A tip to save ink: I print in "Fast Draft" mode rather than "Normal"--it uses much less ink, and the minor decrease in print quality doesn't bother me. If I'm doing a very important document, I just change to "Normal" quality. My printers are set to "Fast Draft" as default, so I don't have to remember to change the preferences each time. gneegirl, the cost of cartridges depends on the printer--my newer printers use cartridges that cost $15, whereas my old all-in-one uses cartridges that cost $30. And my laser printer cartridges are $65 (but last much, much longer).

I researched this recently when running low on ink for my Canon photo printer. What I learned, at least for this particular printer, is that there's no clear answer. Some people reported excellent results from refilling the cartridges, while others said "never again!" One thing I realized is that one person's satisfaction in the quality of a given print can be another person's disappointment. In the end I decided to buy Canon inks, and I got the best price on Amazon. Here's one idea: Go to Amazon and look up the recommended HP inks. Take a look at the consumer reviews. It's possible you'll see some comments about other options. Also, you might check out DPReview's Printers and Printing Forum. Do a search on HP ink or the model number of your printer and see what has been discussed. DPReview is a great resource.

Well, this tightwad (me) had her cartridges go empty maybe a year ago. I bought a refill kit on Ebay, and filled both the black and the color. The color was an off color, so I just quit using it (color)altogether, and choose to print most all things in black quick print, thus saving ink with that too. Needless to say, I'm not doing photos, or anything that has to have the color to make it worthwhile. I suppose if I ever do, I'll just have a friend print it for me, or get it at the library, for a few cents per copy. Now, does that put me in the running for resident tightwad? I get my Epson cartridges on eBay;they're a generic type & work just fine. Even w/shipping, I end up paying about $1.14 for the black ones. To stretch that dollar even further, I take the empties to Staples where I get a $3.00 credit;my copy paper ends up costing me $.99 a ream. I'll take a bow, now, for being the resident tightwad. Is that right? $1.14 for a black cartridge? Wow...what a bargain! After 4.5 years, it still spits out the pages without problems. The new Canon brand refill cartriges are about $12. Other brands are cheaper. Sounds like a terrific printer and very resonable replacement cartidges. Hmmmm, when I am forced to buy new cartridges (can no longer fill these), I may be in the market for a newer printer, which is cheaper to 'run'. Sue

My husband gave me my Xyron 850 for Christmas. I love it! At the time they were having a special... when purchasing the 850, you got the 500 sticker maker, free. (We gave the 500 to our daughter who is also into scrapbooking.) Otherwise I would have gone with the 1200, I think. I am a teacher and have used it for making books and materials for class. I don't know if it's the teacher in me and years of experience with using every inch of laminating, but I don't have much waste at all. Since it has a hand crank, you have great control over the speed in which materials go through the machine. You can place items close together to prevent the waste you were referring to. If you want tiny punches as stickers or laminated, put a whole sheet of paper through the machine and then punch your punches. My husband was also hesitant when I showed him the machine for the first time but now he sees how many uses I have for it and is glad he made the purchase.