Cheap laser printer: the toner trick
A second-hand Samsung for 40 euros and compatible toner at 3 euros: the equation for printing occasionally without breaking the bank. Avoid the HP version with built-in obsolescence.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Cheap laser printer: the trick is in the toner, not the machine
Is a laser printer worth it if you only print six pages a month? If you choose wisely, yes. The issue is not the price of the device, but the cost of the consumable. The experience of light users points in one direction: buy a second-hand laser printer and stock up on compatible toner.
The model that comes up most often is the Samsung Xpress M2026W. It used to cost 60 euros new and today can be found for 40 with a new toner on resale platforms. The compatible 1,000-page toner cartridge goes for 3 euros on AliExpress. That puts the cost per page below one cent.
The trap of the HP version
After Samsung sold its printer division to HP, the same model with the HP logo (LaserJet M110w) doubled in price and comes with a planned-obsolescence chip. Bargain hunters should avoid it. The general recommendation for those who prefer a new printer is a monochrome Brother.
Alternatives that don't convince
A thermal printer eliminates toner, but has two drawbacks: the paper is expensive and the ink smudges, like on old fax machines. Inkjet printers have already proven to be a money pit, with cartridges drying out from disuse.
With a second-hand laser for 20-40 euros — used printers with a built-in scanner — the equation works out. The expensive part is not the printer; it's buying it new.
Is a laser printer worth it if you only print six pages a month? If you choose wisely, yes. The issue is not the price of the device, but the cost of the consumable. The experience of light users points in one direction: buy a second-hand laser printer and stock up on compatible toner.
The model that comes up most often is the Samsung Xpress M2026W. It used to cost 60 euros new and today can be found for 40 with a new toner on resale platforms. The compatible 1,000-page toner cartridge goes for 3 euros on AliExpress. That puts the cost per page below one cent.
The trap of the HP version
After Samsung sold its printer division to HP, the same model with the HP logo (LaserJet M110w) doubled in price and comes with a planned-obsolescence chip. Bargain hunters should avoid it. The general recommendation for those who prefer a new printer is a monochrome Brother.
Alternatives that don't convince
A thermal printer eliminates toner, but has two drawbacks: the paper is expensive and the ink smudges, like on old fax machines. Inkjet printers have already proven to be a money pit, with cartridges drying out from disuse.
With a second-hand laser for 20-40 euros — used printers with a built-in scanner — the equation works out. The expensive part is not the printer; it's buying it new.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (19 replies).
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