Different formulas and chemicals are used to make printer ink. The most widely available types of printer ink are made using either pigments or dye. There are significant differences between the two. When it comes down to it, both types work very well, and you can buy them from a variety of sources.

Dye ink cartridges can often provide exceptionally good print quality and sharp images. They can also last longer without drying up, which means less worry for you. The only issue with dye ink cartridges is that they take longer to dry after they hit the paper. This often leads to smudges and smears. If you don’t let the paper dry, it’s possible that you could get some ink on your clothes, which can be very hard to get out.

Pigment ink cartridges have an absorbent quality that allows the ink to dry as soon as it hits the paper. You don’t have to worry about blurry print jobs or smudges. This type of ink tends to provide high quality printing, and it is often used for printers with high printing speeds due to its light weight. Ink cartridges that use pigment based ink don’t fade as much, allowing prints to look great months after they’ve been printed. Another advantage to pigment based ink, when compared to dye based ink cartridges, is that they are less toxic because they contain fewer chemicals.

Many manufacturers also offer refurbished ink cartridges. You can purchase dye-based or pigment-based refurbished ink cartridges at a lower price because they have been recycled. Many people think that refurbished ink cartridges simply don’t print as well as new cartridges, but that is often untrue. Refurbished cartridges not only offer quality printing, they are also better for the environment. One advantage of buying refurbished cartridges is that you can help the environment by lowering the level of plastic waste that is thrown into landfills. Next time your ready to go buy some new ink, think about the possibility of buying refurbished ink cartridges instead.

The printer manufacturers are still trying to create ink that doesn’t fade, prints perfect pictures, and dries immediately. Thy type of ink you use can alter the final look of your projects after you’ve printed them. When printing, you’ll want to have vibrant and clear graphics, as well as text. You should read a few reviews about ink manufacturers you are considering to insure that you get the best ink. Some manufacturers charge more than others for the same size and type of printer cartridge. There are a lot of ink manufacturers, and taking your time to compare prices before you buy will save you money. Keep your eyes open for special offers and bulk packages. You will save money when you buy ink cartridges in bulk because bulk packages are often cheaper. Remember to read tips on how you can conserve ink so that you do not have to replace your ink cartridges on a regular basis.

 

· 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.