before opening the bottle of toner, turn it upside down and tap it on a table to lossen the toner and allow it to flow freely. Remove the cap and pull the seal off the bottle. attach the funnel cap making to sure it is on tightly. Tilt the funnel cap toward the fill-ing hole and insert into the hole. if the toner stops flowing before the cartridge is full, simple remove the toner, close to cap, trun the baottle upside down and tap it on the table. Once the cartridge is full, seal the hole with the plug by twisting it until is completely seated. Now gently shake the cartridge side to side to distribute the toner


Installing Reset Gear On Starter Cartridges

1- Remove the screws circled in red in the illustration above. Carefully detach the panel from the cartridge.

2- Reset the flag gear by turning it into the correct position. the picture shows the flag gear in the correct position.

3. Screw the panel back into place, and your cartridge is ready.

The Brother TN360 cartridge refill procedure can also be following for refilling the following printers:

Brother - DCP Series
DCP-7030
DCP-7040
DCP-7045N

Brother - HL Printers
HL-2140
HL-2150N
HL-2170W

Brother - MFC MultiFunction Printers
MFC-7320
MFC-7340
MFC-7345DN
MFC-7345N
MFC-7440N
MFC-7840W

YOU CAN GET THE BROTHER TN360 REFILL KIT AT DISCOUNT PRICE HERE

HP Q2612A Refill Instructions

Use the hole making tool (not included) and make a hole on the cartridge in the white spot indicated by the photograph above. If the small piece of plastic has fallen into the cartridge, it must be removed, as this can damage your cartridge or cause print defects.

IMPORTANT: You must dispose of any original toner in the cartridge as much as possible before refilling. Dispose of toner properly into a trash can, or use a vacuum with a hose for best results (if possible). Do not overfill the cartridge by pouring the entire toner powder into the cartridge. Use half the bottle now, and the rest at a later time. Overfilling can and will damage a cartridge.

Before opening the bottle of toner, turn it upside down and tap it on a table to loosen the toner and allow it to flow freely. Remove the cap and pull the seal off the bottle. Attach the funnel cap making to sure it is on tightly. Tilt the funnel cap toward the filling hole and insert it into the hole. If the toner stops flowing before the cartridge is full, simply remove the toner, close the cap, turn the bottle upside down and tap it on a table. Once the cartridge is full seal the hole with the plug.

Do not press down on the plug since the cartridge is resting on a table this can actually damage the photo-optic drum. Instead hold one end of the cartridge up off the table and twist the plug until it fully sealed. Now gently shake the cartridge side to side to distribute the toner.

This cartridge may also be known as Q 2612A or Q-2612A or Q2612A or hp-q2612a Q2612AD or hp-q2612ad

The HP Q2612A cartridge refill procedure can also be following for refilling the following printers:

LaserJet M1319
LaserJet M1319f
LaserJet 1010
LaserJet 1012
LaserJet 1018
LaserJet 1020
LaserJet 1022
LaserJet 1022n
LaserJet 1022nw
LaserJet 3015
LaserJet 3020
LaserJet 3030
LaserJet 3050
LaserJet 3052
LaserJet 3055

YOU CAN GET THE HP Q2612A REFILL KIT AT DISCOUNT PRICE HERE

Myths About Upcoming Mobile Payment Systems

Whenever there is a development in technology, there will be as many people saying it won’t work as there are who want to give it a try and make it part of their everyday life. As can be expected, there are myths about upcoming mobile payment systems.

The Myths

1.   Mobile payments are not regulated. This is not true as the United States along with the rest of the developed world already have strict banking laws and these will just incorporate mobile payments. There may be changes in the future if more networks emerge but at the present time, the present system is well regulated.

2.   Security will fail. This is the one area that there can be some concern about. Passwords will be entered when mobile payments are made and as the system is being used as part of a wireless network, there is a risk that in some cases they are being picked up. This however is being dealt with as a matter of urgency.

3.   This is no different to mobile banking that we are all used to. This is not true as all we do now is deal with our own bank, here the mobile payment can be paid to many different companies. Also called a proximity payment, this new system also allows money to go to other peoples bank accounts. As this is possible at the moment, it is more of an extension than a totally new capability.

4.   Security is going to be a problem. This is so wrong, it is untrue. There are additional security features that can be used with a phone that are not currently available with cards. A mobile phone can be locked when not in use whereas a stolen card can be used until it is cancelled.

These are just some of the myths about upcoming mobile payment systems. Apple has myths surrounding its use and the possibility of upgrades and the so called latest products not being able to do all that the new system can. This cannot be confirmed but staff seem to be carrying out a lot of maintenance to there could be something in the offing.

