· I am trying to print in color but it only prints in one color. What can I do to fix this?

Usually when a printer sits without unused for a long time, it can cause the cartridge nozzle to dry up. Which can cause the cartridge not to print or colors to be skewed. The optimal way to solve this problem is by Soaking the cartridge. *ONLY for remanufactured ink cartridges

· How much printer ink is in a remanufactured cartridge compared to a name cartridge?

Many companies’ compatible and remanufactured cartridges are weighed out to match the weight of a genuine cartridge. Make sure your vendors weigh the cartridges to ensure that the remanufactured and compatible cartridges match the weight of a genuine cartridge.

· If I buy remanufactured ink cartridges, how long can I keep them without opening them?

Most products have a shelf life of about one year. When you are ready to use the cartridge, if you notice that the prints are faded or streaked it might not necessarily mean the cartridge cannot be used. The problem could mean that the nozzles are clogged. The best solution to this problem is soaking the cartridge.

· What is a printer driver and why do I need one?

A printer driver is software that acts as a translator so that the printer can understand data and instructions from your computer. The driver describes the text, image, etc. to be printed and translates it into the printer language of the printer. You need a printer driver to print.

You can use the driver to change the printer settings such as printing in color and the paper size.

You should update your printer driver on a regular basis because having the latest printer drivers installed will greatly improve your printer’s performance.

· How can I setup my printer on a network?

When adding a printer the Add Printer Wizard will ask you to select a printer, select Connect to This Printer and enter the name of the network printer. If you don’t know the name, select Browse for a Printer to search through a list of shared printers.

If the network printer uses an Internet address, select Connect to a printer on the Internet and enter the address in the URL box. The Add Printer Wizard will guide you through the installation process.

· How do I update my printer driver?

Most printer manufacturers offer current drivers on their websites free of charge.

Updating Instructions:

1. Click on Start and scroll to Settings or Control Panel (depending on your version of Windows)
2. Select Printers folder
3. Right-click the printer whose driver you wish to update.
4. Scroll down to Properties and then click the Details or Advanced tab. Click on New Driver.
5. If a warning box appears, click Yes.
6. Click Have Disk, and click Browse to get access to the folder containing your updated drivers.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to install. (It’s best to reboot your computer when you have finished installing).

A UK company, PrintDreams, is currently preparing the release of a new product called the PrintBrush. The handheld printer is said to be the smallest printing device in the world and prints full size formats (A4 or letter size). It’s about the size of a modern mobile phone and weighs in at roughly 12 ounces. The device uses Bluetooth technology to print documents from a variety of mobile devices. Then, you simply wave your hand above the printable media and the PrintBrush gets to work, accounting for inconsistencies in your hand movement in the process.

According to their website, the PrintBrush will rival normal printers and other mobile printers for a variety of reasons. For example, the device will be able to print onto any media it can reach, meaning items like notebooks and other papers which couldn’t typically be fed through a normal printer. Additionally, PrintDreams claims their product is completely silent, allowing for discrete use, and uses no messy cables. No word on printer ink yet, though.

The printer is an ideal product for people on the go. Students could use the PrintBrush to print documents and notes in between classes (or even in class).  And the printer has lots of business applications. Imagine editing, then printing a contract out for a client in the middle of a restaurant, or printing out notes for an important meeting in a cab on the way to work.

Some preliminary product specifications, according to the manufacturer:

• Resolution: 600dpi monochrome

• Print technology: inkjet and RMPT™ Full

• Max. speed: 250mm/sec

• Volume: Approx. 200cc

• Weight: Approx. 250gm

• Interfaces: USB 2.0, Bluetooth, IRda

• Power supply: rechargable Li-Ion battery

PrintDreams says the PrintBrush will launch at the end of this year, or possible early next year. The preliminary retail price will be roughly $199 USD. Take look here.