Less than a year ago my son got a new laptop and was able to purchase a Lexmark 3-in-one printer, scanner, photo copier. He didn't need one, but as my printer was getting well used I thought I would get myself a new one. It worked fine until I had to change the ink cartridges and after that I couldn't get it to recognise the cartridges ... I spent way more money on ink than the darn printer was worth!!! and finally went and bought a different make (I had given my original printer to another son). So now I have this 3-in-1 ... basically new machine that would be cheaper to buy in the store with the ink than just buying the ink. I hate to throw it out ... the scanner works fine ... but who in the world would want such a thing??? Heck I would even deliver it somewhere (not too farout of the way of course) just to not have to get over the guilt of trashing it.  
Any ideas anyone???  
 
Edited by Doreen Winona Logeot, 2010-02-08 16:54:30

check please

the biggest scam since the invention of computers with the cost of cartridges. If you haven't a need for colour in your printing....one is far better off to buy a laser printer.

Cheaper to buy a new printer with ink cartridges than just the cartridges... how green is that?  
 
I recently bought a printer with cartridges for $39. To replace the cartridges, it is about $49.

if you want to save money on ink buy it online my printer is 17.99 for each and users 4 online i get all four for 19.99 brand new here the web site i use http://www.blankdvdmedia.com/index.php  
 

its called a loss leader.  
 
An item that is sold at or below cost in an effort to stimulate other profitable sales  
 
so basicly they sell them cheap and make it up on the ink(manu.) and usb cable(retailer).  

went to laser printer this year its so much cheaper

thanks for all the input and information. The main thing I am wondering is if there is anywhere a person can donate such a printer to? Anyone who could use the scanner and doesn't need the printer? This is really not a classified ad as I do have a taker for mine ... but I am sure there are many out there just sitting gathering dust.  
 
You are right ChrisV ... how green is this??? The clean environment people are not very worried about these nearly new items ending up in the landfill. I have actually heard of people buying new printers when they need ink!!!  
 
This whole thing makes no sense at all.

The printer cartridges that are sold with new printers are only partially filled -- the cartridges that you pay more money for in the store are filled with a higher volume of ink, allowing for a lot more print jobs than the original ones you had.  
 
Hence the higher price.  
 
Regarding your printer that won't recognize the print cartridges, have you tried cleaning the contacts (inside the printer, where the little pins touch the ink cartridge) with a qtip and rubbing alcohol? They may have ink residue on them preventing the cartridge from being read.