Feeling Safe

There is no reason to believe that with this type of mobile payment, you will be more likely to lose money than you would if you were using a credit or debit card. The myths are clearly easy to dispel as any mobile app that allows you to make payment will be fully checked out first. Future mobile phones such as the Android, the updated blackberries and iPhones will all have this new technology in the near future

Epson R200, R210, R300, R310 Waste Ink Counter Pad Reset

Here is how to reset the waste counter for the Epson R200, R210, R300 and R310 printers.

    1. Press and hold “Stop”, “Maintenance”, and “Power” buttons for about 10 seconds. A message will come on the screen saying counter is reset and to turn the printer off. The R200 and others don’t have a screen so just wait until the 10 seconds is up.
    2.Turn the printer off, unplug the power cord. Wait about 1 minute and power the printer back up. The counter will be reset. That’s all there is to the reset procedure.

Is the waste pad full ?

If the waste pad is actually full and ink is about to overflow, then you need to install a waste container. You can see the waste pad by opening the access panel on the back of the printer.

Changing the waste pad requires almost complete disassemble of the printer, it is a big job. There is an easier way.

Open the access panel on the rear of the printer (remove screw) and look inside carefully with a flashlight. You will see a tube (down and to your left) coming from the cleaning pump and it will have an open end on it. This is the tube that delivers ink to the waste pad.

Use a piece of coat hanger wire or equivalent, and fish out this piece of tube. Bring it to the outside of the printer, thru the access panel.

Find yourself a suitable container (Tupperware or a plastic cup or jar) that is not too tall. Put the tube into this container and secure the tube and container so they won’t come apart or lose connection if the printer is moved.

If you wish you can make a hole or notch in the access panel cover so it can be replaced.

Now the ink will go into this container and not into the waste pad inside the printer. If it gets full, dump it.

Note: This information and a couple of photos are also available on Steve’s Digicam Forum (http://stevesforums.com/forums). Go to Printers-Photo Inkjet-Epson R200-210 & R300-310 Mod

To Download Software Resetter for Epson R300-310 cliks here : Download

Other way to save your ink and paper

Want to cut your ink and paper usage? There is another way on how to save your printing cost.
In the past, we focused on using compatible or replacement ink cartridge to save printing cost but we have other option today.

Just download and install Ecoprint2 Ink and Toner Saver software and it will allow you to define how much saving you want to achieve (see the picture below).



Technical Overview
Basically ecoPrint2 Pro is a print driver and manager with three main functions:

Ink and toner saving
Paper saving
Document integration

There are 2 edition of ecoPrint2 software, Standard and Pro edition. The difference between these two is mainly on printing management, Pro edition allows you to print multiple pages in a piece of paper.

However, both ecoPrint2 Standard and ecoPrint2 Pro edition can reduce up to 75% of your ink usage and works on both color inkjet printers and laser printers, even if the printer is installed on a networked computer. The technology ensures that your overall print quality is not sacrificed in the process.

System Requirement

Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit) or Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit)
RAM: 256 MB minimum
Hard Drive Space: Minimum of 15 MB for installation

More information

For more information on ecoprint2 ink and toner saver, please follow the links below
1. ecoprint2 standard edition
2. ecoprint2 pro edition

How to Refill Lexmark Laser Cartridges

When your Lexmark printer produces pages that are faded or show an error, it's time to refresh your toner cartridge. Refilling your cartridge saves you money, since toner refill kits are cheaper than new toner. It also cuts down on new plastic production and plastic in landfills, so refilling your own toner benefits the environment. You can have your printer back running within half an hour of beginning this project.

1. Read through your toner refill manual for instructions specific for your model Lexmark printer. According to the website Toner Refills Now, Lexmark toner cartridges can be refilled in two ways: unplugging and refilling or unscrewing and refilling. Your toner refill manual will tell you which technique works for you.

2. Turn off your printer. Then open the printer cover and look for the toner cartridge right inside. Grasp the toner cartridge by its pull tab and pull it out.

3. Grasp the toner pull plug located on the side of the cartridge with a pair of pliers. Pull the plug out to remove it. This works for the unplugging and refilling method.

For the unscrewing and refilling method, remove the screws on the side of the toner cartridge, then pull off the panel. Now grasp the plug with your pliers and pull to remove the plug.

4. Pour out old toner into your garbage can.

5. Open your toner refill bottle and pour the fresh toner into the Lexmark cartridge.

6. Replace the plug manually. For the unscrewing and refilling model, reattach the side plate using your screws.

7. Slide the toner cartridge back into your Lexmark printer. Turn the printer back on.

8. Clean up any mess, including the empty toner bottle. Carry the garbage can to your trash collection area to dispose of it. Now you can use your printer again.


