Is it Cheaper to Buy Ink or a Printer?
When considering the cost of printing, many consumers face the common dilemma of whether it’s more cost-effective to buy new ink cartridges for their existing printer or simply purchase an entirely new printer. This decision is influenced by several factors such as the type of printer, its intended use, the cost of replacement cartridges, and the frequency of printing. In this detailed analysis, we’ll explore the nuances of this question and focus on the specific example of the Brother laser printer cartridge as a case study.
Understanding Printer Types and Their Costs
Printers fall into two main categories: inkjet printers and laser printers. Each has its own set of characteristics and cost implications. Let’s briefly examine these categories before diving into the cost comparison.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are commonly known for their affordability upfront and their ability to produce high-resolution images, making them ideal for photo printing. However, they often come with higher long-term costs due to frequent ink cartridge replacements and lower page yields. Ink cartridges generally print between 135 to 1,000 pages depending on the cartridge size and the printer model.
For instance, ink cartridges like Canon’s PCI-280XL Black ink have a page yield of about 400 pages and cost approximately $27.99. This translates to a cost per page of around 6.9 cents. While this might seem manageable for occasional users, frequent printing can quickly become expensive.
Laser Printers
Laser printers, on the other hand, are generally more expensive initially but prove to be more cost-efficient over time. They use toner cartridges instead of ink, which last significantly longer. A single toner cartridge can print anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 pages, making the cost per page much lower than that of inkjet printers.
For example, the HP LaserJet Pro M401n uses the HP 80X Black Toner cartridge, which has a page yield of 6,900 pages and costs about $227.99. This results in a cost per page of approximately 3.1 cents—less than half the cost per page of an inkjet printer.
The Case for Brother Laser Printers
Brother laser printers are a popular choice in the market due to their reliability, efficiency, and relatively low operating costs. Let’s take a closer look at how their toner cartridges compare in terms of cost and performance.
Brother Laser Printer Cartridges
Brother’s toner cartridges are known for their high page yields and competitive pricing. For example, the Brother TN760 High-Yield Toner Cartridge can print up to 3,000 pages and costs around $76.99 (prices may vary based on location and retailer). This translates to a cost per page of approximately 2.6 cents, which is even lower than many other laser printer brands.
Brother also offers standard-yield cartridges like the TN730, which prints about 1,200 pages at a lower upfront cost (typically around $45). However, its cost per page is slightly higher at 3.75 cents per page compared to the high-yield option.
Key Factors in the Ink vs Printer Cost Debate
To determine whether it’s cheaper to buy ink or a new printer, it’s important to consider several key factors:
1. Cost Per Page
Cost per page is one of the most critical metrics in evaluating printing costs. As highlighted earlier, laser printers have a clear advantage over inkjets in this regard due to their higher page yields and lower toner costs.
2. Printing Volume
The frequency and volume of printing play a significant role in determining overall costs. For occasional users who print a few pages a month, an inexpensive inkjet printer might suffice despite its higher cost per page. Conversely, heavy users who print hundreds or thousands of pages monthly will find laser printers far more economical in the long run.
3. Upfront Costs
Inkjet printers are often priced as low as $30 to $50 for entry-level models, while basic laser printers start at around $100 to $150. However, these upfront savings can quickly be offset by the high cost of replacement ink cartridges.
4. Lifespan and Durability
Laser printers typically last longer than inkjet printers due to their robust construction and fewer moving parts. Inkjet printers may need to be replaced every 2-3 years, whereas a good-quality laser printer can last 5-7 years or more with proper maintenance.
5. Environmental Considerations
Frequent disposal of used ink cartridges contributes to environmental waste, making laser printers a more eco-friendly option for high-volume users due to their longer-lasting toner cartridges.
Practical Scenarios
Let’s examine two practical scenarios to illustrate when it might make sense to buy new ink versus purchasing a new printer:
Scenario 1: Occasional Printing
A college student prints 50 pages per month on average using an inkjet printer that costs $50 upfront with replacement cartridges priced at $30 (yielding 400 pages). In this case:
- Monthly ink cost = $30 ÷ (400/50) = $3.75
- Annual ink cost = $3.75 × 12 = $45
Over three years, the total cost would be:
- Printer + Ink = $50 + ($45 × 3) = $185
In this case, sticking with an inkjet printer may be sufficient since the total cost is relatively low.
Scenario 2: High-Volume Printing
A small business prints 2,000 pages per month using a laser printer that costs $150 upfront with replacement toner priced at $76 (yielding 3,000 pages). In this case:
- Monthly toner cost = $76 ÷ (3000/2000) = $50.67
- Annual toner cost = $50.67 × 12 = $608
Over five years, the total cost would be:
- Printer + Toner = $150 + ($608 × 5) = $3,190
While the total cost appears high, this setup is far more economical than using an inkjet printer for such high-volume needs.
Conclusion
The question of whether it’s cheaper to buy ink or a new printer depends largely on your specific printing needs and habits. For low-volume users who prioritize upfront savings and occasional printing quality (e.g., photos), an inexpensive inkjet printer may suffice despite higher operating costs over time.
On the other hand, for medium to high-volume users such as businesses or students printing large quantities regularly, investing in a laser printer—such as those offered by Brother—makes far more financial sense due to their lower cost per page and longer lifespan.
Ultimately, analyzing your usage patterns and comparing both initial and long-term costs will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and printing requirements.
