I managed to snag a HP Color LaserJet Cp1215 for only $200. Dying to finally get started on my prodject I started my printing. I was completely amazed at how beautiful the printouts were. After my 5th full page of printing floor tiles, I received a warning from my printer that all my ink cartridges were low. I couldn't believe my eyes, and my jaw dropped. I tried printing another page hoping that it was an error, and sure enough the page printed all distorted due to lack of ink. I began scouring for information, hoping to find out if I am doing something wrong. I also looked at the price for new cartridges and yelled in disgust. How is this cost effective?

Please tell me that I got some sort of starter ink cartridges and that newly perchased ones will put out much more yeild.

-gilbert

Yeah, they give you skimpy cartridges with the printer out of the box.

Well that is somewhat good news to hear. Interesting that the replacement cartridges are going to cost more than the printer. What a crazy world we live in.

Check the printer box see to what it says about included ink. Last time I looked into lasers they were sold without ink. So perhaps what you have is a test print. Rather than a starter cartridge.

That's another reason I'm a fanboy of the Brother HL-4040CN. It comes stacked with FULL toner carts. I did nearly all of my development for Wormhole on it and it kept on going...and going....and going.

As with inkjets, lasers cost more to recart than the original printer. It's a sad example of our throw away culture and a completely irresponsible way of doing things on the part of those companies involved.

I found a 4040CN for really cheap online (~$275). It's printed all my WH stuff (including noob mistakes) and a bunch of family pictures . And, I haven't needed to replace anything yet.