Thoughts on the "essential printer tradeoff"

Charles Kozierok

Elite Member
May 14, 2012
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I'm looking to purchase a new AOI to replace a Canon that died. The tradeoff in question relates to the "cheap razor, expensive blades" pricing model used by printer makers -- the printers cost very little but the ink costs a fortune.

My research indicates basically that if you want to get a good quality printer, it will also cost a lot to print each page. In contrast, a cheaper printer also costs less per page to print, but won't last as long.

Since the cost of the ink we're using exceeds the cost of the printer each year, I am inclined to just get whatever costs the least in ink. But wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this.

Any specific recommendations for AOI printers (print/fax/scan) also welcomed.

Thanks!