Tips & Warnings


Toner has a foul smell, so carry waste toner to the trash when you finish to reduce the amount of fumes in your office.

Printer Reset Codes: Common Tips for HP, Dell, Brother, Lexmark & Samsung

Resetting a printer is quite simple and following some easy steps will do the trick for you. In this article, we have some tips and tricks for resetting some common printer makes and models.

HP Laser Printer

The most common technique used in HP Laser Printer is to use cold resetting. Once cold resetting is done, the printer settings are restored to default factory levels. What needs to be kept in mind while using cold resetting is that the settings in the control panel of the printer will also go back to the default factory level. For resetting the NVRAM, the printer needs to be switched off and then the ‘Go’ key needs to be pressed for about 20 seconds while switching the printer back on.

HP LaserJet 3si – Press and hold ‘Menu’ until Configuration Menu is displayed. Then, navigate through the menu to display ‘Service Message=ON’. Finally, turn it ‘off’ and press ‘Enter’.

HP LaserJet 4si and 5si – Press and hold ‘Menu’ until Configuration Menu is displayed. Then, press ‘Item’ to display ‘Service Message=OFF’. Finally, press ‘Enter’ and then ‘Online’.

HP LaserJet 4000 / 4050 – Turn the printer off and press down the left side of the ‘Item’ and ‘Value’ buttons and turn the printer on. Keep pressing the buttons until ‘Resetting Maintenance Count’ is displayed and then release the buttons.

Dell

Dell printers can be reset easily by pressing the ‘Reset Dell Printer’ icon. This icon can be located in the folder UAN -> System Utilities. However, this method will work only if the USB cable from the printer is connected to the computer.

Lexmark

The printer has to be switched off first. Then the ‘Return’ and ‘Ready’ keys must be pressed at the same time while the printer is switched on. This process will take you to the ‘Diagnostics Mode’ and the display unit will display ‘Performing Self Test’. Once this display is seen, you will need to choose ‘Maintenance Count’ and reset it to 0. Now, you will need to press the ‘Return’ key to go back to the ‘Diagnostic Mode’. Now, you can reset the printer so that it goes back to the normal mode.

Brother

For Brother Printer, you need to press either the ‘Down’ or ‘Up’ key a few times until ‘Maintenance 99’ is displayed on the LCD. Now, you need to press the ‘Set’ button that will take the printer to standby mode. Once it is in the standby mode, it can be reset to factory default settings.

Samsung

For resetting a Samsung printer, you will need to press ‘Menu’ # 1 9 3 4 in quick succession. When this is done, the display shows a message ‘Tech’. Select the ‘Menu’ key again and follow it by pressing ‘Enter’. Now, the display will show the message ‘Tech Mode’. Now, select the ‘<’ key 2 times. The display should now change to ‘New Cartridge’. Now press ‘Enter’ and the display will how ‘Yes’. Press ‘Enter’ again to reset the printer. You can exit by pressing ‘Menu’ # 1 9 3 4.

Ways to Save on Ink & Toner while using Brother Laser Printer Cartridges

Ink and Toner can be rather expensive when it comes to using Brother Laser Printer Cartridges. However, there are a few unique ways, methods and even hacks that you can take advantage of in order to save money and to also save on your ink and toner use.

The best tips and hacks are found below.

Tip #1: Hack Your Sensor: Did you know that the majority of Brother Laser Printers actually have a sensor in them that goes off when you are running out printer ink ? Many of these new Laser Printers will actually not allow you to print anymore until you change the printer ink cartridge.

This isn’t just true about Brother Laser Printers; almost all major brands now do this. However, you may not be aware that you can simply place a piece of dark electrical tape over top this sensor and can continue to use the printer ink cartridge that is said to be empty.

Many people have continued to print for weeks and some even for months before actually having to change their printer ink cartridge . This is a unique hack that anyone can take advantage of in order to save themselves money and printer ink when it comes ink and toner while using the Brother Laser Printer.

Tip #2: Clean Your Printer: When you go about the task of changing the printer ink and toner in your Brother Laser Printer, be sure to clean your printer on the inside. There are several very affordable printer cleaning kits on the market today for you to take advantage of. You will want to be sure to properly clean the heads of your printer. The cleaner your printer is the better that it will run and the less resources that it will use. This will keep your printer running in top condition and will also allow it to use less ink and toner and will maintain the life of your printer.

If your printer is located in an office, hire a professional to monitor and upkeep this cleaning process.

Tip #3: Don’t Use It: Have you ever printed something up and then wondered why you did? Have you printed something up one day and thrown it out the next? One of the easiest things you can do in order to save money and ink is to only use your printer when absolutely necessary. Ask yourself before printing anything up if you are going to get a great deal of use out of your printing. If not, then simply do not print it!

