How Printers Can Rob You Blind

31.07.2009
Is your printer stealing from you? Yes--if it's making you replace ink or toner constantly, or if you need to buy pricey special paper to get the best output. Maybe it's stealing your time or sanity by being a lot slower than it said it'd be, or having cheapo components that break or are just plain hard to use. PC World reveals some sinners-and saints-based on our recent .

Our Top 10 charts keep tabs on this and more. We test speed and print quality; we try all the features; and we price ink and toner to see if you're going to get reamed. For instance, while you'd think any would be cheap, think again: Some models have surprisingly pricey toner, like the chart.

Multifunction printers (MFPs) are especially popular in small offices that need to do more in less space. The is a standout for being good at everything and offering cheap inks. Wish we could say the same for the , whose ink costs are ridiculous even for its high-yield cartridges. One of the most balanced among color-laser MFPs is the . And then there's the , whose toner is some of the most expensive we've ever priced.

The cost of a printer goes far beyond its purchase price. Make sure it's not stealing from you by checking ink or toner costs before you buy; and check PC World's reviews for other hidden costs or gotchas.