Laser Toner Cartridges: Finding Replacements

Laser toner cartridges are used in laser printers in order to print text or images and play a role in the optimal performance of your printer.  Each printer requires specific laser toner cartridges that are based on the type of printer in order to operate like it should.  Over the life of your printer, you will likely need to replace or refill your laser toner cartridges many times, and oftentimes the cost of toner cartridges exceeds the amount of money that you have invested in the printer itself. Finding high quality laser toner cartridges can be a challenge, but it is possible.

Affordable Laser Toner Cartridges

When possible, you should replace your laser toner cartridges with original (OEM) cartridges from the manufacturer of your printer.  These types of cartridges are the most superior in terms of quality, reliability, and the high speed of printing that a laser printer puts out.  OEM laser toner cartridges provide brilliant results, especially if you are printing in color and are the best when you are worried about the presentation of your printable material.  Most OEM laser toner cartridges are backed by warranties from the manufacturer that protects your purchase from defect in materials and workmanship.

Laser printers and laser toner cartridges use four separate colors for printing, and provide the most professional looking documents.  OEM laser toner cartridges are the most expensive type of cartridges, but you do get what you pay for when you purchase one – and there are far fewer complaints about this type of cartridge than cheaper types, other than complaints about the cost.

Other Types of Cartridges

Remanufactured laser printer cartridges cost much less than OEM cartridges because the components of the cartridge are recycled from old, spent cartridges.  They may include a new drum, blades and roller sleeve, but they are less reliable than OEM laser toner cartridges.  Because there are steps that must be specifically followed in the manufacture of these recycled cartridges, the quality, reliability and performance of the product is sometimes questionable, especially if you buy from an unknown source.

Buying Your Laser Toner Cartridges

When selecting and purchasing your laser toner cartridges, be sure to shop around and do some price comparisons, as retailers can vary greatly in their prices.  You can check the output of the laser toner cartridge against the price that is charged for it before your purchase in order to determine a price per page printing cost – which is useful in making a purchasing decision.  You should always keep spare laser toner cartridges on hand so that you do not need to run out and purchase on when your current cartridge is empty; this is especially true if you want to order online because it can take several days to receive your order.