Buying a printer Vs. Using Kinkos

**disneysteve** · 05-04-2012, 11:59 AM

You won't damage the printer by not using it but what will happen is the ink cartridges will dry out. That doesn't happen with laser cartridges, only with ink jet.

Since you rarely print, I'd stick with Kinko's. Why buy a piece of equipment you will hardly ever use?

**Radiance** · 05-04-2012, 12:06 PM

I agree, specially if I am short in space. printer, then you have to store paper, spare cartdriges, etc.

I have my answer

Same with scanning, I usually need one-two pages I think I can use my ipad for that.
For higher volumes I can go to kinkos.

**scubatim84** · 06-27-2012, 06:52 PM

I think if you barely ever print documents, you're ok with the scanner, but when you mention work from home it strikes me as wanting to be self-employed. If you start to print a lot of pages, I wouldn't let the cost of a printer or the cartridges deter you too much. If you need it, you need it. As long as you're in business for yourself, you can deduct the cost of the printer, ink cartridges, paper, etc. on your schedule C for your taxes so the net cost will be around 70% of what you actually pay for it.

**Ethanwang** · 07-18-2012, 12:55 AM

Optimized Cost

I'm trying to minimize cost.

I have an inkjet, but it sucks. I would be willing to buy a new one, but it seems like it might not be most efficient way.

Using a computer station at Kinkos is 49 cents per page. No thanks. I didn't ask the front desk for other ways to achieve my goal, but I'm not confident it'll be any better

**Max G** · 07-29-2012, 07:17 PM

I would still buy it. Buying a scanner instead all-in-one will cost you pretty much the same. Up-front-costs for a printer are very small since most companies sell them at a loss in order to get you to buy ink cartridges later (a la Gillette razors). Look for deals around back to school or Black Friday you can buy a good all-in-one printer/scanner/copier dirt cheap.

**joshuaking** · 10-07-2012, 03:16 PM

If you really use the printer only a few times in a year, your plan to go to Kinko's might be a good one. But really much more than that, and I would recommend you definitely buy a printer. You can get a used one at a garage sale for next to nothing. The convenience alone, and the time and gas you save by not having to drive to Kinko's are worth it. And if you are working a business from home, I don't see how you could do without it.

**gogirlanime** · 12-04-2012, 01:54 PM

You can also go to your local public library and print things for free. In King County Washington we can print up to 75 pages a day for free (black and white) I print my school assignments and printable coupons there once a week and pick up some free movies and books as well

the library is a beautiful thing!

**marvholly** · 12-05-2012, 01:24 AM

I JUST bought a new 4 function HP printer-old one was NOT compatible w/my new computer. It copies, scans,faxes & prints.

Office Max, Office Depot & Walmart have had/do have 2 HP all function printers on sale for about $40 + tax & often w/free shipping and/or in store pick up.

**DRILLINDK** · 12-05-2012, 05:33 AM

On my Android phone I use an app called camscanner. It takes pictures of pages and converts them to pdf documents, etc. I've used it several times in the past and it works great. I'm sure the Itunes store would have the same app or something similar if that helps at all.

**elessar78** · 12-11-2012, 03:00 AM

Yeah, if cost of ink per year is say $50 +$20 (what I paid for an Epson scanner/printer)... you'd need to make around 450 copies to recoup that. So I'd say if you're pushing 700-1000 copies per year that it'd be worth it to get the printer and ink.

But it would also depend on how many pages you can get out of a cartridge of ink.

**Frugal Guru Jenny** · 05-01-2013, 02:11 AM

I have TERRIBLE luck with printers but a good relationship with my neighbor. In return for buying all toner and paper, I do my printing there.

Given my history with printers, I end up way ahead!

That said, Staples and Office Depot do print jobs for $.09/page, and you can email your docs. Buying a cheap laser printer is best for most people. Just check out the price of the toner refills. Some of the cheapest printers have toner refills that are nearly the cost of the printer!

**JoeP** · 05-01-2013, 04:48 AM

Although this is a prehistoric thread, I have a small observation. For some reason, my HP printer complained that the ink was "expired" and further use could void my warranty. I suspect that when you install a fresh ink cartridge, the printer notes the time stamp and then issues this warning once a certain amount of time has transpired. I'm not sure if there is legitimate risk of harm, or if this is a tactic to push consumers to buy more ink.

In any case, the convenience of a printer is nice, but for infrequent usage, you should consider drive time to the store.

**Michael S Brown** · 05-01-2013, 08:09 AM

I personally couldn't imagine NOT having a printer at home. I print out something everyday it seems like. The only time I visit Kinkos or Staples is if I ned something special done etc, lament or presentation display.

**krantcents** · 05-01-2013, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by Radiance View Post

I want to start working from home. I have a laptop computer and a desk.
I know I need a good chair and, since my space is very limited, a scanner.

Now, I have been without a printer for almost 2 years, the very few ocassions I just HAD to print something, I went to Kinkos... I think this happened twice!
The printers are cheap, but the ink not so much, and since I print so little, I hear I might damage the machine.

So, I am thinking about getting just a scanner and skip the printer all together. Makes sense?
hmm, can I use my Ipad as a scanner?

I bought a laser printer when I bought a new desktop computer 3 years ago. I just used up the printer cartridge last week. Obviously, I do not print much. I bought a HP 1006 for $59 through Amazon. I bought a replacement cartridge for $22 delivered and so far it appears to be fine. I guess time will tell.

Buying a printer Vs. Using Kinkos