[RCchris]

I'm looking at maybe picking up a laser printer, and I was wondering how long do the toner cartridges last compared to an inkjet cartridge (we'll say black only).
Right now I pay about $45 plus tax for ink jet cartriges, and I'm guessing I'm getting no better than 100- 150 sheets maximum, and it may be less than that. I also had a couple new ones and they dried out even before I used them. :flame:
Do toner cartriges dry out if they are not used for awhile?

 

[TheDude27]

Do some research and get cartridges you can refill. Yes, they are both expensive.

 

[SpikedLemon]

Laser cartridges typically last many times longer than inkjet. (~>10,000 copies Vs. ~<1000) But they're much more expensive - per sheet it's cheaper.

 

[RCchris]

I think I'll keep my inkjet for now, I'll do some more research and maybe look at getting one later. Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Bozo]

Laser toner is a dry powder, so long-term storage in a controlled environment is an option, should you run into a deal (factory new, not remans).

I have an older Lexmark Optra S 1855 workgroup printer at home. Toner can be had on Ebay for under $100, or remans for under $50. Rated yield is 17,600 pages. Of course, I got it for free. Dell sells a rebadged version for $1K, which is no deal at all.

I had no upfront costs, which can be high with lasers. You'll save $$$ over the long-term, but only if you do a lot of printing.