Also, monitor the use of your printer receives by other people in your household and office. Make sure that they understand this process and make sure that they abide by it and you will immediately see a decrease in printer ink use and printer ink cartridge purchases.

There you have it! Three effective tips for getting the most out of your ink and toner use with Brother Laser Printers! Heed this advice and you will begin to save yourself a substantial amount of money every year when it comes to your printer cartridge  purchases and printer use.

Understanding the Difference Between Dye and Pigment-Based Inks

Dye- and pigment-based inks are two common types of inks that make a big difference in how your printer performs. The type of ink your printer uses will tell you whether it’s designed to print photos, black and white text, or colour graphics. Compared to industrial oil-based inks and those based on alcohols, they’re considered ecologically friendly—but they both have their own strengths and drawbacks.

Pigment-based Inks

Pigment-based inks are not water-soluble, although if you break open a pigment-based ink cartridge you’ll see a liquid. These inks are basically small pigment spheres suspended in water. They’re created by grounding chemically-based polymer resins into a small powder and then added to water.
Pigment-based inks are more resistant to UV waves than dye-based inks, so they won’t fade as quickly when exposed to sunlight. They have a longer life expectancy overall. But the colours themselves aren’t as brilliant as those you’ll find in a dye-based ink printout. Because they’re not water soluble, these inks aren’t likely to smear when they come into contact with water—so they do a better job than dye-based inks of resisting both water and UV light.
Pigment-based inks are not often used for colour desktop printing, because they tend to be more expensive and difficult to produce than dye-based inks. They can also run together and block the cartridges if they’re used heavily. Colour printers that use pigment-based inks tend to cost more, because they require special hardware that keeps the ink from running together, blocking the cartridges and producing overly dense colours.
However, they do tend to be used more often in black printer ink cartridges. With black ink, colour brightness isn’t as much of an issue—and the fact that pigment-based inks are more resistant to water and light than dye-based inks make them more desirable in that regard. Many printer manufacturers use pigment-based black cartridges in conjunction with colour ink cartridges that use dye-based inks.
In addition, pigment-based ink is usually considered more desirable for archival printing, because it retains its original colour and look much longer than dye-based inks do—even if it’s exposed to sunlight or comes into contact with water.

Dye-based Inks

Dye-based inks are easier to incorporate into digital printers because they’re cheaper and easier to make than pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks are water soluble, and they’re made by dissolving a colourant enhanced by optical brighteners into water. The resulting colours are much brighter than what you’ll get with pigment-based inks.
However, dye-based inks do tend to fade much more quickly in the sun and to have a shorter shelf life overall than pigment-based inks do. This is because the optical brighteners used to make the colours more vivid are also strongly affected by light and chemical exposure—and they’re likely to break down over long periods of time. Dye-based ink printouts can also take longer to dry than those made with pigment-based inks, which means that if you handle the paper too quickly when it comes out of the printer, it could smear and ruin the printout. Since dye-based ink is water soluble, it’s also more likely to smear if it comes into contact with water—even if it’s already dried on the page.
Dye-based inks are more often used for producing professional-level colour graphics and photos. If you have a colour inkjet printer, chances are it uses dye-based inks in its colour cartridges. Pigment-based inks, however, are generally only used for black and white or grayscale printing. It’s possible that your inkjet printer uses pigment-based ink in its black ink cartridges.
As to which type of ink is better for you, it depends on the type of printing you’re doing. If longevity is more important than any other factor, pigment-based inks are probably a better choice than dye-based inks. But if you need printouts that display brilliant colours, you’ll need dye-based inks—and the industry has already made that choice for most consumers by including dye-based inks in most colour inkjet printers. If you’re printing only in black and white, the other benefits offered by pigment-based inks may outweigh the fact that their colours aren’t as bright as those of dye-based inks—and you should make sure your black ink cartridge contains ink that’s pigment-based.

Ink & Toner Cartridge Recycling in Miami, FL

Printer Ink & Toner Cartridge Recycling Services, Centers & Companies in Miami, FL

OfficeMax

Location – 1906 Ponce de Leon Blvd Miami, Florida Zip code 33134

Phone. 305 446 7957

FedEx Office

Location – 600 Brickell Ave, Suite 101 Miami, FL Zip code 33131

Phone. 305 373 4910

FedEx Office

Location – 2417 Ponce De Leon Blvd Miami, FL Zip code 33134

Phone. 305 445 2208

*Tip for Recycle Printer Cartridges: Herein, show easy tips for Recycle Printer Cartridges. Make sure, the case isn't broken or have cracks before send to recycle printer cartridges center. The flex tape should not be broken and be firmly attached to the cartridge case before send to recycle printer cartridges center.