| Color
Printers
Buying Tips
Ink-jet Savings
If you frequently print documents that combine text and graphics,
make sure the printer offers separate black and color cartridges.
That way, you won't find yourself having to throw away an ink cartridge
that hasn't been fully used.
Post-purchase
Costs
When calculating the cost of a color printer, make sure to include
the ongoing costs of operation. On a per page basis, laser printers
and solid ink printers tend to be the least expensive to operate.
Most cost anywhere from 25 to 60 cents per page with 50% sheet coverage.
Thermal wax
printers tend to be substantially more expensive to operate. Printing
costs range from $0.50 to $1.25 per page. Dye sublimation printers
are the most expensive-all models cost at least $2 per page, and
large format printers can be as much as $8 per page.
Since ink-jet
cartridges do have the tendency of drying out when they are not
in use, your per page costs can vary greatly. Expect to pay about
$0.65 to $1.40 per page, assuming a similar 50% coverage.
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