Choosing the correct ink cartridge for your printer can be a daunting task. There are so many different styles and brands that in some office supply stores, the ink cartridges take up as much room as the printers themselves. The first step in knowing which cartridge to buy is to make sure you know your printer’s manufacturer and model number. Cartridges vary even within the same brand, as do the installation instructions. Thankfully, most printers have a visual guide inside showing how to change the cartridge.
Once you know which cartridge to buy, deciding where and what brand is the next step. Finding deals on ink cartridges can be challenging. Some places have taken the guesswork out for you by listing the cost of “price per print”. This is important – cartridge volumes vary, so going by the cost of the cartridge alone can sometimes be misleading. There are several websites that can offer assistance with determining price per print.
Once you’ve found the correct cartridge at the best deal, it’s time to dispose of the old cartridge. Some people will forgo buying a new cartridge by refilling the old one. Use caution in doing this, however, because this may void your printer warranty. Other people recycle the old cartridge. A third option is donating the old cartridge to an organization that uses the funds for various charitable contributions – a choice that’s socially as well as environmentally conscious.