Getting the Most Out of Your Ink Cartridges

Now that the "newsness" of that wonder multipurpose printer you just bought has worn off, it's time to start thinking about saving money on your ink cartridges. Here are some tips on effective ways to save ink:

• Use the draft mode of printing whenever possible. It will use less ink and your cartridges will last longer.


• Do not use color cartridges for black and white prints. The color cartridge will use many colors to make the black ink and will deplete the cartridge sooner.


• When printing a proof color copy, use the draft mode. It will save the more expensive color ink.


• If printing one page of a multi-page document from Microsoft Word, use the "Print Current Page" setting.


• Need only part of a page printed? Highlight the area and use the "Print Selection" option.


• Think before printing something from the Internet. Do you really need to have it in color? If not, print it in black.


• Making a copy of a bill to put in a file? Use the lowest possible resolution to save ink and money.

Finally, you might consider purchasing compatible ink cartridges from an online retailer. They work just as well with the same quality. Many online retailer will also offer free delivery of ink cartridges.

When deciding on an online retailer, choose one that offers ink cartridges for the major name brand printers, such as Hewlett-Packard, Epson, Canon, and Lexmark.