When purchasing Canon printer ink, consider and evaluate the following factors carefully:
Remanufactured versus New
Consider the merits and demerits of purchasing a new or remanufactured printer ink cartridge. Recycled ink cartridges are particularly attractive to environmentally conscious consumers who intend to keep their carbon footprints as small as possible. They are also cheaper compared to new ink cartridges. On the other hand, most new ink cartridges come with more generous product guarantees and warranties compared to recycled cartridges.
Printing Technology
When shopping for a printer cartridge, you will come across two types of printing technology: thermal and piezoelectric. Thermal printing technology is based on vaporizing ink onto a paper surface. On the other hand, piezoelectric printing technology relies on pressure to force ink to adhere to a paper surface. With this in mind, most Canon ink cartridges are based on thermal printing technology. This means you should be wary of piezoelectric ink cartridges branded with the Canon name because they are likely counterfeits. According to Canon, tests on counterfeit cartridges have shown that their capacity is lower ranging from 28 to 69% compared to genuine ink cartridges.
Price
The cost of ink cartridges vary widely depending on factors such as retailer pricing policy, number bought (one or multiple), printer model, and retailer location (online or offline). In general, you can get great discounts if you buy printer cartridges in bulk instead of one at a time. By doing so, you will avoid the hassle of rushing to buy a new cartridge when the ink in your current cartridge is exhausted. It is worth noting that e-retailers tend to sell cartridges at markedly lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar outlets. This notwithstanding, shop around and compare prices before selecting a specific product. Remember to check the shipping rates and return policies of e-retailers before purchasing any product online.
Compatibility
Since Canon’s printer models vary widely, make sure you purchase an ink cartridge that is compatible with your printer. To do so, note your printer’s model as well as the cartridge specifications. If you install a non-compatible cartridge, your printer may show an error message such as “Ink cartridge cannot be recognized” on the touchscreen menu. This means your printer will not work until you install the right cartridge.
Conclusion
Although shopping for a Canon printer cartridge should be a straightforward affair, it can be difficult even for experienced printer users. To get the right one, determine the sensibility of buying a new versus a remanufactured cartridge.
