Archived from groups: comp.periphs.printers (
More info?)
> There are anti-Lexmark nuts, but I note that nobody complains much about
> the, while Canon problems are a hot topic. Ink cost is the big lexmark
> gripe, but apparently Canon won't let you use an entire cartridge--I'm not
> sure about ink tanks. I'm thinking about Canon when I replace my Z65
> because of the projected economy of ink tanks, but if they are as small
> described, where's the savings if I don't refill?
-switching to american currency mode-
I have to admit, I'm not big on the Lexmarks, but only because of the
OEM cost of ink vs quality. Their multifuctionals wouldn't be too bad
if this wasn't an issue. Their small size makes them pretty
attractive. I do have some issues with their drivers at times. I
will gladly inform people about their high cost per page except on the
rare models that are more reasonable and let them make up their own
mind.
The Canon I described is one of their entry level models which take
thimble sized ink tanks. I think 9.5ml $7.00 150p or so estimatd
4.6c/page. BCI-24bk. This is pretty lame, but better than Lexmark OEM
generally, and HP sometimes. Keep in mind that this is the option on
their $50 printer and entry level home AIOs.
I'm too lazy to calculate the cost of lexmarks OEM per page, I remember
that the Dell using the Dell T0529 were 6.6c/page.It worked out I
believe to be over $10,000/gal.
Now my mp760 and ip3000, just like others in the ip class
(3000/4000/5000) take the BCI-3e 25ml black 500p $12.00 2.4c/page.
$2000ish/gal IIRC The colors [BCI-6(whatever color} are 15ml. Costco I
believe has the black for $9 each if you buy the 4 pack, or was it a 3
pack. Office depot has Black CMY for $40 but didn't include the extra
black for the ip4000 and others. Not as cool as many HPs that take the
#96 black in therms of raw yield(800p), but very very good cost per
page. Oddly enough the black turns out to be cheaper than their multi
fuctional imageclass lasers using the s35,l50,x25 toners which were
about 3 to 3.6c page.
My experence base isn't enough to answer questions regarding the Canons
not letting you the entire inktank. But I know that the mp760 uses a
prism and light to establish fullness, rather than my Epson r200 that
used bubble count and refused to let me print the last 3ml in the tank.
Not sure on my ip3000.